Cardiff International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Cardiff Airport is about 19 km from the city centre, in Rhoose, in the Vale of Glamorgan: with a very early flight or a late-night arrival it's worth staying a few minutes from the terminal instead of relying on the T9 bus or the train shuttle. Anyone with a free day finds more to do in Cardiff's centre, near the castle; anyone looking for golf and spa can stop in the Hensol countryside, closer to the airport than the city. There's also the coastal alternative, at Penarth, for those who want the sea without staying at the airport.

Airport area (Rhoose)

Airport area · 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

Pros

The closest to the terminal among the properties with good reviews
Also a few minutes from Porthkerry Country Park and Barry Island

Cons

A countryside area, nothing to do on foot in the evening
No direct public transport link, a car or taxi is needed

Recommended hotels in this area

Travelodge Cardiff Airport: About 3 minutes by car from the terminal, recently renovated: the closest choice to the runway among those with solid reviews.

See more hotels in this area →

Hensol, countryside with golf and spa

Nearby town · 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

Pros

A 36-hole golf course and a spa with an indoor pool
Closer to the airport than the Cardiff city area

Cons

A car is needed, no direct public transport link
Secluded: in the evening you stay within the property

Recommended hotels in this area

Vale Resort: A resort in the Hensol countryside with a 36-hole golf course, indoor pool and spa, 20-22 minutes from the airport.

See more hotels in this area →

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

Pros

A minute's walk from Cardiff Castle and Bute Park
Direct T9 bus to the airport, running from 5 a.m. to midnight

Cons

Some reviews report cleanliness not always up to standard
A central area, it can be noisy on weekends

Recommended hotels in this area

Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG: On Castle Street, a minute's walk from Cardiff Castle and Bute Park, with a direct bus connection to the airport.

See more hotels in this area →

Penarth, by the sea

Nearby town · 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

Pros

A few minutes' walk from Penarth's pier and seafront
A railway station with direct trains to Cardiff centre

Cons

Further from the airport than the other areas
Few rooms, it's worth booking ahead

Recommended hotels in this area

Holm House - Stylish Coastal Suites - HEDD Spa - Silures Bar & Restaurant: A boutique hotel on Penarth's seafront, a few minutes' walk from the pier, with an on-site spa and a nearby railway station.

See more hotels in this area →