Cardiff central parking

[mazdajason]

Afternoon,

Getting in here early and looking for advice on parking in Cardiff relatively close to the city centre or easy access from Bristol. Reason being, I'm flying into Bristol in November for the rugby, picking up a rental and heading through to Cardiff for the match. I'll drive through early on the Saturday morning (pre 10am), park the car and spend the day seeing Cardiff before going to the rugby late afternoon. Then head for something to eat after the match and then drive back to Bristol around 10pm or later hopefully having missed the majority of the traffic.

So locals, where would be sensible in price and location? Thanks.

[SwanJack]

Park on the outskirts, somewhere just off junction 32 in North Cardiff. Taxi in and out. Cardiff is a nightmare on match days.

[SantaBarbara]

An alternative option would be to get the train

[mazdajason]

Is it really that bad? Even 3-4 hours after the match? I'll maybe have to rethink my driving and parking strategy or park right on the outskirts.

[SwanJack]

SantaBarbara said:

An alternative option would be to get the train

Ever seen Cardiff Central on a match day?

[Sargeant Orange]

Just avoid North road and you'll be ok traffic wise. Plenty of options on the outskirts though - personally I'd go down the docks way and park up in the bay somewhere. 20 minute stroll in

[elanfan]

A little hard to explain directions but if you'll have satnav come off the M4 at Cardiff Gate Junction 30 and head to Lisvane and Thornhill station. Plenty of free parking and around £3 for a day return into the centre of Cardiff (get off at Queen Street rather than Central) it's an 8 minute journey! Not sure what time the trains stop at night but there's actually a nice pub very near Thornhill station that does nice food (The Old Cottage) if you wanted to come out of town earlier. Check what time they finish taking orders.

[mazdajason]

Thanks for all your suggestions, I'll look into them all

[52classic]

One further suggestion....... Phone Firestorm Games. They have a massive car park in Trade Street which is the perfect location for the stadium.
See what sort of deal you can do!

[hornetrider]

I think there's also a matchday park and ride at Cardiff City stadium, down off J33.

[mazdajason]

hornetrider said:

I think there's also a matchday park and ride at Cardiff City stadium, down off J33.

Would the park and ride not stop an hour or 2 after the game finishes though? Chances are it'll be closer to midnight before I'm heading back to the car.

[hornetrider]

mazdajason said:

hornetrider said:

I think there's also a matchday park and ride at Cardiff City stadium, down off J33.

Would the park and ride not stop an hour or 2 after the game finishes though? Chances are it'll be closer to midnight before I'm heading back to the car.

Not sure entirely. This was for a late kick off, although I think it's the same for all games.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-new...

The Park & Ride operating from Cardiff city stadium

You can access the park and ride facility by getting off the M4 at junction 33.

It will cost £10 if you pay on the day, or £8 if you pre-book through www.parkjockey.com/principality-stadium

Staff will be at the car park from 11.30am, opening at midday, with the first bus leaving at 12.30pm.

The last bus will leave the pick-up point at 11.30pm before the car park closes at midnight.

[hornetrider]

Your other choice of course is to leave the car in Bristol Patchway (not Parkway) and get the train straight to Cardiff Central. Last train leaves Cardiff late-ish.

[phil_cardiff]

I'd drive into the centre if you're coming in by 10am and leaving a few hours after the match. You can park for free in Riverside if you're a bit brave or pay for more secure parking somewhere in the centre. Your biggest challenge is getting something decent to eat after the game. I'd book now if you can.

The train is a terrible idea on match day.

[mazdajason]

phil_cardiff said:

I'd drive into the centre if you're coming in by 10am and leaving a few hours after the match. You can park for free in Riverside if you're a bit brave or pay for more secure parking somewhere in the centre. Your biggest challenge is getting something decent to eat after the game. I'd book now if you can.

The train is a terrible idea on match day.

I've just found that out as I thought I'd book a restaurant for food and they are either full or wont return my call... Any recommendations that are reasonable walking distance from the stadium that I should try?

[mazdajason]

Found a restaurant, booked in to Rye and Barley which looks close to the stadium. Parking to pre book if possible and we are good to go!

[framerateuk]

5-10 mins walk (Depending on your entrance).

In case you haven't seen the warnings, don't take bags with you on the day. They've upped the stadium security and everyone is being searched. They've said that no-one should bring bags or it'll just end up with more delays.