Bus service of Cardiff
Bus Services in Cardiff
Cardiff has a well-connected and efficient bus network that serves the city and surrounding areas, making it a primary mode of public transport for residents and visitors. The main operator is Cardiff Bus, a city-owned company providing most local services, along with other operators such as Stagecoach South Wales, NAT Group, and First Cymru for regional and intercity routes. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, has a well-developed and reliable bus network that provides transportation across the city and to nearby areas. The bus service is one of the primary modes of public transport in Cardiff, catering to daily commuters, students, tourists, and residents. The network is well-integrated with Cardiff’s railway and active travel systems, making it a convenient and accessible option for getting around the city.
Bus Operators in Cardiff
| Main Operators | Description |
|---|---|
| Cardiff Bus | Cardiff Bus is the primary bus operator in the city, owned by Cardiff Council. It provides a comprehensive range of services throughout Cardiff and connections to nearby towns such as Penarth, Barry, and Newport. |
| Stagecoach South Wales | Stagecoach operates regional services connecting Cardiff with areas further afield, including the South Wales Valleys, Pontypridd, and Cwmbran. |
| NAT Group (Now Adventure Travel) | NAT Group runs several bus routes in Cardiff and its surrounding areas, offering an alternative to Cardiff Bus and Stagecoach services. |
| First Cymru | Cardiff Bus is the primary bus operator in the city and is owned by the Cardiff Council. It provides a comprehensive range of services throughout Cardiff and connections to nearby towns such as Penarth, Barry, and Newport. |
Bus Routes
| Bus Routes | Description |
|---|---|
| City Centre & Cardiff Bay | High-frequency buses run between Cardiff city center and Cardiff Bay, serving popular destinations like the Wales Millennium Centre and Mermaid Quay. |
| Cardiff University & Cathays | Several routes connect Cardiff University and student areas in Cathays, Roath, and Heath. |
| Residential Areas | Suburbs such as Ely, Llanedeyrn, and St. Mellons are well-served by regular bus services. |
| Cardiff Airport | The T9 Airport Express operated by Adventure Travel provides direct services between Cardiff city center and Cardiff Airport. |
| Intercity & Regional Services | Stagecoach and First Cymru buses connect Cardiff to Newport, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, and other South Wales towns. |
Buses are generally frequent, with many main routes operating every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and reduced service in the evenings.
Bus Stations
Cardiff Central Bus Station
Cardiff’s main bus terminal, located near Cardiff Central Railway Station, is the city’s primary hub for bus services. After redevelopment, it now offers modern facilities, real-time departure boards, and better connections between bus and train travel.
Main Stops
- Westgate Street & St. Mary Street – Major stops in the city center for multiple routes.
- Cardiff Bay Station – A key interchange point for buses connecting the Bay area.
- University Hospital of Wales – A major stop for services to Heath and North Cardiff.
- Sophia Gardens – Departure point for long-distance and national coach services.
Ticket & Payment
Season Tickets & Day Tickets –
- Day-to-Go Ticket – Unlimited travel for a day.
- Week-to-Go Ticket – Unlimited travel for seven days.
- Monthly & Annual Passes – Cost-effective options for daily commuters.
Payment System
- Contactless Payment – Most buses accept contactless card payments, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and smartwatch payments.
- Cash Payments – Accepted on most services, but drivers may not always have a change, so exact fare is recommended.
- Mobile Apps – The Cardiff Bus App allows passengers to purchase tickets in advance and use their phones for boarding.
- Travelcards & Smartcards – iff Card: A pre-paid travel card offering discounts for frequent bus users. Multi-Operator Tickets: Tickets valid across different bus companies for seamless travel in Cardiff and South Wales.
Accessibility & Facilities
| Accessibilty | Description |
|---|---|
| Low-floor & wheelchair | Accessible vehicles on most services. |
| Priority seating | Priority seating for disabled passengers and elderly travelers. |
| Audio & visual announcements | Audio & visual announcements on select routes for visually or hearing-impaired passengers. |
Night Bus Services
Although most buses in Cardiff operate until late evening, some night services run on weekends to accommodate the city’s nightlife and shift workers.
- Weekend Night Buses – Operate on major routes from the city center to residential areas.
- Limited 24-Hour Services – Some key routes offer early morning services, particularly around transport hubs.