Cardiff Airport Arrivals

Make your passage through Cardiff Airport as smooth as possible with a little preparation: check inbound flight times using the live feed on this page and read our guide to pick up a passenger from the airport with minimal fuss. If you’re not getting picked up, we’ve also listed the public transport options available, whether you’re travelling the short distance to a local town, or further afield.

Driving to Cardiff airport

If you agree to pick up a friend from the arrivals terminal, the first thing to do is plan your route to the airport. Cardiff airport is located close to Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, and is just 12 miles from Cardiff city centre and ten miles from junction 33 on the M4. It’s heavily signposted, and can be reached by exiting junction 33, and then following the A4232, A4050 and A4226.

For collecting inbound passengers, you should use the Eastern Approach, Port Road, to reach the designated pick-up area and Short-Stay car park.

Detailed driving instructions can be found on our directions to Cardiff airport page. The airport’s postcode is CF62 3BH, if you have sat nav, and the map below can also help you to find your way.

Parking for quick passenger pick-ups

You’re unlikely to need a long-stay car park when collecting someone from Cardiff airport, so the airport provides two designated pick-up areas, located conveniently closely to the terminal. Choose from the alternatives below:

• Priority Pick-Up – If you want to pick up your friend from right next to the terminal, without wasting a second, choose this option. It costs £1 for a 20-minute stay in the Short-Stay car park beside the terminal, and you’ll then be charged at the standard tariff*.
• Free Pick-Up – In Long-Stay car park 1 you can park for 20 minutes without paying a penny. It’s located a short walk from the terminal, or you can use the free shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes. After the 20 minutes you’ll be charged standard rates*.

*Prices shown correct as of August 28, 2013.

Choosing public transport

A wide range of popular public transport links are available at Cardiff airport, so there’s no need to feel left out if you’re not being picked up. From the arrivals terminal you’ll have easy access to buses and taxis, and the railway station isn’t far either.

Take your pick of the following public transport choices:

• Train. An inexpensive shuttle bus can take you to the nearest station – Rhoose Cardiff International Airport Station. From here you can catch an hourly train (every two hours on Sundays) to Cardiff Central and Bridgend.
• Bus. In front of the terminal building you’ll find bus pick-up points. The Cardiff Airport Express will take you to the city centre; services X91, and X5 (Sundays) run every two hours to Cardiff Central; and the 905 service goes to the Rhoose Cardiff International Airport Station.
• Taxi. Whether you’re travelling long or short distances, an official Checker Cars taxi can make your trip smooth and comfortable. The booking office is just outside the arrivals hall, or you can book in advance.