Trains to Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay boasts one of the most spectacular views in the UK, overlooking the stunning freshwater lake with the Welsh Capital as the backdrop. What once was a thriving dockland exporting famous Welsh coal to the rest of the world is now a vibrant waterfront filled with an array of attractions drawing in locals and visitors alike. 

Catch a train to Cardiff Bay with CrossCountry to discover more about Cardiff’s industrial history and bustling modern culture. 

How to get to Cardiff Bay by train

Cardiff Bay is located just outside of the centre of Cardiff next to the Cardiff Docks, making it easily accessible with CrossCountry. 

Catching a train to Cardiff Bay with CrossCountry is simple, with popular direct services to Cardiff Central from Birmingham and York. 

Cardiff Bay takes just under forty minutes to walk to from Cardiff Central station, which is ideal to take in all of the city sights. If you’re looking to save the walking for when you get there, there is also a direct bus that takes just under ten minutes or a direct train running from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay. 

A visit to Cardiff Bay is the perfect opportunity to extend your stay and explore more of the Welsh capital. If you’re travelling from further afield, it is worth taking a look at where to stay in Cardiff, as there are a number of quality hotels near Cardiff Bay to take advantage of. 

Things to do at Cardiff Bay

Cardiff Bay offers a wide range of activities for all visitors. Whether you want to soak in the waterfront surroundings at your own pace or take part in leisure activities – like outdoor dining or boat trips – there’s something for anyone and everyone.  

One great way to venture through Cardiff with a unique vantage point is a trip with These ninety-minute tours give visitors the chance to experience Cardiff from the water, complete with recorded commentary that brings the city’s history to life. The company is family-run by two experienced skippers, who are deeply knowledgeable about the area and go the extra mile to ensure that each guest enjoys themselves. 

There are plenty of eye-catching buildings that surround the bay, but one of the most striking is the Wales Millennium Centre. This sprawling centre is home to many creative institutions, including the BBC National Orchestra as well as the Welsh National Opera. 

Not only that, but it is also the largest theatre stage in Europe, which is why there are so many world-class performances on show throughout the year, such as musicals, ballet, and stand-up comedy. Whether you’re visiting with friends or with little ones, there are performances to amaze any audience. 

For anyone who wants to get up close to the famous Welsh landmarks dotted along Cardiff Bay, the Cardiff Bay Trail is a great activity. One of the many free things to do in Cardiff, the Cardiff Bay Trail is ideal for pedestrians and cyclists who want to experience the bay at their own pace, with plenty of charming cafes and restaurants along the way. 

About Cardiff Bay

To really understand the rich history of Cardiff, we can look to the story of Cardiff Bay. Once a small village, the area was transformed during the Industrial Revolution and Cardiff Docks became a bustling commercial hub.  

At the start of the 20th Century, Cardiff was well known for its coal exports, stretching out to all corners of the globe. When the coal exports started to decline decades later, Cardiff Bay took on a whole new identity, but this historical trade has helped Cardiff become the sprawling metropolitan city it is known as today. 

Cardiff Bay in the 21st Century still tells the story of its past, but with large-scale investments to redevelop the area, it has been transformed into a spectacular waterfront attraction. There are plenty of places to eat in Cardiff Bay, with countless restaurants that have breathtaking views of the city and bay. The Mermaid Quay has a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment venues that cater to all tastes, from Chans Noodle Bar to Las Iguanas, The Mermaid Quay has you covered. 

If you’re planning on visiting Cardiff Bay, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.