TRAVEL – Getting here
For detailed information on reaching the Conference at the Millennium Centre see www.wmc.org.uk
For help planning your travel to and from Cardiff use this journey planner: www.traveline-cymru.info
Travel from airports.
Cardiff has its own Airport but not many planes fly there directly. It can be just as easy to fly direct to Gatwick or Heathrow and get the train to Cardiff. All of the airports have hire cars available.
Cardiff International Airport — www.cardiff-airport.com
There are several bus services that run into Cardiff City Centre including a bus/train service that will bring you to Cardiff Central. Check the times as there are not many services on Sundays. It costs around £30 to take a taxi.
Bristol Airport — www.bristolairport.co.uk/
Coaches now run from Bristol to Cardiff taking 1hr 40mins. Check the timetable though as they do not run all night. There is also a regular bus shuttle linking to Bristol rail station.
London Gatwick — www.gatwickairport.com
The train to Cardiff Central takes about 3.5 hours. The most straightforward route is to change trains in Reading and costs around £70-80. www.nationalrail.co.uk. Booking in advance and at off peak times can reduce the costs.
Some services go into London but these will require using the Underground.
National Express runs buses from Gatwick to Cardiff Bus station
The train to Cardiff Central takes just under 3 hours. There are several routes. The most straightforward service is to take the Heathrow Express to London Paddington and change to the Cardiff train. www.nationalrail.co.uk
London Heathrow — www.heathrowairport.com
The train to Cardiff Central takes just under 3 hours. There are several routes. The most straightforward service is to take the Heathrow Express to London Paddington and change to the Cardiff train. www.nationalrail.co.uk
RAILAIR – a coach service runs from Heathrow Central bus station and will take you to Reading Railway station in about an hour: www.railair.com. The route used to be run by the railway company but now it is best to order the train tickets for Reading to Cardiff separately from First Great Western Trains.
National Express runs buses from Heathrow to Cardiff Bus station.
Travelling by train
Cardiff has a good network of trains and is a relaxing way to travel, though not always the cheapest. For longer journeys e.g. to London, Bristol or Bath try to pre-book tickets for the best prices. Pre-booked tickets can be picked up at booths at most of the major stations. http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ has all of the train times and fares. Tickets are then bought from other providers. All of the different train companies can sell tickets for any of the train routes. If in doubt about how the various tickets work contact the Committee for advice.
Driving
The main access route through South Wales is the M4. Cardiff City centre can be reached from junction 33. See www.wmc.org.uk for detailed directions to the Conference centre.
Travelling over the Severn Bridge on the M4 from England currently costs £6.20.
