World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
Public transport in the city is by bus and the main provider is Cardiff Bus (tel: (029) 2066 6444 or (0870) 608 2608; website: www.cardiffbus.com), which is based opposite the central bus station on Wood Street. Buses generally operate between 0530 and 2330 with reduced hours at the weekend and on public holidays. A system of colour-coded fare zones operates, with the city centre being Zone A (red). A single ticket for journeys within Zone A costs 0.60 at all times. Tickets are available for purchase on the bus and passengers must have the exact change. Multiride tickets and other discounted passes are available from the Cardiff Bus office. A 24-hour CityRider pass, giving unlimited travel on all Cardiff Bus services within Cardiff and Penarth, costs 3.20 (concessions are available). First Cymru (tel: (01792) 580 580; website: www.firstcymru.co.uk) operates some regional bus services from 0500 to 2320. A First Day pass is available for one day of unlimited travel on all First local buses (except shuttle services) within South Wales, for 4.70. These are available for purchase on the bus.

Most local train services are run by Valley Lines (tel: (029) 2023 1978 or 2044 9944; website: www.valleylines.co.uk), which operate approximately 0500-2430 on weekdays, starting later at the weekend and on public holidays. In addition to Cardiff Central, there are several local rail stations, including Cardiff Queen Street, Cardiff Bay and Cathays. A standard day single ticket on Valley Lines costs 1.20. Tickets are available for purchase at the station or on board. A Day Explorer pass is available for 6. This allows for one day of unlimited travel on Valley Lines train services and Stagecoach (tel: (0870) 608 2608) buses around the Valleys, as well as discounts for tourist attractions along the way. However, this pass is not valid for trains between Cardiff Central, Bridgend, Maesteg or Newport.

General information on public transport throughout Wales is available from Mantais Cymru (tel: (0870) 608 2608).

Taxis
All taxis can be hailed on the street, whether black hackney cabs or cars with company logos indicating that they are taxis. Alternatively, taxis can be ordered by telephone from any of dozens of firms in Cardiff, such as Black Cabs (tel: (029) 2034 3343), Central Taxis (tel: (029) 2066 6333) and Dragon Taxis (tel: (029) 2044 4444). Visitors should expect to pay about 4.00 for a journey across town, plus tip of approximately 10-12% of the fare.

Limousines
Several companies in the area offer chauffeur-driven and self-drive limousine hire, including Wilson and Wilson (tel: (029) 2056 1531; e-mail: wilsoncars@nascr.net; website: www.wilson-cars.co.uk). Rates (including chauffeur) are approximately 20-25 per hour, depending on the distance travelled.

Driving in the City
Driving in Cardiff is usually trouble free, although traffic becomes heavy during rush hours (Monday to Friday 0800-0900 and 1700-1800). Finding a parking space on the street can be more problematic, as many of the residential roads in the centre are for permit holders only. Although cars that contravene parking regulations may be towed away, a parking fine is more usual. There are ten or more large multi-storey car parks in and around the city centre, including three near Cardiff Central station and six more within a short walk. A park and ride bus runs on Saturday from Maritime Street on Cardiff Bay. Parking charges for one hour range from 1 to 2, while 24-hour parking in the multi-storey car parks is charged at approximately 9.50.

Car Hire
Regulations vary from company to company. However, in all cases, drivers will require a valid driving licence to hire a car. This can usually be a national driving licence, although an International Driving Permit may be preferred if the licence is not in English. A credit card is essential. The minimum age to hire a car is 18 years, although this may be increased to 21 or 25 years, depending on the company. It is important for drivers to check the level of insurance included in the price of car hire.

In addition to Europcar, Avis and Hertz at the airport, city-based car hire companies include Avis, 14-22 Tudor Street, Riverside (tel: (029) 2034 2111; website: www.avis.co.uk), 1car1.com, 4 Garth Street (tel: (029) 2046 4537; website: www.1car1.com), and Hertz, 9 Central Square (tel: (029) 2022 4548; website: www.hertz.co.uk).

Rates for a small car start from 20 per day or 145 per week, including insurance and taxes.

Bicycle Hire
Bicycles can be hired during the summer from the Taff Trail Hire Centre, Pontcanna Fields (tel: (029) 2039 8362), and The Waterfront, Harbour Drive, Cardiff Bay (tel: (029) 2048 4110). Daily rates start at 9.00 for adults, 6.50 for children and 28.00 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). The Taff Trail, which is ideal for cyclists, extends from Cardiff Bay to Brecon, 87km (54 miles) to the north.