- The nearest train station to the Cardiff Half Marathon
- What to expect on race day
- Early trains for Cardiff Half Marathon runners
- Popular train routes to Cardiff (book early for best fares)
- How to find cheap train tickets
The Cardiff Half Marathon will take place on Sunday 5 October 2025, drawing more than 25,000 runners to the streets of the Welsh capital. The race begins at 10:00 outside Cardiff Castle, following a scenic course through Cardiff Bay and the Civic Centre before returning to the city centre - and we believe the train is the ideal way to begin your race, regardless of whether you’re running or cheering from the sidelines.
Photo by Jeremy Segrott
Road closures and heavier traffic are anticipated throughout the morning and early afternoon, so rail remains the most straightforward and reliable way to reach the event. Cardiff Central station lies within easy walking distance of the start area, and early services and well-timed long-distance connections allow participants and spectators to arrive unhurried and on schedule.
This guide outlines the nearest station, expected timings, early trains, principal routes from major cities, and practical booking advice, enabling you to plan your journey with confidence and enjoy the race day atmosphere, whether you are competing, supporting a runner, or visiting as a spectator.
The nearest train station to the Cardiff Half Marathon
Cardiff Central (CDF) is the primary gateway. It has frequent services from across Wales and the wider UK and sits 10–15 minutes on foot from Cardiff Castle and the finish area.
Cardiff Queen Street is also convenient for Valley Lines services and nearby districts, but Cardiff Central remains the best arrival point for most travellers.
Facilities at Cardiff Central include step-free access, ticket machines, waiting rooms, cafés, toilets, and multiple shops for last-minute supplies.
What to expect on race day
- Start time: 10:00. Plan to arrive before 09:00 to allow for road closures and crowding.
- Additional trains? Transport for Wales typically adds extra early and post-race services to meet demand.
- Possible disruptions: Check for engineering works and any rail-replacement buses on affected lines.
- Walking directions: It is approximately a 12-minute walk from Cardiff Central to the start; simply follow wayfinding and the crowds towards Cardiff Castle.
- Nearby attractions: Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, and the Principality Stadium are within a few minutes of the station, ideal if you are making a weekend of it.
Early trains for Cardiff Half Marathon runners
Following the pattern since 2024, early-bird departures (before 07:00) are expected on key routes so runners can arrive well ahead of the start. Typical origins include:
Most early services are timed to reach Cardiff before 09:00, giving a comfortable margin to drop bags and get to the pens. We’d advise you always recheck timetables closer to the date, though.
Photo by Gareth James
Popular train routes to Cardiff (book early for best fares)
- London → Cardiff: around 2 hours with Great Western Railway (from approx. £30).
- Birmingham → Cardiff: around 2 hours with CrossCountry or Transport for Wales (from approx. £25).
- Manchester → Cardiff: around 3 h 30 m with Transport for Wales (from approx. £35).
- Bristol → Cardiff: about 1 hour with GWR or TfW (from approx. £10).
- Swansea → Cardiff: about 1 hour with GWR or TfW (from approx. £8).
How to find cheap train tickets
- Book early: Advance fares typically appear around 12 weeks before travel and are cheaper when purchased sooner.
- Use a Railcard: Eligible passengers save up to one-third on most fares.
- Travel Off-Peak: Consider arriving the night before to avoid morning crowds and often pay less. Trip.com also offers hotel deals for weekend stays.
- Try Split Ticketing: Buying tickets for separate legs can occasionally undercut a through-fare on the same train.