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CWL

Cardiff Wales Airport

Cardiff Wales Airport is the national airport of Wales, located 12 miles south-west of Cardiff city centre near Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan. It is the only major airport in Wal...

✈ 1.5 million (2023) passengers 🛫 1 runway 📅 Est. 1942 🏢 Welsh Government
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Cardiff Airport Parking

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💡 Parking tip: Cardiff has on-airport car parks. As a smaller airport, options are more limited than at larger hubs but parking is generally well priced. Pre-book to secure the best rates.

About Cardiff Wales Airport

Cardiff Wales Airport is the national airport of Wales, located 12 miles south-west of Cardiff city centre near Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan. It is the only major airport in Wales and serves a range of European destinations, primarily leisure routes operated by Tui, Ryanair and Vueling. The Welsh Government purchased the airport in 2013 to secure its long-term future.

Terminals

Single terminal (all airlines)

⚠️ One terminal. The only major airport in Wales. Owned directly by the Welsh Government since 2013.

History

Cardiff Airport was built as RAF Rhoose in 1942 and transferred to civilian use after World War II. It grew as a leisure airport through the 1960s and 70s, handling charter flights to Mediterranean destinations. Abertis sold the airport to the Welsh Government in 2013 for £52 million after a period of declining passenger numbers. Significant investment has followed including a new air traffic control tower and terminal improvements.

Fast facts

Wales' only major airport
The national airport of Wales
Government owned
Owned by the Welsh Government since 2013
Check-in advice
2 hours before departure
Wi-Fi
Free throughout
📍 Nearby: Rhoose village is 1 mile north. Barry is 4 miles east. Cardiff city centre 12 miles north-east. Vale of Glamorgan coast is adjacent.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travelling with children: Cardiff Wales Airport is a small, uncomplicated airport that families often find less stressful than larger hubs. Baby changing facilities available. Worth arriving with extra time as facilities are more limited than at larger airports.

Getting to Cardiff Airport

T9 Flyer bus
Express service to Cardiff Central station. Around 40 minutes.
Cardiff Airport Rail link
Train station at Rhoose Cardiff International Airport — services to Cardiff Central.
Taxi
Cardiff city centre approx £30–40.
Airport info
IATA code CWL
City Cardiff
Passengers 1.5 million (2023)
Runways 1 runway
Terminals 1
Founded 1942
Official website →
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