Getting around Cardiff

Public transport

Cardiff Bus, (tel: +44 29 2066 6444; www.cardiffbus.com) owned by Cardiff council, is the main provider of services in and around the city. Buses run from 0500-2300. There are no night buses. You need to carry exact change to pay your fare.

Visitors can buy an iff card, a smartcard that can be loaded with money for single journeys or daily, monthly or weekly passes. You can also download the iff app, buy electronic tickets, and show your phone to pay your fare. A regular bendy bus service runs from the city centre to Cardiff Bay seven days a week.

First (tel: +44 871 200 2233; www.firstgroup.com/south-west-wales) operates regional bus services. A FirstDay pass, available on the bus, permits one day of unlimited travel on all First local buses (except shuttle services) within South Wales.

Local train services are run by Arriva Trains Wales (tel: +44 3333 211 202; www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk), which operate 0500-0030 on weekdays, starting later at the weekend and on public holidays.

Taxis

You can hail black and white taxis on the street in the city centre. There are taxi ranks at Cardiff Central Station as well as Wood Street, St Mary Street and Greyfriars Road. Taxi companies include Dragon Taxis (tel: +44 29 2033 3333) and Capital Cabs (tel: +44 29 207 7777). Cardiff Boat Tours (tel: 07445 440 874) runs commuter services between Cardiff Bay and the city centre.

Driving

Driving is relatively straightforward in Cardiff. There are park and ride services from the south, east and west, and pay-and-display car parks run by Cardiff City Council in the city centre. These include Castle Mews Car Park on North Road and Sophia Gardens Car Park on Lower Cathedral Road. Parking is also available at Havannah Street Car Park in Cardiff Bay.

Car hire

You usually have to be at least 21 years old to hire a car. Many companies apply a surcharge for drivers under 25. Overseas drivers may need an International Driving Permit if their licence isn't in English. City-based car hire companies include Avis (tel: +44 844 544 6047; www.avis.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: +44 29 2022 4548; www.hertz.co.uk).

Bicycle hire

Cardiff is a great city for cyclists. Popular routes include the leafy Taff Trail and Lloyd George Avenue, which link the city centre to Cardiff Bay. Bike hire is available from from Pedal Power, off Dogo Street (tel: +44 29 2039 0713; www.cardiffpedalpower.org), or Cardiff Bay Cardiff Cycle Tours, NosDa Hostel, Despenser Street (tel: +44 7500 564 389; www.cardiffcycletours.com).

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Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Novotel Cardiff Centre

Located in central Cardiff, near the Millennium Stadium, this hotel has 138 stylish and comfortable bedrooms, all decorated in neutral colours and natural pastels. The hotel also has an indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool. The Elements Restaurant and Bar downstairs offers good food and drinks.

Jolyons

This is a lovely boutique hotel located on Cardiff's oldest Georgian terrace, right in front of the new Millennium Centre and around the corner from the city's revamped waterfront area. Rooms (all non-smoking) are individually designed with solid furniture, exquisite linen and good lighting. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar with Wi-Fi access available in all rooms.

Hilton Cardiff

The central, modern 5-star Cardiff Hilton has 197 elegant bedrooms and suites, many with spectacular views across the city and over Cardiff Castle. There is also an award-winning restaurant, Razzi, as well as a bar, a health club, gym and spa and a 20m (66ft) pool. The staff's attentiveness has been acknowledged with tourism awards, while each room comes with soft beds, large LED TVs and lovely bathrooms.

The Big Sleep

Set in a converted 1960 office block, this high-rise Cardiff hotel offers simple yet funky modern retro décor and accommodation that channels minimalist chic but stays reasonably priced. This, in other words, is a design hotel for budget travellers. There are 81 comfortable rooms, all with ensuite bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. Some rooms offer spectacular views.

The St David's Hotel & Spa

Located in the Cardiff Bay area only five minutes from the city centre the stylish 5-star St David's (part of the Principal Hotels chain) has 132 well-equipped guest bedrooms (including 20 suites) all with private balconies and splendid views across the bay. The hotel also boasts excellent spa facilities. There are good conference services and plenty of dining options too including an award-winning restaurant.

Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff North

Perched on the fringes of Cardiff city centre, the Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff North is a clean and classy budget choice with 132 rooms. All come with large LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and access to the on-site gym. The hotel also has a lounge area offering light snacks during the day and a Bar and Grill for a more relaxed dinner or late night drink.

Introducing Cardiff

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