Cardiff away has become one of the most anticipated trips for many supporters. The Welsh capital has it all – passionate football fans, a lively city centre, and plenty of pubs and attractions to turn your away day into a proper adventure. Whether you’re heading down for a midweek fixture under the lights or a weekend clash at the Cardiff City Stadium, here’s your complete guide to making the most of Cardiff away.

---

Getting There

Reaching Cardiff is fairly straightforward, especially if you’re coming from England’s larger cities.

• By Train: Cardiff Central station is well connected, with direct services from London Paddington (around 2 hours), Birmingham (2 hours), Manchester (3 hours 20), and Bristol (50 minutes). From Cardiff Central, the stadium is about a 25-minute walk or a short train hop to Ninian Park station. Taxis and buses are also easy options.
• By Car: The M4 runs right into Cardiff, making driving relatively simple. Exit at Junction 33 and follow signs for the Cardiff City Stadium. There’s parking at the ground for around £10, as well as unofficial car parks nearby, but spaces fill up quickly. Residential street parking is limited and often patrolled, so be careful where you leave your car.
• By Coach: Most official away travel coaches drop you in the away fans’ car park by the ground, making it one of the easiest and safest ways to travel. National Express also runs regular services into Cardiff if you’re staying over.

---

Where to Drink

Cardiff is one of the best cities in the UK for pre-match drinking. The centre is packed with pubs, bars, and clubs, all within walking distance of the station.

• City Centre Pubs: If you’re arriving by train, the centre is your best bet. The Great Western (a large Wetherspoons near the station) is a popular choice, while Walkabout and The Prince of Wales are often packed with football fans. Tiny Rebel Cardiff offers craft beer if you fancy something different.
• Close to the Ground: The pubs directly around the Cardiff City Stadium are mainly for home fans, so it’s best to enjoy your pre-match pints in the city centre and head down closer to kick-off. The Lansdowne, about a 15-minute walk from the stadium, has been known to welcome away fans.
• Alternative Option: Many away fans make a day of it by arriving early and enjoying Cardiff Bay, which has plenty of pubs and restaurants overlooking the water.

---

The Ground: Cardiff City Stadium

Opened in 2009, the Cardiff City Stadium is a modern, all-seater ground with a capacity of just over 33,000.

• Away Section: Travelling fans are housed in one corner of the Ninian Stand, usually accommodating around 1,800 supporters. For bigger games, allocations can rise. Views are generally good, and the acoustics mean you can really get the away end bouncing.
• Facilities: Like most new grounds, facilities are modern. The concourses are spacious, there are plenty of toilets, and food options include pies, burgers, hot dogs, and pasties. There are also alcohol sales inside the stadium, though these can sometimes be restricted depending on the fixture.

---

Food Options

Cardiff is a brilliant city for food – whether you’re after a quick bite before kick-off or a meal to soak up the pints afterwards.

• City Centre: You’ll find everything from chains like Nando’s and Five Guys to independent spots. Cardiff Market is a great shout if you’re there earlier in the day, with local street food stalls serving everything from Welsh cakes to curries.
• Near the Ground: Options around the stadium itself are limited compared to the centre, but there are a few chip shops and takeaways within walking distance. Many fans eat in town and then head down to the ground.
• Something Local: If you’re staying overnight, don’t miss out on trying traditional Welsh dishes. Cawl (a lamb and vegetable stew) or bara brith (a sweet fruit loaf) are Cardiff classics.

---

Making a Weekend of It

Cardiff is one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, so if your fixture lands on a Saturday, it’s well worth staying over.

• Nightlife: Cardiff’s nightlife is famous. St Mary Street and Mill Lane are packed with pubs and bars, while Greyfriars Road has plenty of clubs for those who want to make a night of it.
• Cardiff Bay: A short taxi ride from the centre, Cardiff Bay is perfect for a more relaxed evening, with bars and restaurants overlooking the water.
• Sightseeing: If you’re making a family trip, Cardiff Castle, right in the middle of town, is well worth a visit. The Principality Stadium is also an iconic landmark, and if you’re lucky you might catch a rugby game while you’re there.

---

Away Day Tips

• Check the Train Times: Trains back to England can get very busy after games, especially on Saturdays, so plan ahead.
• Stick to the Centre Pre-Match: Away fans are best off enjoying the pubs in town before heading to the stadium.
• Arrive Early if Driving: The M4 can be a nightmare on matchdays, and parking is limited.
• Enjoy the Atmosphere: Cardiff fans are passionate, and the atmosphere inside the ground can be electric, especially for big games. Keep the banter light-hearted and you’ll enjoy it even more.

---

Final Whistle

Cardiff away is one of the standout trips of the season. The city is lively, welcoming, and full of great pubs and food spots. The Cardiff City Stadium is modern and comfortable, and while it might lack some of the character of older grounds, it delivers a cracking away day atmosphere when the away end is in full voice.

Whether you’re singing your heart out from the Ninian Stand, soaking up the pints on St Mary Street, or making a weekend of it with some sightseeing, Cardiff away ticks every box. Pack your scarf, plan your route, and get ready for one of the best away trips in the league.