Cardiff City FC – Cardiff City Stadium
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
🔵 ABOUT THE CARDIFF CITY STADIUM
Cardiff City Stadium has been the home of Cardiff City Football Club since 2009, when the club moved from their beloved Ninian Park after 99 years. Located in Leckwith, approximately 2 miles southwest of Cardiff city centre, this modern 33,280-capacity stadium represented a new era for The Bluebirds whilst maintaining the fierce passion and identity that makes Cardiff special.
The purpose-built venue offers excellent facilities and sightlines, and whilst some fans miss the character of Ninian Park, the stadium has established itself as a formidable fortress with an intimidating atmosphere when Cardiff fans are in full voice.
Cardiff City – The Bluebirds – are Wales’ most successful football club and one of the most passionate in British football. Founded in 1899, Cardiff are the only non-English club to have won the FA Cup (1927, still the only time the trophy has left England), have won the Welsh Cup 22 times, and reached the League Cup Final in 2012. The famous blue shirts have been worn since the club’s earliest days (despite a controversial brief change to red under previous ownership), and the bluebird badge is iconic.
Cardiff supporters are fiercely loyal, incredibly passionate, and create one of the most intense atmospheres in the Championship. The South Wales derby against Swansea City is one of British football’s most heated rivalries. Under ambitious ownership, Cardiff continue to push for Premier League return whilst maintaining the traditions and identity that make the club special to its devoted fanbase.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 33,280 (all seated) |
| Opened | 2009 (15+ years at Cardiff City Stadium) |
| Away Section | Grange Stand (Upper Tier) |
| Away Allocation | 1,800-2,000 seats (can be increased to 3,000+ for big fixtures) |
| Record Attendance | 33,280 vs Liverpool (Premier League, 2018) |
🚗 GETTING TO THE CARDIFF CITY STADIUM
Cardiff City Stadium is located in Leckwith, approximately 2 miles southwest of Cardiff city centre. Cardiff Central station has excellent rail connections from across the UK. The stadium is accessible by bus, taxi, or walk from the city centre, and by car from the M4 motorway.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Cardiff City Stadium Address: Leckwith Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: Cardiff Central is Wales’ busiest station with excellent connections from London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, and across South Wales. From Cardiff Central, the stadium is approximately 2 miles – either a 35-40 minute walk, a short bus ride (service 17 or 18), or a 10-minute taxi journey. There’s also a matchday shuttle bus service.
Journey Times to Cardiff Central:
🔴 London Paddington: 2 hours (direct)
🟠 Bristol Temple Meads: 45 minutes (direct)
🟡 Birmingham New Street: 2 hours (direct)
🟢 Manchester Piccadilly: 3 hours 15 minutes (direct)
🔵 Swansea: 1 hour (direct)
🟣 Newport: 12 minutes (direct)
From Cardiff Central to Cardiff City Stadium:
Option 1 – Walk (35-40 minutes): Exit Cardiff Central, head south down St Mary Street/High Street, continue onto Cathedral Road, cross the River Taff, then follow Leckwith Road to stadium. Pleasant walk through Cardiff’s vibrant city centre.
Option 2 – Bus (15-20 minutes): Services 17 or 18 from the city centre towards Leckwith/Culverhouse Cross. Matchday shuttle buses also run from outside Cardiff Central station. Single fare approximately £2.
Option 3 – Taxi (10 minutes): £8-£12 from Cardiff Central. Taxis available outside the station.
🚗 BY CAR
Cardiff is easily accessible via the M4 motorway (Junction 33). Cardiff City Stadium has parking facilities, though matchday parking can be very busy and pre-booking is strongly recommended.
From Different Directions:
From the East (M4): Exit Junction 33, follow A4232 (Grangetown Link Road) towards Cardiff/Barry. Exit at Leckwith junction, follow signs for stadium.
From the West (M4): Exit Junction 33, follow A4232 towards Cardiff/Barry. Exit at Leckwith junction, stadium signposted.
From the North (A470): Follow A470 south into Cardiff, join A4232 towards Barry, exit at Leckwith junction.
From Cardiff City Centre: Head south on Cathedral Road, cross River Taff, continue on Leckwith Road directly to stadium.
🅿️ PARKING OPTIONS
Stadium Car Parks: Official car parks at Cardiff City Stadium. Cost £10-£15. Pre-booking ESSENTIAL through Cardiff City FC website – these sell out quickly for big matches.
Ninian Park Memorial Ground: Additional parking nearby at the old Ninian Park site. £8-£12, short walk to stadium.
City Centre Car Parks: Park in Cardiff city centre (NCP car parks, St David’s car park). £8-£15 for the day, then bus or walk to stadium. Less congested post-match.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN CARDIFF
Cardiff offers excellent accommodation options across all budgets. Staying in the city centre puts you close to Cardiff Central station, the nightlife, restaurants, and within easy reach of the stadium.
💷 BUDGET OPTIONS (£50-£80)
Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre
📍 Location: Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE (city centre, 5-min walk from station)
💰 Price: £60-£80 per night
✨ Why Stay: Reliable chain hotel, central location, comfortable rooms, good breakfast, walking distance to everything
🌐 Book: premierinn.com
Travelodge Cardiff Central
📍 Location: St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1GD (heart of city centre)
💰 Price: £50-£75 per night
✨ Why Stay: Budget-friendly, perfect location on main shopping street, clean and comfortable
🌐 Book: travelodge.co.uk
Ibis Budget Cardiff Centre
📍 Location: Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2DY (city centre)
💰 Price: £55-£75 per night
✨ Why Stay: Good value, modern rooms, central location, continental breakfast available
🌐 Book: ibis.com
💎 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£80-£130)
Park Plaza Cardiff
📍 Location: Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AL (city centre)
💰 Price: £90-£125 per night
✨ Why Stay: Modern 4-star hotel, excellent facilities, rooftop restaurant, spa and leisure centre
🌐 Book: parkplaza.com
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
📍 Location: St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1GD (city centre)
💰 Price: £85-£115 per night
✨ Why Stay: Contemporary hotel, brilliant location on main street, excellent restaurant and bar
🌐 Book: claytonhotels.com
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel
📍 Location: 24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0DD (near station)
💰 Price: £80-£110 per night
✨ Why Stay: Victorian townhouse hotel, characterful rooms, 5 minutes from Cardiff Central
🌐 Book: mercure.com
⭐ LUXURY OPTIONS (£130+)
St David’s Hotel & Spa
📍 Location: Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5SD
💰 Price: £150-£250 per night
✨ Why Stay: Cardiff’s finest 5-star hotel, stunning waterfront location, marine spa, Michelin-listed restaurant
🌐 Book: thestdavidshotel.com
Hilton Cardiff
📍 Location: Kingsway, Cardiff, CF10 3HH (city centre)
💰 Price: £140-£220 per night
✨ Why Stay: Upscale city centre hotel, excellent facilities, rooftop restaurant, leisure club
🌐 Book: hilton.com
voco St David’s Cardiff
📍 Location: Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5SD
💰 Price: £130-£200 per night
✨ Why Stay: Stylish boutique hotel, Cardiff Bay waterfront, contemporary design, excellent dining
🌐 Book: ihg.com
🍺 BEST PUBS & BARS FOR AWAY FANS
Cardiff has a brilliant pub scene, particularly in the city centre around St Mary Street and Mill Lane. Most away fans drink in the city centre before taking a bus or taxi to the stadium. Pubs near the ground are generally home fans only on matchdays.
🏙️ CITY CENTRE PUBS (SAFEST OPTIONS)
The Prince of Wales
📍 Location: St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FA (city centre)
🍺 What to Expect: Traditional Cardiff pub, good beer selection, lively atmosphere, popular with all fans
⭐ Why Visit: Central location, welcoming atmosphere, good pre-match pub
Tiny Rebel Cardiff
📍 Location: 25 Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DD (city centre)
🍺 What to Expect: Welsh craft brewery bar, excellent beers, modern atmosphere, great selection
⭐ Why Visit: Outstanding Welsh craft beer, friendly atmosphere, away fans welcome
The City Arms
📍 Location: 10-12 Quay Street, Cardiff, CF10 1EA (near stadium)
🍺 What to Expect: Traditional pub, excellent real ale selection, proper Cardiff pub, Brains beers
⭐ Why Visit: Quality ales, authentic atmosphere, popular pre-match choice
🍻 WETHERSPOON PUBS
The Gatekeeper
📍 Location: Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DD (city centre)
🍺 What to Expect: Large Wetherspoon pub, good value, spacious, popular with away fans
⭐ Why Visit: Reliable matchday choice, reasonable prices, central location
⚠️ AVOID IF YOU’RE AN AWAY FAN
Pubs immediately around Cardiff City Stadium (Leckwith area) are generally home fans only on matchdays. Best to stick to city centre pubs where the atmosphere is mixed and welcoming. The walk or bus from city centre is straightforward.
🍽️ WHERE TO EAT IN CARDIFF
Cardiff has a fantastic food scene with everything from traditional Welsh cuisine to international dining. The city centre, particularly around Mill Lane and Cardiff Bay, offers diverse options for all budgets.
🍴 RESTAURANTS & DINING
The Clink Restaurant
📍 Location: Knox Road, Cardiff, CF24 0TD (HMP Cardiff)
🍽️ Speciality: Fine dining, training restaurant in HMP Cardiff, excellent food, unique experience
💰 Price: £25-£40 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Outstanding food, brilliant social enterprise, book well ahead (lunch only)
Purple Poppadom
📍 Location: Upper Dock Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5AN
🍽️ Speciality: Modern Indian cuisine, Michelin Bib Gourmand, waterfront location
💰 Price: £25-£40 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Award-winning Indian food, beautiful setting, Cardiff Bay favourite
The Potted Pig
📍 Location: 27 High Street, Cardiff, CF10 1PU (city centre)
🍽️ Speciality: Modern British, nose-to-tail dining, former bank vault setting
💰 Price: £20-£35 per person
⭐ Why Visit: Unique atmospheric setting, excellent food, Cardiff institution
🍔 QUICK EATS & TAKEAWAY
Chippy Lane (Caroline Street)
📍 Location: Caroline Street, Cardiff, CF10 1FG (city centre)
🍟 Speciality: Late-night food street, multiple takeaways, fish & chips, kebabs, burgers
💰 Price: £5-£10
⭐ Why Visit: Cardiff institution, perfect post-match, legendary late-night food
Brewdog Cardiff
📍 Location: Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1DD
🍔 Speciality: Craft beer bar with excellent burgers, wings, loaded fries
💰 Price: £12-£20
⭐ Why Visit: Great beer, quality food, lively atmosphere, pre-match favourite
Grazing Shed
📍 Location: Wharton Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AG (Cardiff Market)
🥩 Speciality: Welsh beef burgers, steaks, quality meat
💰 Price: £8-£15
⭐ Why Visit: Outstanding burgers, Welsh produce, Cardiff Market gem
🎭 THINGS TO DO IN CARDIFF
Cardiff is Wales’ vibrant capital city with world-class attractions, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and Cardiff Bay’s stunning waterfront development. Whether visiting for a few hours or making a weekend of it, there’s plenty to explore.
🏛️ CARDIFF ATTRACTIONS
Cardiff Castle – MUST VISIT!
📍 Location: Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 3RB (city centre)
🏰 What to See: 2,000 years of history, Roman fort, Norman keep, Victorian Gothic revival interiors, spectacular castle in the heart of the city
💰 Entry: £15-£16
⭐ Why Visit: Cardiff’s iconic landmark, stunning architecture, fascinating history – absolutely essential!
National Museum Cardiff – FREE!
📍 Location: Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP (city centre)
🎨 What to See: World-class art collection, natural history, archaeology, one of Europe’s finest Impressionist collections
⏰ Opening: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, closed Mondays
⭐ Why Visit: FREE entry, outstanding collections, beautiful Civic Centre location
Cardiff Bay
📍 Location: Cardiff Bay, CF10 (2 miles from city centre)
🌊 What to See: Stunning waterfront, Wales Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, restaurants and bars, Senedd (Welsh Parliament)
⭐ Why Visit: Beautiful transformation of old docklands, brilliant restaurants, iconic modern architecture
🎪 MORE CARDIFF HIGHLIGHTS
Principality Stadium Tours
📍 Location: Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1NS (city centre)
🏉 What to See: Wales’ iconic rugby stadium, behind-the-scenes tour, players’ tunnel, changing rooms
💰 Entry: £14-£16
⭐ Why Visit: Incredible atmosphere even without a match, fascinating tour, Welsh rugby heritage
Cardiff Market
📍 Location: St Mary Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AU (city centre)
🛒 What to See: Victorian covered market, Welsh produce, cafés, independent traders
⭐ Why Visit: Authentic Cardiff experience, excellent food, beautiful Victorian architecture
St Fagans National Museum of History – FREE!
📍 Location: St Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6XB (4 miles from city centre)
🏡 What to See: Open-air museum, historic buildings from across Wales, living history, beautiful grounds
⭐ Why Visit: FREE entry, fascinating Welsh history, voted Europe’s best museum, perfect for families
💡 PRACTICAL MATCHDAY TIPS
🍺 Drink in City Centre: Safest option for away fans – The Prince of Wales, Tiny Rebel, or Wetherspoon pubs
🚌 Matchday Buses: Regular shuttle buses run from Cardiff Central to stadium – much easier than walking 2 miles
🏰 Visit Cardiff Castle: If arriving early, Cardiff Castle is RIGHT in the city centre – absolutely spectacular!
🏴THE CARDIFF EXPERIENCE
🏰 World-Class History: Cardiff Castle is extraordinary – 2,000 years of history in the heart of the city!
🌊 Cardiff Bay: Stunning waterfront transformation – brilliant restaurants, Wales Millennium Centre, beautiful setting
🍟 Chippy Lane: Caroline Street is Cardiff’s legendary late-night food destination – post-match tradition!
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏟️ Modern Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium is purpose-built with excellent facilities – significant upgrade from Ninian Park
💙 Passionate Support: Cardiff fans are incredibly passionate – “We’re Cardiff City, we’ll never be mastered!” echoes around the ground
🏆 FA Cup Glory: Only non-English club to win the FA Cup (1927) – the trophy has NEVER left England since!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Cardiff City Stadium is experiencing one of British football’s most passionate atmospheres. The Bluebirds’ supporters are fiercely loyal and create an intimidating environment for visiting teams – “We’re Cardiff City, we’ll never be mastered!” reverberates around the ground, and the intensity is genuine. Cardiff City are the only non-English club to have won the FA Cup (1927), a unique distinction that remains to this day as the trophy has never left England since.
The club’s history, from those glory days through financial difficulties and the controversial red shirt period, has only strengthened the bond between club and supporters. Under ambitious ownership and back in their traditional blue, Cardiff continue pushing for Premier League return whilst maintaining the identity that makes them special.
But Cardiff City Stadium is just the beginning of your Cardiff adventure. Wales’ capital city is brilliant – Cardiff Castle in the city centre is absolutely spectacular with 2,000 years of history from Roman fort to Victorian Gothic magnificence.
The National Museum Cardiff houses world-class art collections (including one of Europe’s finest Impressionist collections) and it’s completely FREE! Cardiff Bay’s waterfront transformation is stunning with excellent restaurants, the Wales Millennium Centre, and beautiful modern architecture.
The Principality Stadium dominates the city centre, a testament to Welsh rugby’s importance. St Fagans open-air museum showcases Welsh history across the centuries. And Cardiff’s food scene is excellent – from traditional Welsh cuisine to the legendary Chippy Lane (Caroline Street) for late-night takeaways.
The logistics work brilliantly – Cardiff Central has excellent connections from London, Bristol, Birmingham, and across the UK. From the station, it’s either a 40-minute walk through the vibrant city centre, a quick bus ride, or a short taxi to the stadium. Our advice? Get to Cardiff early, visit Cardiff Castle (absolutely essential!), explore the National Museum or Cardiff Bay, enjoy the brilliant pubs around St Mary Street and Mill Lane (Tiny Rebel for Welsh craft beer, The City Arms for traditional atmosphere), grab food at Cardiff Market or a proper meal, then take the matchday shuttle bus to the ground. After the match, Cardiff’s nightlife is excellent – head to Chippy Lane for the authentic Cardiff post-match experience!
Take the train to Cardiff Central, explore the magnificent castle, experience The Bluebirds’ passionate atmosphere, and discover why Wales’ capital city is one of Britain’s most underrated destinations!
💙 We’re Cardiff City, We’ll Never Be Mastered! 💙
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🏟️ Cardiff City FC: 0845 345 1400 | cardiffcityfc.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 0845 345 1400
🚌 Cardiff Bus: 029 2066 6444 | cardiffbus.com
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Cardiff: visitcardiff.com
💬 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Did this guide help you? Have you been to Cardiff City Stadium? Share your away day stories and tips!
Find us on social media: #CardiffCity #CityAsOne #AwayDays #Bluebirds #ChampionshipFootball #CCFC #FootballNonsense
📍 Part of the Football Nonsense Championship Away Days Collection
For more away day guides, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.