Getting Around FAQs

Getting from A to B

1. How do I get to my school from my accommodation?

If your lecture building is not in walking distance from your room, you can always opt for cycling. If you do not own a bike, you can hire a bike from Pedal Power and see if a bike would be a good way for you to get around in Cardiff before buying a bike.

2. How can I get around different parts of Cardiff/Wales?

The best method for this would be to use buses. Local buses in Cardiff pick up from loads of places and drop off almost everywhere. By simply downloading the Cardiff Bus app, you will have access to the bus routes and schedules. You can purchase the tickets from the bus driver using cash or contactless payment.

3. How to get around the UK from Cardiff? (Trains)

If you would like to get to anywhere in the UK as fast as possible, trains would be your better option but will come at a higher cost. To get access to most trains passing through Cardiff, Cardiff Central train station is the place to go. Even though it is in the city centre, which is quite far away from most accommodations, it does contain most routes. The app I would recommend is Trainline. You can plan your trip there and purchase your ticket. 

4. How to go around the UK from Cardiff? (Buses)

If you do not mind a longer journey and prefer saving money, buses are the obvious choice here. Companies like Megabus, Flixbus and National Express offer multiple routes going from Cardiff at great prices. For more information about the bus routes these companies provide, visit their websites. The main pick up points would be from the Student’s Union and the Cardiff Sophia Gardens Coach Station. 

5. What is the fastest way to get back to your room or somewhere you need to be?

No matter where you come from, taxi’s are normally the fastest option of transport. In Cardiff, there are many cab companies. The main ones are Uber, Ola and Dragon Taxi. Ola Cabs are great since they make tons of offers for new users - you can download the app from the app store on your phone.

6. How can I get a better price if I frequently use buses/trains?

If you use a bus or a train quite regularly, you should get a Coach Card for the buses or a Rail Card for trains. This will give you better prices on these services if you use it when purchasing the tickets. Remember that you will always get a better price if you buy your tickets online. From my experience, if you open a bank account with Santander or Monzo, you will be given a code which gives you a free Rail Card given that you register it within the first two months of receiving the code.

You can also find more tips for getting around on the Cardiff Uni website.