We are heading down to Cardiff on Saturday for what will be my first visit, I was wondering what is the best route/parking and where do fans tend to congregate before the game?

Also, I am considering driving down half way on Friday night and stopping over. Any recommendations for where to do so?

Thanks in advance.

Bump

I have always stayed in Cardiff itself, quite quick to get there if you go down the M50 off the M5.

Game days I have good myself gathering at either the Walkabout or the bars of St Mary's St, which has quite a few options. Wether spoons and the usual suspects, as well as some local boozers. There is an NCP car park near the station (5-10mins walk from the stadium)

I'd look at the offical RLWC Cardiff page: www.rlwc2013.com/millennium_stadium_cardiff There's a park and ride on the west of Cardiff (near the football ground) that they are advising fans to use. Some of the city centre roads get closed off for large events, so driving / parking in the centre might be an issue. There is parking at the St David's Centre (main shopping area) which is quite close, but is generally busy enough on weekends usually. Not sure how wise you are in travelling Friday if you haven't already booked accomodation, but you'll no doubt be able to get something in the surrounding area. Its also worth noting that rail services from London/Bristol to Cardiff are disrupted due to works on the Severn Tunnel, so are replaced by buses, running between Bristol & Newport (this will increase journey time).

I'd look at the offical RLWC Cardiff page: www.rlwc2013.com/millennium_stadium_cardiff There's a park and ride on the west of Cardiff (near the football ground) that they are advising fans to use. Some of the city centre roads get closed off for large events, so driving / parking in the centre might be an issue. There is parking at the St David's Centre (main shopping area) which is quite close, but is generally busy enough on weekends usually. Not sure how wise you are in travelling Friday if you haven't already booked accomodation, but you'll no doubt be able to get something in the surrounding area. Its also worth noting that rail services from London/Bristol to Cardiff are disrupted due to works on the Severn Tunnel, so are replaced by buses, running between Bristol & Newport (this will increase journey time).

It's a conspiracy I tell ya !!


The first minister has criticised Network Rail over the closure of the Severn Tunnel during two major events in Cardiff.

The tunnel will close for maintenance work on the same weekend as the opening ceremony for the Rugby League World Cup, and the Womex music festival.

Speaking to BBC's Sunday Politics Wales programme, Carwyn Jones said Network Rail had not consulted the Welsh government over the closure.

Network Rail said it was vital work.

But Mr Jones said: "They've got form on this. It's an important point here - when we've got events in Cardiff, why do maintenance work on the Severn Tunnel when those events are taking place?

Network Rail added it had assured the organisers of the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup that it would not schedule any disruptive work during the period the tournament was on at the Millennium Stadium.

In all fairness to Network Rail the dates of this were notified two years ago.

To top it off First Great Western (& Arriva Trains Wales) are suspending their GroupSave tickets (4 adults travel together for the price of 2) for the RLWC date too ! Albeit they do this for other major event also: www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_far ... 48462.aspx

To top it off First Great Western (& Arriva Trains Wales) are suspending their GroupSave tickets (4 adults travel together for the price of 2) for the RLWC date too ! Albeit they do this for other major event also: www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_far ... 48462.aspx

Thanks, park and ride sounds like the best bet.

[urlhttp://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=2870%2C4048%2C4195&id=9163[/url

This is another Park & Ride that is easier to get to than the one by the football stadium. Its also on the east side of Cardiff where most folk will be coming in from. As a resident of Cardiff I would suggest this one over the other, the traffic by the football stadium I always find to be not the best, and this one is right on the link road that joins onto the M4.

Otherwise there is a cheap multistory on [url=http://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/cardiff-pellett-streetPellett Street[/url which I use most weeks and will cost £6 max for the day and is within easy walking distance to to the stadium. Also there is an open air pay and display one right next door, but I have never used that so I cannot tell you the cost there.

Isn't the last bus for the east side park & ride around 1830, which is tight given the Wales game kicks off at 1630 ?

Its 7pm, which should be do-able if you go straight from the stadium to the bus. Also, that Park & Ride is £3 not the £6 that the suggested one is. I mentioned the multi-storey as an alternative with no time issues.

Might give that a go. I'm only travelling from Magor, and usually park on the NCP at Westgate St , which is expensive, but convenient for the shops ( I hate queuing for St David's Centre parking), however I'm guessing the roads that close to the stadium might be closed on Saturday?

That NCP is really expensive £18.20 for anything up to 24 hours, while Pellett Street is £6 for the same time. Crazy!

Useful thread as we'll be driving over from the east of England. Will try the park and ride depending on what time I make it over there.

Sorted out train tickets on the weekend fairly easy. Manchester to Cardiff direct for £40~ - with railcard, tho.

Will try the Pellett Street car park, hopefully there will be some spaces left by the time we get there. Will access be affected by any road closures anywhere?

Free Parking

Head towards Cathedral Road (follow signs to the SWALEC Stadium/Sophia Gardens) and there is usually spaces to be found even on RU international days.

Pay To Parik

There are lots of spaces around the University where it is a fiver to park all day and a short walk past the Castlr and your a the ground,.


As the ground is bang in the city centre there are pubs all arround it and on non match days the best is the Queens Vaults opposite the ground but no doubt it will be rammed on Saturday though they will open a bottle bar as well as the normal bar so getting served might not be so bad.

Free Parking

Head towards Cathedral Road (follow signs to the SWALEC Stadium/Sophia Gardens) and there is usually spaces to be found even on RU international days.

Pay To Parik

There are lots of spaces around the University where it is a fiver to park all day and a short walk past the Castlr and your a the ground,.


As the ground is bang in the city centre there are pubs all arround it and on non match days the best is the Queens Vaults opposite the ground but no doubt it will be rammed on Saturday though they will open a bottle bar as well as the normal bar so getting served might not be so bad.

The road closures will not affect that part of the centre. When I park there even on rugby union international day there are still spaces left at midday when I leave. Best of luck.

cheers for that

Due to a change in circumstances I am now travelling down tomorrow, so Wetherspoons Newport currently have one double room available for 49 pounds - doubt it will be available for long though - book online or ring 01633 844900

Great to see many fans of the RLWC visiting my local pub tonight, The Wheatsheaf in Magor.

just wanted to say this car park was a great shout - it even gave me too much change back when I came to pay, so had the whole day for £3!

Much Appreciated