Airport Guide to Cardiff International (CWL)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

The only airport in Wales with international service, Rhoose Cardiff International Airport  is primarily a low-cost carrier hub, offering quick, inexpensive connections to attractive European destinations.

The most popular flights to Cardiff International Airport are generally to Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and the Spanish holiday destinations of Alicante, Majorca and Malaga. If you’re planning a holiday to any one of these destinations, be sure to search for flights departing from Cardiff – you might be able to find yourself a good deal.

A small, basic airport boasting some really nice facilities and amenities, Cardiff International is becoming an increasing popular British transport hub – with nearly 1.5 million passengers passing through its gates annually.

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Terminal Transfer

Cardiff International Airport has only one building.

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Getting into Town

Travellers will be pleased to know that recent efforts, including the introduction of a rail service, have been made to improve accessibility to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport, which is located about 19km (12 miles) from the downtown area.

 Train: Trains between Rhoose Cardiff International Airport and Bridgend (£2.10) or Cardiff Central (£3.50) operate hourly from Monday to Saturday, and every two hours on Sundays. Passengers holding a valid train ticket also receive a free shuttle-bus service, to take them the short distance between the train station and the terminal building.

 Bus: There are two public bus services – Cardiff X91 and EST 95 – operating between the airport and downtown Cardiff, offering an inexpensive, convenient method of getting into town. The buses depart from right outside the terminal building at least once every hour, and cost £3.40 for a one-way ticket. Journey time is about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

 Taxi: Checker Cars is the airport’s official taxi operator, offering 24-hour service. You can book a taxi in the arrivals hall. The approximate fare to Cardiff Central is £26, and the trip should take about half an hour.

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Car Parking

There is both short- and long-stay parking available at Cardiff International Airport (which can even be booked ahead of time, online). The short-stay parking lot is located right outside the terminal building, and the following fees apply: £1 for up to 20 minutes; £2 for 20-40 minutes; £3 for 40-60 minutes; £6.20 for 1-2 hours; £9.20 for 2-3 hours; £11.30 for 3-4 hours; £25 for 24 hours, and £25 per day thereafter.

The long-stay parking lots – L1 and L2 – are located a distance from the airport, but a free shuttle-bus service is available to take you from your car to the terminal building. The following rates apply: £17.50 for 1 day; £27.50 for 2 days; £36 for 3 days; £44 for 4 days; £51.50 for 5 days; £55.50 for 6 days; £60.50 for 7 days; £65.50 for 8 days; £70.50 for 9 days; £77 for 10 days; £84 for 11 days; £91 for 12 days; £96 for 13 days; £101.50 for 14 days; £106.50 for 15 days; and for stays over 15 days, it’s £106.50 plus an extra £5.50 per day.

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Information Desks

A fantastic tourist information office is located in the arrivals hall of the terminal building, offering good information (maps, brochures, etc.) about things to see and do around Cardiff. Additionally, the airport employs several Customer Service Agents, who can be reached using nine well-signed callpoints dotted around the terminal building.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: There are ATMs and currency exchange outlets available at Cardiff International Airport, located on the 1st floor of the terminal building and in the departures area.

Luggage: There is a lost property office at the airport, located in the baggage reclaim area.

Conference and business: There are two meeting rooms available to rent in Cardiff International Airport: the Porthkerry Room (max. 30 delegates) and the Rhoose Room (max. 12). Both are equipped with everything you’ll need to run a successful business meeting. Internet kiosks (10p/hour) are also available (two in the check-in hall, one on the 1st floor, four in the departures area), some with printing facilities. There is also a post box, located right outside the terminal building, and a mobile phone charging station.

Other facilities: Other facilities at Cardiff International Airport include baby-changing rooms; an on-site chaplaincy service, medical and first aid services, travel agents and tour operators, and full access and comprehensive facilities for disabled passengers.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building, provided by Spectrum Interactive. Unfortunately, this service isn’t free – you’ll have to buy a prepaid voucher.

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