Cardiff Airport Guide (CWL)
Cardiff Airport is situated in Rhoose, 20km (12 miles) west of Cardiff city centre and 16km (10 miles) from junction 33 on the M4.
Cardiff Airport, which operates both domestic and international routes, is the largest airport in Wales and serves the south of the country. A useful resource for travellers, our Cardiff Airport guide includes details of terminal facilities, public transport access and nearby accommodation options.
Airport Operations Assistants can assist passengers with queries – these assistants are contactable at various call points throughout the terminal building. Further airport information can be obtained via the main switchboard (tel: +44 1446 711 111). The tourist information centre in the arrivals area can provide information on local attractions.
From the M4, exit at junction 33 and follow the southbound A4232. Take the first exit off the A4232 at Culverhouse Cross and follow signs to Cardiff Airport along the A4050 and A4226. From central Cardiff, head west along the A4232 and turn off at Culverhouse Cross, following the A4050 and A4226 to the airport.
Public Transport
Train:Arriva Trains Wales (tel: +44 33 3321 1202; www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk) runs services in each direction between Cardiff Central Station and Rhoose Station (journey time: 30 minutes; fare: £4.30) – trains run every hour from Monday to Saturday, and every two hours on a Sunday. A shuttle bus connects the station in Rhoose and Cardiff Airport (journey time: 5-10 minutes; fare: £1).
Bus:Cardiff Bus T9 (tel: +44 871 200 2233; www.traveline-cymru.info) runs between Cardiff Central Bus Station and the airport every twenty minutes (journey time: 30 minutes; fare: £5).
Taxi:Checker Cars (tel: +44 1446 711 747; www.checkercars.com) is the official taxi operator for Cardiff Airport. Taxis are located outside the arrivals hall, to the right, and are available upon arrival or can be booked in advance. Fixed rates apply, with fares to central Cardiff around £30 (depending on exact drop-off destination).
Terminal facilities
There are two ATMs in the airport, one in the departure lounge and another in the arrival hall. There are also two bureaux de change booths, one branch is located in the departure lounge and the other within baggage reclaim (serving inbound flights).
Wi-Fi internet access (the first 30 minutes of which is accessible free of charge) is available throughout Cardiff Airport, and fixed internet kiosks are also present. There is a postbox outside the terminal building – stamps can be purchased at the newsagent on the first floor of the public area.
Several catering options are available at Cardiff Airport. These include a café selling sandwiches, hot food and beverages before security, and a café and two bars post-security.
There is a newsagent selling a full range of newspapers, books, snacks, gifts and tobacco before the security area. The duty-free shop in the departures lounge offers a wide range of perfume, cosmetics, confectionery, clothing and electronic equipment. There is also a shop selling clothing and accessories in the departures area.
Items found should be handed to a member of security or to the airport assistants. Enquiries about lost property should be made to the airport’s main information line (tel: +44 1446 711 111).
Baby care rooms are available on the first floor of the departure lounge and in the arrivals hall. A children’s play area is located in the airside departure lounge and there are two game zones with the latest video arcade machines: one on the first floor and the other within the departure lounge. Multi-faith prayer rooms (including a chaplaincy) are located on the first floor, in the departures area.
Airport facilities
The Executive Lounge is located in the international departures area and offers refreshments, fax and photocopying services, telephones and Wi-Fi access. Additionally, two meeting rooms with capacity for up to 30 delegates are available for hire (tel: +44 1446 711 111).
The airport has a range of services for disabled passengers. These include: low-level kerbs, lifts between all floors, adapted toilets, a Minicom facility and induction loops for the deaf or hard of hearing, an ambulift for aircraft boarding, and reduced-height telephones. There are also designated parking spaces in the short- and long-term car parks. Wheelchairs are available for use throughout the terminal building. Passengers requiring assistance should contact the airport PRM helpline (tel: +44 1446 729 329).
The short-term car park is opposite the terminal building. Long-term car parking options are a little further from the terminal, but are linked via a free shuttle bus service. Drivers picking-up or dropping-off passengers can pay a small fee to park for up to 10 minutes in front of the terminal, or can wait for 20 minutes free of charge in the long-stay car park 1. Car parking can be booked through the airport's website in advance.
Car hire companies located at Cardiff Airport include: Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and National.
A far cry from the surrounding international corporate options, the warm and welcoming Three Horseshoes tavern offers a selection of room types. Bonuses here include free Wi-Fi internet access and LED flat-screen TVs – plus a chance to mix with locals at the bar. The establishment is within a 10-minute drive of the airport.
Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Airport is located next to Cardiff Airport and is connected via a complimentary two-minute shuttle bus ride. Facilities at the hotel include an on-site restaurant, business centre, meeting rooms and high-speed internet access.
A solid offering from the budget hotel chain, the Cardiff Airport Travelodge offers a selection of clean rooms, free parking and Wi-Fi internet access, all just a 6-minute taxi ride from the airport.
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