Cardiff Airport
Cardiff is Wales’ only international airport, and is situated 12 miles south west of the city centre, in Rhoose. There are frequent fl ights to and from the major British cities. Visit www.cardiffairportonline.com or 01446 711 111 for more information.
Taxi Follow signs from the terminal to the taxi desk for the Cardiff Air Taxis. Taxis can also be booked by phoning 01466 710 693 or by visiting www.cardiffairportonline. com. The journey to the city centre costs around £22 and takes about 30 minutes.
Car The best access to Cardiff is via the A48 on to Eastern Avenue. Turn off the M4 at junction 29, signposted Cardiff East and South. For Cardiff Bay, turn off at junction 33, and if driving from West Wales on the M4, turn off at junction 32 on to the A470.
Bus The Airbus Xpress is a convenient way to get into Cardiff city centre from the airport. X91 is the main service and runs half hourly during the week and hourly at weekends, stopping at several hotels. A single costs £3; a return is £5. Visit www.cardiffbus.co.uk for more details or phone 0870 608 2608.
National Express also runs a coach service from many locations in the UK. For more information or to book tickets call 0870 580 8080 or visit www.nationalexpress.com.
Train National rail connects to all major British cities including London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and Nottingham. Visit the website www.nationalrailenquiries.co.uk or call 08457 484 950
One of the advantages of Cardiff’s is that nothing is too far away. You’ll find most places are within walking distance. However, if you don’t wish to walk, buses are cheap and frequent, and prices are based on travel zones. Buy a city rider ticket for £3.50 and jump on and off as you please. The Express no. 6 runs between the city centre and the Bay every 10 minutes and is a bargain at only 70p a ride. You can also get buses on route 8 to the Bay. Make sure you have the right fare though as these bus drivers do not give change! For information on public transport throughout Wales visit www.traveline.org.ukor call 0870 608 2 608.
Arriva Trains run regular services between Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay stations until around 10.45pm. The journey takes 3minutes and is only 90p for a single or £1.50 for a return. Visit www.arrivatrains.co.uk for more information or call 08457 484950. Alternatively, there are several taxi companies that provide an efficient service, but book in advance on weekends as it gets busy. Try Dragon Taxis on 029 2033 3333 or Capital Cabs on 029 2077 7777. Base fares are usually £1.70 and around £1.20 a mile after that. However, after 11pm and on Sundays, drivers will slap a £1 charge on top.
Internet cafes
There is a definite lack of internet cafes in the city centre. The new Zushi restaurant has an internet café which you can coincide with a quick snack, call 029 2066 9911 or email info@zushi-uk.com. Alternatively you can head for the Cyberlounge at 178 Whitchurch Road, Cathays. Visit www.the-cyberlounge.co.ukor call 029 2052 1800.
Gifts to buy
Crafts in the Bay (Lloyd George Avenue) has an unrivalled collection of quality handmade Welsh crafts, including baskets, jewellery, ceramics and pottery. Visit www.makersguildinwales.org.uk or call 2048 4611 for more information. You can also pick up Welsh souvenirs in Castle Welsh Crafts, (Castle Street) situated directly opposite Cardiff Castle. They sell traditional, intricately carved wooden Welsh love spoons, miners’ lamps, and T-shirts with Welsh emblems, and offer a mail order and delivery service.