Cardiff Airport
CWLWales's only international airport, connecting the nation to European and long-haul destinations from a single modern terminal.
Cardiff Airport (CWL) is Wales's only international airport, handling around 1.5 million passengers a year. Located 12 miles south-west of Cardiff city centre near Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, it operates a single terminal. The airport is owned by the Welsh Government and serves a mix of European leisure routes and some long-haul services. Cardiff Airport is smaller than most major UK airports but has been investing in its facilities and route network in recent years.
The Terminal
Cardiff operates a single terminal that is compact and easy to navigate. Check-in, security, and departures are all clearly signposted. The airside area has a functional range of shops and restaurants.
Departures
Check-in desks and bag-drop are on the ground floor. Online check-in is available with most carriers. Security and the airside departure lounge are on the upper level.
Arrivals
Arrivals are on the ground floor. Baggage reclaim is well signposted. The T9 bus to Cardiff city centre, taxi rank, and car hire desks are all within a short walk of the arrivals exit.
Airlines serving this airport
Getting to Cardiff Airport
Cardiff Airport is connected to Cardiff city centre by a direct bus service and has its own railway station for onward connections.
T9 Express Bus
The T9 express bus runs directly between Cardiff Airport and Cardiff city centre (Cardiff Central railway station) in around 40–50 minutes. Services run frequently throughout the day. Tickets can be bought online or on the bus.
40–50 min to Cardiff Central · Frequent · From ~£6 single
Cardiff Airport Railway Station
Cardiff Airport has its own railway station (Rhoose Cardiff International Airport) on the Vale of Glamorgan line, with services to Cardiff Central in around 40 minutes. The station is a short walk from the terminal. A useful option for passengers with onward rail connections.
~40 min to Cardiff Central · Hourly · From ~£5 single
Driving & Drop-off
Cardiff Airport is accessed via the A4226 and M4 motorway (Junction 33). Drop-off charges apply at the terminal. A free set-down area is available on the approach road.
M4 J33 · A4226 · Drop-off charges apply
Parking at Cardiff Airport
Cardiff offers short stay, long stay, and meet and greet parking. Pre-booking is recommended for the best prices.
Short Stay
Car park directly connected to the terminal. Ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. The most expensive option per day.
Long Stay
A short shuttle bus ride from the terminal. Significantly cheaper for trips of more than a day. Pre-book well in advance online.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. Convenient for families and those with heavy luggage.
Facilities & Lounges
Cardiff's terminal has a functional range of airside dining, retail, and lounge options.
Airport Lounges
The Aspire Lounge is available airside and accepts Priority Pass. Access can be purchased online in advance. The lounge offers complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Dining & Bars
Airside dining includes Costa, a bar, and a range of grab-and-go options. The selection is proportionate to the airport's size.
Shopping
World Duty Free is the main retail anchor airside, alongside Boots and WHSmith. A compact but functional retail offer.
Families & Accessibility
Family security lanes are available. Baby changing facilities are located airside. Assisted travel services can be arranged in advance through the airport or your airline.
Tips for Travelling Through Cardiff
The T9 express bus is the most convenient public transport option from Cardiff city centre. It runs directly from Cardiff Central railway station and is frequent enough that you rarely need to book in advance.
Cardiff Airport has its own railway station on the Vale of Glamorgan line. The service is hourly and takes around 40 minutes to Cardiff Central. A good option if you have onward rail connections.
Security queues at Cardiff are generally shorter than at larger UK airports. Allow at least 90 minutes for short-haul flights.
Pre-book parking as far in advance as possible. Cardiff's parking prices rise steeply close to travel dates. Book through the official Cardiff Airport website for the best rates.
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