Rail transport in Cardiff
Encyclopedia
Rail transport in Cardiff has developed to provide connections to many other major cities in the United Kingdom
, and to provide an urban rail network for the city and its commuter town
s in South Wales
. Today, there are three train operating companies in Cardiff: Arriva Trains Wales
, First Great Western
and CrossCountry
.
Regional
Local
These services operate on the Valley Lines
network - an urban rail network centred on Cardiff that connects it to its commuter town
s in South East Wales
:
Regional
and managed by Arriva Trains Wales
which also operates all train services at these stations, with the exception of Cardiff Central which is also served by CrossCountry
and First Great Western
. The stations form part of Cardiff's commuter rail network, colloquially known as Valley Lines
and are the main hubs of the city and are the two busiest stations in Wales.
Cardiff Central is one of the United Kingdom's major railway stations, providing connections to Newport, Bristol, Bath, London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Birmingham and Nottingham. It is located in the south of the Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street is the hub of the Valley Lines network, with all lines running through the station. It is located in Cardiff's eastern city centre.
These are the main rail lines that serve Cardiff. Most of the lines are Cardiff commuter lines
that form the city's urban rail network.
is a branch of the Great Western Main Line
from . It diverges from the main line near Swindon
, first passing through Bristol Parkway and continuing through the Severn Tunnel
to Cardiff
via Newport
. The line contiunes from the city towards West Wales
. There are plans to electrify the line between Cardiff and London.
is a short line running from Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay
. Rail services call only at those stations with a frequency of every 15 minutes.
is entirely within Cardiff running to its western suburbs. The line terminates at Radyr
, after calling at Ninian Park
, , Fairwater
and Danescourt
. Rail services run to Cardiff Central and Queen Street every 10 minutes, and usually continue on the Coryton Line.
is entirely within Cardiff running to its northern suburbs. The line terminates at Coryton
, after calling at stations in Heath
, Llanishen
, Birchgrove
, Rhiwbina
and Whitchurch
. Rail services run to Cardiff Central and Queen Street every 30 minutes, and usually continue on the Radyr Line.
. The line follows the South Wales Main Line eastbound out of Cardiff before diverging north and calling at Rogerstone
, Risca and Pontymister, Crosskeys, Newbridge and Llanhilleth
.
runs from Cardiff to Maesteg
in Bridgend County Borough. The line follows the South Wales Main Line through the Vale of Glamorgan
until Bridgend
, calling at minor stations which are not served by high speed services. The line then diverges northwards through Sarn
and Tondu
. Services run every hour to and from Cardiff, often extending to Cheltenham Spa.
runs northward out of Cardiff, calling at stations in the suburbs of Cathays
, Llandaff
and Radyr
, where it connects with the City Line. It continues into Rhondda Cynon Taff
, through Taffs Well, Treforest and Pontypridd
. Frequencies on this stretch of the line are usually every 15 minutes.
After calling at Abercynon
, the line splits into two branches; one to Merthyr Tydfil
via Merthyr Vale
and another to Aberdare
via Mountain Ash. Frequencies are every 30 minutes on both branches and often link up with Vale of Glamorgan Line services to Barry Island or Bridgend via .
is a line that runs north from Cardiff through the Rhondda Valley
to Treherbert
. The line is shared with the Merthyr Line until Pontypridd. From there, the line diverges through Porth
, Tonypandy
and Treorchy
amongst others.
Services run every 30 minutes and often continue through Cardiff onto the Vale of Glamorgan Line to Penarth or Barry Island.
is another line that runs northwards from Cardiff and calls at stations in the city suburbs of Heath
, Llanishen
and Lisvane
before continuing to Caerphilly
and places such as Ystrad Mynach
, Hengoed
and Bargoed
.
Services on this stretch of line run every 15 minutes. Every hour, trains continue on the rest of the line to Rhymney
. Trains often continue through Cardiff onto the Vale of Glamorgan Line to Penarth.
is a line that runs from Cardiff through the largely rural county of the Vale of Glamorgan
to Bridgend
. The line comprises three branches. Trains call at Grangetown
in Cardiff before continuing on the main line to stations in Dinas Powys
and Barry, or diverging onto a branch serving Penarth
. After , services can either continue again to , Llantwit Major
and or diverge to Barry Island
.
Frequencies to Penarth or to Barry Island are every 15 minutes, and to Bridgend via Cardiff Airport are every hour. Train services often continue after Cardiff Queen Street on the Merthyr, Rhondda or Rhymney Lines.
to the following destinations, with the average scheduled journey time:
National
Regional/Local
Former train operators
Former train operators
Cardiff Central bus station
is located next to Central railway station to form a main bus/rail interchange, with most Cardiff Bus
services calling at or near to Central Station. Bus services also call at or near to Cardiff Queen Street station. Some bus services in the city districts connect with local railway stations.
The Free b
city shuttle calls at Central Station every 10 minutes, linking key points of the city centre.
The Cardiff Waterbus
towards Cardiff Bay
stops at Taff Mead Embankment, near Central Station.
Taxi ranks are located outside Central Station, as is cycle parking
which is also available at many other city stations.
Cardiff International Airport
connects with the Cardiff rail network at station, from which free shuttle buses run to the departures terminal.
area, in the west of the city, could be reopened to bolster transport links for a major Cardiff tourist attraction, under a proposal in March 2010 by former First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM and Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan, follow predictions that visitor numbers to the National History Museum could top one million a year by 2017. By 2012, further submissions will be made to try to secure £8.7m of funding towards the project.
Network Rail
is currently proposing adding an extra two platforms to both Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street station, and installing a light rail
metro
system in the city.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, and to provide an urban rail network for the city and its commuter town
Commuter town
A commuter town is an urban community that is primarily residential, from which most of the workforce commutes out to earn their livelihood. Many commuter towns act as suburbs of a nearby metropolis that workers travel to daily, and many suburbs are commuter towns...
s in South Wales
South Wales
South Wales is an area of Wales bordered by England and the Bristol Channel to the east and south, and Mid Wales and West Wales to the north and west. The most densely populated region in the south-west of the United Kingdom, it is home to around 2.1 million people and includes the capital city of...
. Today, there are three train operating companies in Cardiff: Arriva Trains Wales
Arriva Trains Wales
Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches...
, First Great Western
First Great Western
First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales....
and CrossCountry
CrossCountry
CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva...
.
Arriva Trains Wales
National- - - - - - - - -
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- - - -
Regional
- - - - -
- - - -
Local
These services operate on the Valley Lines
Valley Lines
Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes is the busy network of passenger suburban railway services radiating from Cardiff, Wales. It includes lines within the city itself, the Vale of Glamorgan and the South Wales Valleys....
network - an urban rail network centred on Cardiff that connects it to its commuter town
Commuter town
A commuter town is an urban community that is primarily residential, from which most of the workforce commutes out to earn their livelihood. Many commuter towns act as suburbs of a nearby metropolis that workers travel to daily, and many suburbs are commuter towns...
s in South East Wales
South East Wales
South East Wales is a loosely-defined region of Wales generally corresponding to the former counties of South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan and Monmouthshire...
:
- - - - CorytonCoryton railway station (Cardiff)Coryton railway station is a railway station serving the Coryton and Pantmawr area of Cardiff. It is the terminus of the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central in which the line originates from Cardiff Queen Street....
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- - -
- - - - -
- - - - - - -
- -
- - - -
- - - - - -
- - - - - -
- - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
First Great Western
National- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - -
Regional
- - - -
- - - - -
- Daily/Summer Weekend extensions to and respectively
CrossCountry
National- - - - - -
Stations in Cardiff
All 20 railway stations in Cardiff are owned by Network RailNetwork Rail
Network Rail is the government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain .; it is not responsible for railway infrastructure in Northern Ireland...
and managed by Arriva Trains Wales
Arriva Trains Wales
Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches...
which also operates all train services at these stations, with the exception of Cardiff Central which is also served by CrossCountry
CrossCountry
CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva...
and First Great Western
First Great Western
First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales....
. The stations form part of Cardiff's commuter rail network, colloquially known as Valley Lines
Valley Lines
Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes is the busy network of passenger suburban railway services radiating from Cardiff, Wales. It includes lines within the city itself, the Vale of Glamorgan and the South Wales Valleys....
and are the main hubs of the city and are the two busiest stations in Wales.
Cardiff Central is one of the United Kingdom's major railway stations, providing connections to Newport, Bristol, Bath, London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Birmingham and Nottingham. It is located in the south of the Cardiff city centre
Cardiff city centre
Cardiff city centre is the central business district of Cardiff, Wales. The area is tightly bounded by the River Taff to the west, the Civic centre to the north and railway lines and two railway stations - Central and Queen Street - to the south and east respectively...
Cardiff Queen Street is the hub of the Valley Lines network, with all lines running through the station. It is located in Cardiff's eastern city centre.
| Station | Area | Station Code | Platforms | 07/08 Entry/Exit (millions) | Year opened | Lines | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birchgrove Birchgrove railway station Birchgrove railway station is a railway station serving Birchgrove, Cardiff. It is located on the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central, with the station situated beneath the A469.... Llwynbedw |
Birchgrove Birchgrove, Cardiff Birchgrove is a district of the city of Cardiff stretching between Llanishen and the Gabalfa interchange, along the A469 Caerphilly road.It centres on a crossroads dominated by the Birchgrove Inn which also lies between Heath and Whitchurch... |
BCG | 1 | 0.019 | 1929 | Coryton Line Coryton Line The Coryton Line is a commuter railway line in Cardiff from the city centre to Heath, Birchgrove, Rhiwbina, Whitchurch and Coryton.The line is currently operated by Arriva Trains Wales as part of the Valley Lines network. ATW replaced the previous franchise, Wales & Borders Trains in December... |
 |
| Cardiff Bay Cardiff Bay railway station Cardiff Bay railway station , formerly Cardiff Bute Road, is a station serving the Cardiff Bay and Butetown areas of Cardiff. It is the southern terminus of the Butetown Branch Line 1 mile south of .... Bae Caerdydd |
Butetown Butetown Butetown is a community in the south of the city of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. It was originally a model housing estate built in the early nineteenth century by John Crichton-Stuart, 2nd Marquess of Bute, for whose title the area was named... Cardiff Bay Cardiff Bay Cardiff Bay is the area created by the Cardiff Barrage in South Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The regeneration of Cardiff Bay is now widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in the United Kingdom. The Bay is supplied by two rivers to form a freshwater lake round the... |
CDB | 1 | 0.519 | 1841 | Butetown Branch Line Butetown Branch Line The Butetown Branch Line, also known as the Cardiff Bay Line, is a commuter railway line in Cardiff, Wales from Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Queen Street... |
 |
| Cardiff Central Cardiff Central railway station Cardiff Central railway station is a major railway station on the South Wales Main Line in Cardiff, Wales.It is the largest and busiest station in Wales and one of the major stations of the British rail network, the tenth busiest station in the United Kingdom outside of London , based on 2007/08... Caerdydd Canolog |
Cardiff city centre Cardiff city centre Cardiff city centre is the central business district of Cardiff, Wales. The area is tightly bounded by the River Taff to the west, the Civic centre to the north and railway lines and two railway stations - Central and Queen Street - to the south and east respectively... |
CDF | 7 | 9.875 | 1850 | Cardiff City Line Cardiff City Line The City Line is a commuter railway line in Cardiff that runs from Coryton to Radyr via Cardiff Central. Regular passenger services on this route started in 1987. Passenger trains run from Monday to Saturday. The line is also used as a diversionary route for trains to Merthyr, Aberdare and... Coryton Line, Ebbw Valley Railway Maesteg Line Maesteg Line The Maesteg Line is commuter rail line in South Wales from Cardiff to Bridgend and Maesteg. The line follows the South Wales Main Line as far as Bridgend, where it then diverges to continue to Maesteg.-History:... , Merthyr Line Merthyr Line The Merthyr Line is a commuter railway line in South Wales from central Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare. The line is part of the Cardiff urban rail network, known as the Valley Lines... Rhondda Line Rhondda Line The Rhondda Line is a commuter railway line in South Wales from Cardiff to Treherbert. The line follows the Merthyr Line as far as Pontypridd, where it then diverges to continue along the Rhondda Valley.The places served by the line are listed below:... Rhymney Line Rhymney Line The Rhymney Line is a commuter rail line running from Central Cardiff through the Rhymney valley via Heath and Llanishen in the north of the city, to Caerphilly, Bargoed and Rhymney.-History:... South Wales Main Line South Wales Main Line The South Wales Main Line , originally known as the London, Bristol and South Wales Direct Railway or simply as the Bristol and South Wales Direct Railway, is a branch of the Great Western Main Line in Great Britain... Vale of Glamorgan Line Vale of Glamorgan Line The Vale of Glamorgan Line is a commuter railway line in South Wales from Cardiff to Bridgend via Barry, Rhoose and Llantwit Major. There are also branch lines to Penarth and Barry Island. As its names suggests, the line runs through the Vale of Glamorgan.... |
 |
| Cardiff Queen Street Caerdydd Heol Y Frenhines |
Cardiff city centre Cardiff city centre Cardiff city centre is the central business district of Cardiff, Wales. The area is tightly bounded by the River Taff to the west, the Civic centre to the north and railway lines and two railway stations - Central and Queen Street - to the south and east respectively... Adamsdown Adamsdown Adamsdown is an inner city area and community in the south of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.-History:In mediaeval times, Adamsdown lay just outside the east walls of Cardiff and was owned by the lords of Glamorgan. The area may be named after an Adam Kygnot, a porter at Cardiff Castle around... |
CDQ | 3 | 2.486 | 1840 | Butetown Line Butetown Branch Line The Butetown Branch Line, also known as the Cardiff Bay Line, is a commuter railway line in Cardiff, Wales from Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Queen Street... Coryton Line >Merthyr Line Rhondda Line Rhymney Line |
 |
| Cathays Cathays railway station Cathays railway station is a railway station lying on the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda lines in the Cathays district of Cardiff, Wales. The station is 2 kilometres north of Cardiff Central.... Cathays |
Cathays Cathays Cathays is a district in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is an old suburb of Cardiff established in 1875. It is very densely populated and contains many older terraced houses giving it a Victorian era atmosphere... Cardiff University Cardiff University Cardiff University is a leading research university located in the Cathays Park area of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It received its Royal charter in 1883 and is a member of the Russell Group of Universities. The university is consistently recognised as providing high quality research-based... |
CYS | 2 | 0.509 | 1983 | Merthyr Line Rhondda Line |
 |
| Coryton Coryton railway station (Cardiff) Coryton railway station is a railway station serving the Coryton and Pantmawr area of Cardiff. It is the terminus of the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central in which the line originates from Cardiff Queen Street.... Coryton |
Coryton Pantmawr Whitchurch Whitchurch, Cardiff Whitchurch is a suburb in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is approximately 3 miles north of the centre of the city on the A470 road and A4054 road. Its estimated population as of 2004 was 15,649. It falls within the Whitchurch & Tongwynlais ward.-History:Whitchurch draws its name from... |
COY | 1 | 0.266 | 1911 | Coryton Line |  |
| Danescourt Danescourt railway station Danescourt railway station is a railway station serving Danescourt, which is a suburban area of Cardiff, Wales.The station is the first stop after Radyr on the City Line north of Cardiff Central. The City Line was originally a freight only line... Danescourt |
Danescourt Danescourt Danescourt is a suburban area in the west of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff.-History and amenities:Danescourt is a housing estate located on the edge of the suburb of Llandaff leading to Fairwater and Radyr... Llandaff North Llandaff North Llandaff North , is a community in the north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is located in the north of Cardiff and can be considered a two part ward, each containing about half the population; a northern section of mainly middle class housing, and a southern section of mainly public... |
DCT | 2 | 0.065 | 1987 | City Line |  |
| Fairwater Fairwater railway station Fairwater railway station is a railway station serving the Fairwater area of Cardiff, Wales. The station was built when the City Line west of Cardiff Central reopened to passenger services in 1987.... Tyllgoed |
Fairwater Fairwater, Cardiff Fairwater is a district in the west of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is located a few miles from Culverhouse Cross which connects Cardiff to the M4 motorway.- History :The name Tyllgoed, meaning "dark wood" goes back to the 15th century... |
FRW | 2 | 0.026 | 1987 | City Line |  |
| Grangetown Grangetown railway station Grangetown railway station is a railway station serving the Grangetown district of Cardiff in Wales. It is located on the Vale of Glamorgan Line 1 mile south west of Cardiff Central towards Bridgend via Barry, Penarth and Barry Island.... Grangetown |
Grangetown Grangetown, Cardiff Grangetown is a community in the south of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is one of the largest districts in the south of the city and is bordered by Riverside, Canton and Butetown. The River Taff winds its way through the area... Leckwith Leckwith Leckwith is a district of western Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It is home to Cardiff City F.C.'s and Cardiff Blues home ground Cardiff City Stadium, and to Fitzalan High School... |
GTN | 2 | 0.125 | 1882 | Vale of Glamorgan Line |  |
| Heath High Level Heath High Level railway station Heath High Level railway station is one of two railway stations serving Heath, Cardiff.The station is located on the Rhymney Line.The Low Level station is located on the Coryton Line.... Lefel Uchaf y Mynydd Bychan |
Heath Heath, Cardiff Heath is a community in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales, originally called the Great Heath and named as a result of the large park and woodland that it once contained. It should be distinguished from the Little Heath which lies to the south of the Great Heath, in the vicinity of Crwys Road... Cyncoed Cyncoed Cyncoed is a community in the north of the city of Cardiff, capital of Wales. Located in the north east of the city, Cyncoed is one of the most affluent suburbs of Cardiff, and of Wales in general. It has some of the highest property prices in Wales... |
HHL | 2 | 0.311 | 1915 | Rhymney Line |  |
| Heath Low Level Heath Low Level railway station Heath Low Level railway station is one of two railway stations serving Heath, Cardiff.The station is located on the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central. The High Level station is located on the Rhymney Line.... Lefel Isel y Mynydd Bychan |
Heath Heath, Cardiff Heath is a community in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales, originally called the Great Heath and named as a result of the large park and woodland that it once contained. It should be distinguished from the Little Heath which lies to the south of the Great Heath, in the vicinity of Crwys Road... Cyncoed Cyncoed Cyncoed is a community in the north of the city of Cardiff, capital of Wales. Located in the north east of the city, Cyncoed is one of the most affluent suburbs of Cardiff, and of Wales in general. It has some of the highest property prices in Wales... |
HLL | 1 | 0.041 | 1911 | Coryton Line |  |
| Lisvane and Thornhill Lisvane and Thornhill railway station Lisvane and Thornhill railway station is a railway station serving the Lisvane and Thornhill areas of north Cardiff. It is a stop on the Rhymney Line of the Valley Lines network.... Llys-faen |
Lisvane Lisvane Lisvane is an affluent community in the north of Cardiff, the capital of Wales, located north of the city centre. Lisvane is one of the most desirable areas of both Cardiff and Wales, and as of 2011, has an average house price £410,000 with many properties worth in excess of £1 million... Thornhill Thornhill, Cardiff Thornhill is a northern suburb in the city of Cardiff, capital of Wales, south of Caerphilly . It is a relatively modern area with housing stock dating mainly from the late 1980s and beyond... |
LVT | 2 | 0.152 | Rhymney Line |  |
|
| Llandaf Llandaf railway station Llandaf railway station is located in Llandaff North, Cardiff, Wales. It serves the areas of Llandaff North and Whitchurch.The station was opened by the Taff Vale Railway in 1840.... Llandaf |
Llandaff North Llandaff North Llandaff North , is a community in the north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is located in the north of Cardiff and can be considered a two part ward, each containing about half the population; a northern section of mainly middle class housing, and a southern section of mainly public... Gabalfa Gabalfa Gabalfa is a district in the north of the city of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is characterised by an enormous fly over road which is part of the large Gabalfa Interchange, and crosses the A48 road in a north-south direction. The area is also the site of the All Nations Centre.The name is derived... Whitchurch Whitchurch, Cardiff Whitchurch is a suburb in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is approximately 3 miles north of the centre of the city on the A470 road and A4054 road. Its estimated population as of 2004 was 15,649. It falls within the Whitchurch & Tongwynlais ward.-History:Whitchurch draws its name from... |
LLN | 2 | 0.346 | Merthyr Line Rhondda Line |
 |
|
| Llanishen Llanishen railway station Llanishen railway station is a railway station serving the areas of Llanishen and Lisvane in Cardiff, south Wales. It is a stop on the Rhymney Line of the Valley Lines network.-External links:... Llanishen |
Llanishen Llanishen Llanishen is a district in the north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Llanishen is well-known as the home of the 'Tax Offices', the tallest buildings in north Cardiff and a landmark for miles around... |
LLS | 2 | 0.179 | Rhymney Line | ||
| Ninian Park Ninian Park railway station Ninian Park railway station serves the Leckwith and South Canton areas of Cardiff, which lies just outside Cardiff city centre.The station, which is situated west of Cardiff Central, was opened when the City Line reopened to passenger services in 1987, using platforms previously used only for... Parc Ninian |
Leckwith Leckwith Leckwith is a district of western Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It is home to Cardiff City F.C.'s and Cardiff Blues home ground Cardiff City Stadium, and to Fitzalan High School... Ninian Park Ninian Park Ninian Park was a football stadium in Leckwith, Cardiff, Wales. Until 2009, it was the home ground of Cardiff City F.C., who compete in the English Football League Championship... Canton Canton, Cardiff Canton is an inner-city district and community in the west of Cardiff, capital of Wales, lying west of the city's civic centre. One of the most ethnically diverse of Cardiff's suburbs, with a significant Asian population such as Pakistanis and Indians, Canton has a population just in excess of... |
NNP | 2 | 0.035 | 1987 | City Line |  |
| Radyr Radyr railway station Radyr railway station is a railway station serving the Radyr area of Cardiff. It is located at the foot of the hill at the eastern edge of the village, alongside the River Taff and adjacent to the Taff Trail.-History:... Radyr |
Radyr Radyr Radyr is an outer suburb of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The suburb is situated in the west of the city, although it was originally a separate village, and is located around 5 miles north west of Cardiff city centre. According to 2009 estimates, the suburb has a population of 6,000... Morganstown |
RDR | 3 | 0.413 | 1863 | Merthyr Line Rhondda Line City Line |
 |
| Rhiwbina Rhiwbina railway station Rhiwbina railway station is a railway station serving Rhiwbina, Cardiff. It is located on the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central.Passenger services are provided by Arriva Trains Wales as part of the Valley Lines network.... Rhiwbina |
Rhiwbina Rhiwbina Rhiwbina is a prosperous northern suburb of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It used to be a separate village: its core is still locally called "the village" and is given a Welsh village appearance by Beulah United Reformed Church at the village crossroads.Capel Beulah/Beulah URC was a daughter chapel... |
RHI | 1 | 0.027 | 1911 | Coryton Line |  |
| Ty Glas Ty Glas railway station Ty Glas railway station is a railway stations serving business and industrial sites in Llanishen and Heath, Cardiff. It is located on the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central... Tŷ Glas |
Llanishen Llanishen Llanishen is a district in the north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Llanishen is well-known as the home of the 'Tax Offices', the tallest buildings in north Cardiff and a landmark for miles around... Heath Heath, Cardiff Heath is a community in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales, originally called the Great Heath and named as a result of the large park and woodland that it once contained. It should be distinguished from the Little Heath which lies to the south of the Great Heath, in the vicinity of Crwys Road... |
TGS | 1 | 0.061 | 1987 | Coryton Line |  |
| Waun-Gron Park Waun-Gron Park railway station Waun-Gron Park railway station is a railway station serving the Fairwater area of Cardiff, Wales. The station was built when the City Line 4 km west of Cardiff Central reopened to passenger services in 1987.... Parc Waun-Gron |
Fairwater Fairwater, Cardiff Fairwater is a district in the west of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is located a few miles from Culverhouse Cross which connects Cardiff to the M4 motorway.- History :The name Tyllgoed, meaning "dark wood" goes back to the 15th century... Canton Canton, Cardiff Canton is an inner-city district and community in the west of Cardiff, capital of Wales, lying west of the city's civic centre. One of the most ethnically diverse of Cardiff's suburbs, with a significant Asian population such as Pakistanis and Indians, Canton has a population just in excess of... |
WNG | 2 | 0.026 | 1987 | City Line |  |
| Whitchurch Yr Eglwys Newydd |
Whitchurch Whitchurch, Cardiff Whitchurch is a suburb in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is approximately 3 miles north of the centre of the city on the A470 road and A4054 road. Its estimated population as of 2004 was 15,649. It falls within the Whitchurch & Tongwynlais ward.-History:Whitchurch draws its name from... |
WHT | 1 | 0.006 | 1911 | Coryton Line | _railway_station_looking_west_in_2009.jpg) |
Railway lines
Valley Lines
Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes is the busy network of passenger suburban railway services radiating from Cardiff, Wales. It includes lines within the city itself, the Vale of Glamorgan and the South Wales Valleys....
that form the city's urban rail network.
South Wales Main Line
The South Wales Main LineSouth Wales Main Line
The South Wales Main Line , originally known as the London, Bristol and South Wales Direct Railway or simply as the Bristol and South Wales Direct Railway, is a branch of the Great Western Main Line in Great Britain...
is a branch of the Great Western Main Line
Great Western Main Line
The Great Western Main Line is a main line railway in Great Britain that runs westwards from London Paddington station to the west of England and South Wales. The core Great Western Main Line runs from London Paddington to Temple Meads railway station in Bristol. A major branch of the Great...
from . It diverges from the main line near Swindon
Swindon
Swindon is a large town within the borough of Swindon and ceremonial county of Wiltshire, in South West England. It is midway between Bristol, west and Reading, east. London is east...
, first passing through Bristol Parkway and continuing through the Severn Tunnel
Severn Tunnel
The Severn Tunnel is a railway tunnel in the United Kingdom, linking South Gloucestershire in the west of England to Monmouthshire in south Wales under the estuary of the River Severn....
to Cardiff
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for...
via Newport
Newport
Newport is a city and unitary authority area in Wales. Standing on the banks of the River Usk, it is located about east of Cardiff and is the largest urban area within the historic county boundaries of Monmouthshire and the preserved county of Gwent...
. The line contiunes from the city towards West Wales
West Wales
West Wales is the western area of Wales.Some definitions of West Wales include only Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, an area which historically comprised the Welsh principality of Deheubarth., an area called "South West Wales" in the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics....
. There are plans to electrify the line between Cardiff and London.
Butetown Line
The Butetown LineButetown Branch Line
The Butetown Branch Line, also known as the Cardiff Bay Line, is a commuter railway line in Cardiff, Wales from Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Queen Street...
is a short line running from Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is the area created by the Cardiff Barrage in South Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The regeneration of Cardiff Bay is now widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in the United Kingdom. The Bay is supplied by two rivers to form a freshwater lake round the...
. Rail services call only at those stations with a frequency of every 15 minutes.
Cardiff City Line
The Cardiff City LineCardiff City Line
The City Line is a commuter railway line in Cardiff that runs from Coryton to Radyr via Cardiff Central. Regular passenger services on this route started in 1987. Passenger trains run from Monday to Saturday. The line is also used as a diversionary route for trains to Merthyr, Aberdare and...
is entirely within Cardiff running to its western suburbs. The line terminates at Radyr
Radyr
Radyr is an outer suburb of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The suburb is situated in the west of the city, although it was originally a separate village, and is located around 5 miles north west of Cardiff city centre. According to 2009 estimates, the suburb has a population of 6,000...
, after calling at Ninian Park
Leckwith
Leckwith is a district of western Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It is home to Cardiff City F.C.'s and Cardiff Blues home ground Cardiff City Stadium, and to Fitzalan High School...
, , Fairwater
Fairwater, Cardiff
Fairwater is a district in the west of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is located a few miles from Culverhouse Cross which connects Cardiff to the M4 motorway.- History :The name Tyllgoed, meaning "dark wood" goes back to the 15th century...
and Danescourt
Danescourt
Danescourt is a suburban area in the west of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff.-History and amenities:Danescourt is a housing estate located on the edge of the suburb of Llandaff leading to Fairwater and Radyr...
. Rail services run to Cardiff Central and Queen Street every 10 minutes, and usually continue on the Coryton Line.
Coryton Line
The Coryton LineCoryton Line
The Coryton Line is a commuter railway line in Cardiff from the city centre to Heath, Birchgrove, Rhiwbina, Whitchurch and Coryton.The line is currently operated by Arriva Trains Wales as part of the Valley Lines network. ATW replaced the previous franchise, Wales & Borders Trains in December...
is entirely within Cardiff running to its northern suburbs. The line terminates at Coryton
Coryton railway station (Cardiff)
Coryton railway station is a railway station serving the Coryton and Pantmawr area of Cardiff. It is the terminus of the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central in which the line originates from Cardiff Queen Street....
, after calling at stations in Heath
Heath, Cardiff
Heath is a community in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales, originally called the Great Heath and named as a result of the large park and woodland that it once contained. It should be distinguished from the Little Heath which lies to the south of the Great Heath, in the vicinity of Crwys Road...
, Llanishen
Llanishen
Llanishen is a district in the north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Llanishen is well-known as the home of the 'Tax Offices', the tallest buildings in north Cardiff and a landmark for miles around...
, Birchgrove
Birchgrove, Cardiff
Birchgrove is a district of the city of Cardiff stretching between Llanishen and the Gabalfa interchange, along the A469 Caerphilly road.It centres on a crossroads dominated by the Birchgrove Inn which also lies between Heath and Whitchurch...
, Rhiwbina
Rhiwbina
Rhiwbina is a prosperous northern suburb of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It used to be a separate village: its core is still locally called "the village" and is given a Welsh village appearance by Beulah United Reformed Church at the village crossroads.Capel Beulah/Beulah URC was a daughter chapel...
and Whitchurch
Whitchurch, Cardiff
Whitchurch is a suburb in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is approximately 3 miles north of the centre of the city on the A470 road and A4054 road. Its estimated population as of 2004 was 15,649. It falls within the Whitchurch & Tongwynlais ward.-History:Whitchurch draws its name from...
. Rail services run to Cardiff Central and Queen Street every 30 minutes, and usually continue on the Radyr Line.
Ebbw Valley Railway
The Ebbw Valley Railway was re-opened to passenger rail services in February 2008. The line provides an hourly service between Cardiff Central and Ebbw Vale ParkwayEbbw Vale Parkway railway station
Ebbw Vale Parkway railway station is the current terminus of the Ebbw Valley Railway. The station opened on 6 February 2008 when services to and from Cardiff Central commenced after 46 years of being a freight-only line...
. The line follows the South Wales Main Line eastbound out of Cardiff before diverging north and calling at Rogerstone
Rogerstone railway station
Rogerstone railway station is a station on the Ebbw Valley Railway in the community of Rogerstone in Newport, south Wales. The station is situated ½ mile north of the original station on the site of former rail sidings. The station is within the Afon Village housing development...
, Risca and Pontymister, Crosskeys, Newbridge and Llanhilleth
Llanhilleth railway station
Llanhilleth railway station is a railway station on the Ebbw Valley Railway and serves the village of Llanhilleth, Wales.The original Llanhilleth railway station was opened by the Great Western Railway on the 1st of October 1901, but it was closed on the 30th April 1962 The present station is...
.
Maesteg Line
The Maesteg LineMaesteg Line
The Maesteg Line is commuter rail line in South Wales from Cardiff to Bridgend and Maesteg. The line follows the South Wales Main Line as far as Bridgend, where it then diverges to continue to Maesteg.-History:...
runs from Cardiff to Maesteg
Maesteg
Maesteg is a town and community in Bridgend County Borough, Wales. Maesteg lies at the northernmost end of the Llynfi Valley, close to the border with Neath Port Talbot. In 2001, Maesteg had a population of 17,859, but it is now at an estimate of 20,000....
in Bridgend County Borough. The line follows the South Wales Main Line through the Vale of Glamorgan
Vale of Glamorgan
The Vale of Glamorgan is a county borough in Wales; an exceptionally rich agricultural area, it lies in the southern part of Glamorgan, South Wales...
until Bridgend
Bridgend
Bridgend is a town in the Bridgend County Borough in Wales, west of the capital, Cardiff. The river crossed by the original bridge, which gave the town its name, is the River Ogmore but the River Ewenny also passes to the south of the town...
, calling at minor stations which are not served by high speed services. The line then diverges northwards through Sarn
Sarn
- Fiction :*Sarn Ford, the stony ford across the Baranduin on the southern borders of the Shire *Admiral Sarn, a fictional character in the game Rebel Assault II*Precious Bane , a novel by Mary Webb...
and Tondu
Tondu
Tondu is a village in Bridgend County Borough, Wales, located about north of the town of Bridgend.Tondu lies on the A4063 from Bridgend to Maesteg, and was established in the late 18th century as a coal mining village servicing the Parc Slip Colliery...
. Services run every hour to and from Cardiff, often extending to Cheltenham Spa.
Merthyr Line
The Merthyr LineMerthyr Line
The Merthyr Line is a commuter railway line in South Wales from central Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare. The line is part of the Cardiff urban rail network, known as the Valley Lines...
runs northward out of Cardiff, calling at stations in the suburbs of Cathays
Cathays
Cathays is a district in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is an old suburb of Cardiff established in 1875. It is very densely populated and contains many older terraced houses giving it a Victorian era atmosphere...
, Llandaff
Llandaff
Llandaff is a district in the north of Cardiff, capital of Wales, having been incorporated into the city in 1922. It is the seat of the Church in Wales Bishop of Llandaff, whose diocese covers the most populous area of South Wales. Much of the district is covered by parkland known as Llandaff...
and Radyr
Radyr
Radyr is an outer suburb of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The suburb is situated in the west of the city, although it was originally a separate village, and is located around 5 miles north west of Cardiff city centre. According to 2009 estimates, the suburb has a population of 6,000...
, where it connects with the City Line. It continues into Rhondda Cynon Taff
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Rhondda Cynon Taf, or RCT, is a county borough in the South Wales Valleys of Wales. It consists of 3 valleys: the Rhondda Valley, Cynon Valley and Taff-Ely Valley...
, through Taffs Well, Treforest and Pontypridd
Pontypridd
Pontypridd is both a community and a principal town of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales and is situated 12 miles/19 km north of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff...
. Frequencies on this stretch of the line are usually every 15 minutes.
After calling at Abercynon
Abercynon
Abercynon is a small village in the Cynon Valley in Mid Glamorgan, Wales. The unitary authority is now known as Rhondda Cynon Taff. It is composed of the village of Abercynon itself,Carnetown,Glancynon,Park View and Pontcynon. However, in recent years the sign to show motorists they are entering...
, the line splits into two branches; one to Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil is a town in Wales, with a population of about 30,000. Although once the largest town in Wales, it is now ranked as the 15th largest urban area in Wales. It also gives its name to a county borough, which has a population of around 55,000. It is located in the historic county of...
via Merthyr Vale
Merthyr Vale
Merthyr Vale is a linear village in the Welsh county borough of Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan. Lying on the A4054 road it is on the east bank of the River Taff opposite Aberfan.-Ynys Owen:...
and another to Aberdare
Aberdare
Aberdare is an industrial town in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Dare and Cynon. The population at the census was 31,705...
via Mountain Ash. Frequencies are every 30 minutes on both branches and often link up with Vale of Glamorgan Line services to Barry Island or Bridgend via .
Rhondda Line
The Rhondda LineRhondda Line
The Rhondda Line is a commuter railway line in South Wales from Cardiff to Treherbert. The line follows the Merthyr Line as far as Pontypridd, where it then diverges to continue along the Rhondda Valley.The places served by the line are listed below:...
is a line that runs north from Cardiff through the Rhondda Valley
Rhondda
Rhondda , or the Rhondda Valley , is a former coal mining valley in Wales, formerly a local government district, consisting of 16 communities built around the River Rhondda. The valley is made up of two valleys, the larger Rhondda Fawr valley and the smaller Rhondda Fach valley...
to Treherbert
Treherbert
Treherbert is a village and community situated at the head of the Rhondda Fawr valley in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. Treherbert is a former industrial coal mining village which was at its economic peak between 1850 and 1920...
. The line is shared with the Merthyr Line until Pontypridd. From there, the line diverges through Porth
Porth
Porth is a town and a community in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, within the historic county boundaries of Glamorgan, Wales, lying in the Rhondda Valley and is regarded as the gateway to the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach valleys because both valleys meet at Porth...
, Tonypandy
Tonypandy
Tonypandy is a town in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, within the historic county boundaries of Glamorgan, Wales, lying in the Rhondda Fawr Valley. A former industrial coal mining town, today Tonypandy is best known as the site of the Tonypandy Riots....
and Treorchy
Treorchy
Treorchy is a village, although it used to be and still has characteristics of a town, in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, lying in the Rhondda Fawr valley...
amongst others.
Services run every 30 minutes and often continue through Cardiff onto the Vale of Glamorgan Line to Penarth or Barry Island.
Rhymney Line
The Rhymney LineRhymney Line
The Rhymney Line is a commuter rail line running from Central Cardiff through the Rhymney valley via Heath and Llanishen in the north of the city, to Caerphilly, Bargoed and Rhymney.-History:...
is another line that runs northwards from Cardiff and calls at stations in the city suburbs of Heath
Heath
-Habitats:* Heath or heathland, low-growing woody vegetation, mostly consisting of heathers and related species* Heaths in the British National Vegetation Classification system...
, Llanishen
Llanishen
Llanishen is a district in the north of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Llanishen is well-known as the home of the 'Tax Offices', the tallest buildings in north Cardiff and a landmark for miles around...
and Lisvane
Lisvane
Lisvane is an affluent community in the north of Cardiff, the capital of Wales, located north of the city centre. Lisvane is one of the most desirable areas of both Cardiff and Wales, and as of 2011, has an average house price £410,000 with many properties worth in excess of £1 million...
before continuing to Caerphilly
Caerphilly
Caerphilly is a town in the county borough of Caerphilly, south Wales, located at the southern end of the Rhymney Valley, with a population of approximately 31,000. It is a commuter town of Cardiff and Newport, which are located some 7.5 miles and 12 miles away, respectively...
and places such as Ystrad Mynach
Ystrad Mynach
Ystrad Mynach is a town in the County Borough of Caerphilly, previously within the ancient traditional county of Glamorgan, Wales, and is 5 miles north of Caerphilly town. It has a population of around 13,500 and stands in the Rhymney Valley . Before the Industrial Revolution and the coming of coal...
, Hengoed
Hengoed
Hengoed ) is a village on the west side of the Rhymney Valley - between Ystrad Mynach to the South and Cefn Hengoed to the North. Across the valley it looks towards Maesycwmmer...
and Bargoed
Bargoed
Bargoed is a town in the Rhymney Valley, Wales, one of the South Wales Valleys. It lies on the Rhymney River in the county borough of Caerphilly and straddles ancient boundary of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire. 'Greater Bargoed', as defined by the local authority Caerphilly County Borough Council,...
.
Services on this stretch of line run every 15 minutes. Every hour, trains continue on the rest of the line to Rhymney
Rhymney
Rhymney is a town and a community located in the county borough of Caerphilly in south-east Wales, within the historic boundaries of Monmouthshire. Along with the villages of Pontlottyn, Fochriw, Abertysswg, Deri and New Tredegar, Rhymney is designated as the 'Upper Rhymney Valley' by the local...
. Trains often continue through Cardiff onto the Vale of Glamorgan Line to Penarth.
Vale of Glamorgan Line
The Vale of Glamorgan LineVale of Glamorgan Line
The Vale of Glamorgan Line is a commuter railway line in South Wales from Cardiff to Bridgend via Barry, Rhoose and Llantwit Major. There are also branch lines to Penarth and Barry Island. As its names suggests, the line runs through the Vale of Glamorgan....
is a line that runs from Cardiff through the largely rural county of the Vale of Glamorgan
Vale of Glamorgan
The Vale of Glamorgan is a county borough in Wales; an exceptionally rich agricultural area, it lies in the southern part of Glamorgan, South Wales...
to Bridgend
Bridgend
Bridgend is a town in the Bridgend County Borough in Wales, west of the capital, Cardiff. The river crossed by the original bridge, which gave the town its name, is the River Ogmore but the River Ewenny also passes to the south of the town...
. The line comprises three branches. Trains call at Grangetown
Grangetown, Cardiff
Grangetown is a community in the south of Cardiff, capital of Wales. It is one of the largest districts in the south of the city and is bordered by Riverside, Canton and Butetown. The River Taff winds its way through the area...
in Cardiff before continuing on the main line to stations in Dinas Powys
Dinas Powys
Dinas Powys is a large village and a community in the Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales which takes its name from the Dinas Powys hillfort that dates from the Iron Age...
and Barry, or diverging onto a branch serving Penarth
Penarth
Penarth is a town and seaside resort in the Vale of Glamorgan , Wales, 5.2 miles south west from the city centre of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff and lying on the north shore of the Severn Estuary at the southern end of Cardiff Bay...
. After , services can either continue again to , Llantwit Major
Llantwit Major
Llantwit Major is a small coastal town and community in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, lying on the Bristol Channel coast. A small stream, the Afon Col-huw, runs through the town.-Local government:...
and or diverge to Barry Island
Barry Island
Barry Island may refer to:*Barry Island , Wales*Barry Island , Antarctica...
.
Frequencies to Penarth or to Barry Island are every 15 minutes, and to Bridgend via Cardiff Airport are every hour. Train services often continue after Cardiff Queen Street on the Merthyr, Rhondda or Rhymney Lines.
Main destinations
There are direct services from Cardiff CentralCardiff Central railway station
Cardiff Central railway station is a major railway station on the South Wales Main Line in Cardiff, Wales.It is the largest and busiest station in Wales and one of the major stations of the British rail network, the tenth busiest station in the United Kingdom outside of London , based on 2007/08...
to the following destinations, with the average scheduled journey time:
National
| Destination | Time from Central | Operator |
| Bath Spa Bath Spa railway station Bath Spa railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Bath, in South West England.-Architecture:Bath Spa station was built in 1840 for the Great Western Railway by Brunel and is a grade II* listed building... |
65 mins | First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a... |
120 mins | CrossCountry CrossCountry CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva... |
| Bristol Parkway | 41 mins | First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Bristol Temple Meads | 48 mins | First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Derby Derby Derby , is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands region of England. It lies upon the banks of the River Derwent and is located in the south of the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. In the 2001 census, the population of the city was 233,700, whilst that of the Derby Urban Area was 229,407... |
174 mins | CrossCountry CrossCountry CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva... |
| Gloucester Gloucester Gloucester is a city, district and county town of Gloucestershire in the South West region of England. Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border, and on the River Severn, approximately north-east of Bristol, and south-southwest of Birmingham.... |
59 mins | CrossCountry CrossCountry CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva... Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Holyhead Holyhead Holyhead is the largest town in the county of Anglesey in the North Wales. It is also a major port adjacent to the Irish Sea serving Ireland.... |
301 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| London Paddington | 125 mins | First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Manchester Piccadilly | 205 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Milford Haven Milford Haven Milford Haven is a town and community in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated on the north side of the Milford Haven Waterway, a natural harbour used as a port since the Middle Ages. The town was founded in 1790 on the north side of the Waterway, from which it takes its name... |
160 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Nottingham Nottingham Nottingham is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and represents one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group... |
200 mins | CrossCountry CrossCountry CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva... |
| Portsmouth Portsmouth Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island... |
211 mins | First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, in the West Midlands region of England. Lying on the River Severn, it is a civil parish home to some 70,000 inhabitants, and is the primary settlement and headquarters of Shropshire Council... |
121 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Southampton Southampton Southampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest... |
156 mins | First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Taunton Taunton railway station Taunton railway station is a junction station on the route from London to Penzance, from London Paddington station. It is situated in Taunton, Somerset, England and is operated by First Great Western... |
122 mins | First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Wrexham General | 161 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
Regional/Local
| Destination | Time from Central | Operator |
| Aberdare Aberdare Aberdare is an industrial town in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Dare and Cynon. The population at the census was 31,705... |
63 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Rhymney Rhymney Rhymney is a town and a community located in the county borough of Caerphilly in south-east Wales, within the historic boundaries of Monmouthshire. Along with the villages of Pontlottyn, Fochriw, Abertysswg, Deri and New Tredegar, Rhymney is designated as the 'Upper Rhymney Valley' by the local... |
60 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Barry | 24 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Bridgend Bridgend Bridgend is a town in the Bridgend County Borough in Wales, west of the capital, Cardiff. The river crossed by the original bridge, which gave the town its name, is the River Ogmore but the River Ewenny also passes to the south of the town... |
22-59 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
| Coryton Coryton railway station (Cardiff) Coryton railway station is a railway station serving the Coryton and Pantmawr area of Cardiff. It is the terminus of the Coryton Line north of Cardiff Central in which the line originates from Cardiff Queen Street.... |
19 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Ebbw Vale Ebbw Vale Ebbw Vale is a town at the head of the valley formed by the Ebbw Fawr tributary of the Ebbw River, south Wales. It is the largest town and the administrative centre of Blaenau Gwent county borough... |
56 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Maesteg Maesteg Maesteg is a town and community in Bridgend County Borough, Wales. Maesteg lies at the northernmost end of the Llynfi Valley, close to the border with Neath Port Talbot. In 2001, Maesteg had a population of 17,859, but it is now at an estimate of 20,000.... |
54 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Merthyr Tydfil Merthyr Tydfil Merthyr Tydfil is a town in Wales, with a population of about 30,000. Although once the largest town in Wales, it is now ranked as the 15th largest urban area in Wales. It also gives its name to a county borough, which has a population of around 55,000. It is located in the historic county of... |
62 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Newport Newport railway station Newport railway station is the 3rd busiest railway station in Wales , situated in Newport city centre. It is part of the British railway system owned by Network Rail and is operated by Arriva Trains Wales, although First Great Western and CrossCountry also provide services... |
13-15 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... CrossCountry CrossCountry CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva... |
| Penarth Penarth Penarth is a town and seaside resort in the Vale of Glamorgan , Wales, 5.2 miles south west from the city centre of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff and lying on the north shore of the Severn Estuary at the southern end of Cardiff Bay... |
16 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Pontypridd Pontypridd Pontypridd is both a community and a principal town of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales and is situated 12 miles/19 km north of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff... |
30 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Radyr Radyr Radyr is an outer suburb of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The suburb is situated in the west of the city, although it was originally a separate village, and is located around 5 miles north west of Cardiff city centre. According to 2009 estimates, the suburb has a population of 6,000... |
26 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Tredegar Tredegar Tredegar is a town situated on the Sirhowy River in the county borough of Blaenau Gwent, in south-east Wales. Located within the historic boundaries of Monmouthshire, it became an early centre of the Industrial Revolution in South Wales... |
84 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
| Treherbert Treherbert Treherbert is a village and community situated at the head of the Rhondda Fawr valley in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. Treherbert is a former industrial coal mining village which was at its economic peak between 1850 and 1920... |
66 mins | Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
Train operators
Current train operators| Operator | Years | Image | Stock operated | Route |
| Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales Arriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches... |
2003–2018 |  |
Class 57 British Rail Class 57 The Class 57 diesel locomotives were introduced by Brush Traction between 1997-2004. They are rebuilds, with reconditioned EMD engines, of former Class 47 locomotives, originally introduced in 1964-5.- Description :... and Mark 2 British Rail Mark 2 The Mark 2 family of railway carriages were British Rail's second design of carriages. They were built by British Rail workshops between 1964 and 1975... /Mark 3 British Rail Mark 3 British Rail's third design of standard carriage was designated 'Mark 3' , and was developed primarily for the InterCity 125 High Speed Train... Class 175 Coradia British Rail Class 175 The Class 175 Coradia is a type of diesel multiple unit passenger train used in the United Kingdom. The fleet of 27 sets were built from 1999 to 2001 by Alstom at Washwood Heath in Birmingham. They are part of the Coradia family of trains along with the Class 180.The entire fleet is owned by the... Class 158 Express Sprinter British Rail Class 158 British Rail Class 158 Express Sprinter is a diesel multiple-unit train, built for British Rail between 1989 and 1992 by BREL at its Derby Works. They were built to replace many locomotive-hauled passenger trains, and allowed cascading of existing Sprinter units to replace elderly 'heritage' DMUs... Class 153 Super Sprinter British Rail Class 153 The British Rail Class 153 Super Sprinter is a single car diesel multiple unit converted from British Rail Class 155s.-Description:These units were originally built as two-car Class 155 units by British Leyland from 1987–88, but were converted by Hunslet-Barclay at Kilmarnock from 1991-92... Class 142 British Rail Class 142 The British Rail Class 142 is a class of Pacer diesel multiple units used in the United Kingdom. 96 units were built by BREL in Derby between 1985 and 1987. They were a development of the earlier Class 141 which were introduced in 1984.... /143 Pacer British Rail Class 143 The British Rail Class 143 is a diesel multiple unit, part of the Pacer family of trains introduced between 1985 and 1986. They originally worked in the North-East of England but were later transferred to Wales and South-West England.... and Class 150 Sprinter British Rail Class 150 The British Rail Class 150 "Sprinter" diesel multiple units were built by BREL from 1984-87. A total of 137 units were built in three main subclasses, replacing many of the earlier first-generation "Heritage" DMUs.- Background :... Class 121 Bubble Car British Rail Class 121 Sixteen Class 121 single-car driving motor vehicles were built from 1960, numbered 55020–55035. These were supplemented by ten trailer vehicles, numbered 56280–56289 . They had a top speed of 70 mph, with slam-doors, and vacuum brakes... |
Cardiff Central-Holyhead Manchester Piccadilly-Pembroke Dock / Cardiff Central-Holyhead Maesteg-Cheltenham Spa South Wales Main Line Valley Lines Cardiff Bay Line |
| CrossCountry CrossCountry CrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva... |
2007–2016 |  |
Class 170 Turbostar | Cardiff Central-Nottingham |
| First Great Western First Great Western First Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales.... |
1996-2006 2006-2016 |
Class 43 HST British Rail Class 43 (HST) The British Rail Class 43 is the TOPS classification used for the InterCity 125 High Speed Train power cars, built by BREL from 1975 to 1982.... and British Rail Mark 3 British Rail Mark 3 British Rail's third design of standard carriage was designated 'Mark 3' , and was developed primarily for the InterCity 125 High Speed Train... Class 158 Express Sprinter British Rail Class 158 British Rail Class 158 Express Sprinter is a diesel multiple-unit train, built for British Rail between 1989 and 1992 by BREL at its Derby Works. They were built to replace many locomotive-hauled passenger trains, and allowed cascading of existing Sprinter units to replace elderly 'heritage' DMUs... Class 142 Pacer British Rail Class 142 The British Rail Class 142 is a class of Pacer diesel multiple units used in the United Kingdom. 96 units were built by BREL in Derby between 1985 and 1987. They were a development of the earlier Class 141 which were introduced in 1984.... |
London Paddington / South Wales Main Line Cardiff Central-Portsmouth Harbour Cardiff Central-Taunton |
Former train operators
| Operator | Years | Image |
| Central Trains Central Trains Central Trains was one of the original 25 train operating companies to emerge from the break-up of British Rail between 1994 and 1997. The company operated local, urban and secondary express services across central England and Mid Wales.-Overview:... |
1997–2007 |  |
| Great Western Trains Great Western Trains Great Western Trains was a UK train company created in the mid 1990s as part of the privatisation of British Rail. It was one of the first two passenger companies to be privatised, passing into private ownership along with South West Trains on 4 February 1996.... |
1996–1998 |  |
| Valley Lines Valley Lines (train operating company) For the surviving urban rail network around Cardiff, formerly operated by this franchise but today by Arriva Trains Wales, see Valley LinesValley Lines was the trading name of the Cardiff Railway Company, the franchise which operated most of these services from privatisation in 1996 until 2001,... |
1995–2001 |  |
Former train operators
| Operator | Years | Image |
| Virgin Trains Virgin Trains Virgin Trains is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates long-distance passenger services on the West Coast Main Line between London, the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales and Scotland... |
1997–2007 |  |
| Wales and Borders Wales and Borders Wales and Borders is the name of a franchise of train services covering Wales, the Welsh Marches and bordering counties of England.-History:The franchise was initially formed from part of the former Wales and West franchise and the Cardiff Railway Company , together with the lines from Shrewsbury... |
2001–2003 |  |
| Wales and West Wales and West Wales & West was a British Train Operating Company that ran services from 1997 to 2001, and was one of the original 25 Train Operating Companies that were set up after the UK Rail Industry was privatised... |
1997–2001 | |
| Wessex Trains Wessex Trains Wessex Trains was the primary passenger rail operator in the South West of England. The company operated trains in the region bounded by Penzance, Cardiff, Gloucester, Worcester and Brighton... |
2001–2006 |  |
Transport connections
Cardiff Central bus station
Cardiff Central bus station is the main bus transport interchange in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. With 34 stands, it is the largest bus station in the city and in Wales. It is located adjacent to Cardiff Central railway station forming a major bus-rail-cycle-taxi interchange.The station used...
is located next to Central railway station to form a main bus/rail interchange, with most Cardiff Bus
Cardiff Bus
Cardiff Bus is the dominant operator of bus services in Cardiff, Wales and the surrounding area, including Barry and Penarth. Its hub is Cardiff central bus station...
services calling at or near to Central Station. Bus services also call at or near to Cardiff Queen Street station. Some bus services in the city districts connect with local railway stations.
The Free b
Free b
Free b was a zero-fare shuttle bus that operated in Cardiff city centre, Wales. The route circled the edges of the city centre anti-clockwise. The service was operated by Cardiff Bus.-History:...
city shuttle calls at Central Station every 10 minutes, linking key points of the city centre.
The Cardiff Waterbus
Cardiff Waterbus
The Cardiff Waterbus celebrated its 10 year anniversary in April 2010. The fleet have clocked up 50,000 miles since operating on the routes, carrying an estimated 1,000,000 passengers.-External links:**...
towards Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is the area created by the Cardiff Barrage in South Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The regeneration of Cardiff Bay is now widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in the United Kingdom. The Bay is supplied by two rivers to form a freshwater lake round the...
stops at Taff Mead Embankment, near Central Station.
Taxi ranks are located outside Central Station, as is cycle parking
Bicycle stand
A bicycle stand,also called a bike rack, is a device to which bicycles may be securely attached. It may be free standing or securely attached to the ground or some stationary object such as a building. Indoor bike racks are commonly used for private bicycle parking, while outdoor bike racks are...
which is also available at many other city stations.
Cardiff International Airport
Cardiff International Airport
Cardiff Airport is an international airport serving Cardiff, and the rest of South, Mid and West Wales. Around 1.4 million passengers passed through the airport in 2010....
connects with the Cardiff rail network at station, from which free shuttle buses run to the departures terminal.
Future plans
The disused railway station in the St. FagansSt. Fagans
St Fagans is an area in the west of the city of Cardiff, capital of Wales.To the south lies the village of Michaelston-super-Ely, and to the east the suburb of Fairwater. St Fagans lies on the River Ely, and previously had a railway station on the South Wales Main Line, and currently there is a...
area, in the west of the city, could be reopened to bolster transport links for a major Cardiff tourist attraction, under a proposal in March 2010 by former First Minister Rhodri Morgan AM and Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan, follow predictions that visitor numbers to the National History Museum could top one million a year by 2017. By 2012, further submissions will be made to try to secure £8.7m of funding towards the project.
Network Rail
Network Rail
Network Rail is the government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain .; it is not responsible for railway infrastructure in Northern Ireland...
is currently proposing adding an extra two platforms to both Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street station, and installing a light rail
Light rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
metro
Rapid transit
A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway, metro or metropolitan railway system is an electric passenger railway in an urban area with a high capacity and frequency, and grade separation from other traffic. Rapid transit systems are typically located either in underground tunnels or on...
system in the city.
See also
- Arriva Trains WalesArriva Trains WalesArriva Trains Wales is a train operating company, owned by Arriva, that operates urban and inter urban passenger services in Wales and the Welsh Marches...
- CrossCountryCrossCountryCrossCountry is the brand name of XC Trains Ltd., a British train operating company owned by Arriva...
- First Great WesternFirst Great WesternFirst Great Western is the operating name of First Greater Western Ltd, a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that serves Greater London, the South East, South West and West Midlands regions of England, and South Wales....
- Transport in CardiffTransport in CardiffTransport in Cardiff, capital and most populous city in Wales involves road, rail, bus, water and air. Several factors have influenced the development of its transport network...
- Transport in WalesTransport in WalesThis article is about means of transport within Wales. The geography of Wales has been a key influence on the development of its transport system, with the main settlements lying on the coasts of North and South Wales, while Mid Wales is lightly populated...
- Transport in the United KingdomTransport in the United KingdomTransport in the United Kingdom is facilitated with road, air, rail, and water networks. A radial road network totals of main roads, of motorways and of paved roads. The National Rail network of 10,072 route miles in Great Britain and 189 route miles in Northern Ireland carries over 18,000...
- CommutingCommutingCommuting is regular travel between one's place of residence and place of work or full time study. It sometimes refers to any regular or often repeated traveling between locations when not work related.- History :...
- Public transportPublic transportPublic transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
- Urban rail in the United Kingdom