Best Time to Visit

Cardiff's climate is mild, and while extreme temperatures are rare, the weather remains unpredictable. Visitors should come prepared with waterproof coats and shoes. The best time to visit is from April to September, which offers warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, ideal for enjoying the city and its major summer events like the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival. Expect high visitor numbers until mid-September. Autumn tends to be rainy, with occasional snow in late November and December, and winters are cold and slow for tourism.

Passport/Visa

Starting from January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travellers. Initially, this applies to citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others. From April 2, 2025, this requirement will extend to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The ETA permits short-term visits of up to six months for tourism. Travellers must apply for the ETA online or via a mobile app before their trip. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, and answering a series of questions. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are processed within three working days, but it's advisable to apply well in advance of travel. However, travellers planning to work or study in the UK for more than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa. It is essential to consult the UK Government's official website to understand the specific requirements and ensure a smooth journey. Please note that the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Border officials retain the authority to grant or deny admission upon arrival.

• Web:

  www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Cardiff Airport (CWL)

Cardiff is served by its own international airport with regular direct flights from the UK and Europe. Hourly train services to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport operate on weekdays and Saturdays, with a reduced frequency every two hours on Sundays. A new partnership between Transport for Wales and Adventure Travel introduces a combined rail and bus ticket. Travellers can purchase this ticket, known as 'Cardiff Air Ria', to use the train to Rhoose and the 905 bus service for direct airport access. A shuttle bus from the train station to the airport is available for a £1 fee and takes about 10 minutes. Additionally, cyclists can reach the airport via several dedicated cycle routes. Bristol International Airport, located just one hour away, offers direct flights with Continental Airlines from the United States and budget-friendly options from EasyJet for routes within the UK and from Europe, including Germany. Additionally, Birmingham, Manchester, and London’s major airports — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton — are conveniently reachable via high-speed InterCity trains or coach services.

• Web:

  cardiff-airport.com

• E-mail:

  info@cwl.aero

• Address:

  Maes Awyr Caerdydd, Rhoose, Barry

• Phone:

  +44 1446 711111

Public Transport

Cardiff offers excellent connectivity across the UK. Frequent train services link many cities directly to Cardiff, complemented by easy access via the M4 motorway. Once in Cardiff, navigating the city centre on foot is a breeze. For a unique perspective, visitors can take a waterbus connecting the city centre and Cardiff Bay, or hop on the City Sightseeing bus, which provides insights into the local heritage and culture along the route. For those looking to venture beyond the city centre, Cardiff is an integral part of the South Wales Metro network. The network boasts 20 railway stations throughout the city, including major hubs like Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street, situated right in the heart of the capital. Public transport in Cardiff is run by Cardiff Bus (Bws Caerdydd), which covers the urban area.

• Web:

  www.visitcardiff.com/visitor-info/transport

Taxi

London-style Hackney cabs are available in Cardiff and can be hailed from the roadside. Private hire taxis are also available but cannot be hailed from the roadside and must be pre-booked instead. Dragon Taxis Cardiff www.dragontaxis.com +44 29 20 333 333 Premier Taxis +44 29 20 555 555 Capital Cabs +44 29 2077 7777

• Web:

  www.visitcardiff.com/visitor-info/taxis

Electricity

Electrical appliances are connected to the UK mains supply using a three-pin plug known as plug type G. The sockets come with on-and-off switches, unlike in many other countries. The average voltage of a UK power socket is 230V or slightly higher, so check the voltage of your device before plugging it in.