Cardiff Airport is Wales' main airport.
Gateway to the Welsh capital with its Norman castle and vibrant regenerated bay.
How to get to Cardiff International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CWL
Parking near Cardiff International Airport
The multi-story parking garage stands right next to the terminal.
Rates are in line with standards of Wales' main airport.
How to get to Cardiff from CWL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Cardiff International Airport
Major car rental companies are represented in the arrivals area.
You will need a driving license, passport and credit card; EU citizens do not require an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Cardiff International Airport
Airport area (Rhoose)
About 3 minutes by car from the terminal, less than 4 km.
Best for: for those departing at dawn or landing late at night who want to reach the gate in a few minutes
- The closest to the terminal among the properties with good reviews
- Also a few minutes from Porthkerry Country Park and Barry Island
- A countryside area, nothing to do on foot in the evening
- No direct public transport link, a car or taxi is needed
Recommended hotels
Hensol, countryside with golf and spa
About 20-22 minutes by car from the airport, heading north; there are no direct buses.
Best for: for those who prefer to combine the flight with a golf or spa break, without staying in the city
- A 36-hole golf course and a spa with an indoor pool
- Closer to the airport than the Cardiff city area
- A car is needed, no direct public transport link
- Secluded: in the evening you stay within the property
Recommended hotels
City centre
About 30 minutes by the T9 bus (every 20 minutes) or by train from Rhoose station, reached by shuttle from the airport.
Best for: for those with a free day who want to visit the castle and the centre on foot
- A minute's walk from Cardiff Castle and Bute Park
- Direct T9 bus to the airport, running from 5 a.m. to midnight
- Some reviews report cleanliness not always up to standard
- A central area, it can be noisy on weekends
Recommended hotels
Penarth, by the sea
About 25 minutes by car from the airport; Penarth railway station is a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
Best for: for those seeking the sea and a walk along the seafront instead of the city or the airport
- A few minutes' walk from Penarth's pier and seafront
- A railway station with direct trains to Cardiff centre
- Further from the airport than the other areas
- Few rooms, it's worth booking ahead
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, small and single, handles connections to Europe.
The recommended time before boarding is 2.5 hours for flights.
Map of Cardiff International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does the T9 bus from Cardiff Airport to the city centre cost?
A single ticket costs £5, with a day pass at £11; the journey takes about 40 minutes.
Q. Is Cardiff Airport the main airport in Wales?
Yes, the only significant international airport in the country.
Q. Is there a direct train to Cardiff Airport?
No, the T9 express bus connects the airport to Cardiff Central, from where you can continue by train.
Q. What is there to see in Cardiff?
The Norman castle at the heart of the city and the regenerated bay area, with restaurants and bars along the waterfront.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
