We’ve picked out all the key travel information for fans heading to the Principality Stadium to watch the Wales v Japan match on Saturday
Fans will be gearing up for the Welsh International team’s next match at the Principality(Image: Ceri Breeze via Getty Images)
The Welsh international rugby team will return to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this Saturday hoping to improve on last week’s performance as they continue their autumn international campaign.
Wales are set to face Japan on Saturday, November 15, in the second of their four autumn fixtures in the capital. Steve Tandy’s squad will also take on New Zealand and South Africa on November 22 and November 29 respectively.
As is customary on major matchdays travel in and around the Welsh capital is expected to be extremely busy. Cardiff Council has confirmed a series of full road closures will be in place ahead of kick-off to ensure the safety of supporters and smooth event operations.
The council has issued comprehensive travel advice, including a list of recommended city centre car parks while a number of private parking facilities will also be open to fans. Don’t miss a rugby story, sign up for our newsletter.
Motorists are advised that the M4 is likely to experience heavy congestion. Supporters are encouraged to make use of the park and ride service operating from the Vindico Arena car park in International Drive, Cardiff Bay (postcode CF11 0JS), to help reduce traffic in the city centre.
For those travelling by public transport both Transport for Wales (TfW) and Great Western Railway (GWR) have announced additional rail services will run before and after the match to accommodate the surge in passengers.
Here’s everything you need to know about travel arrangements for fans heading to Wales v Japan on Saturday, November 15.
Road closures
The kick-off is scheduled for 5.40pm and a full city centre road closure will be in effect from 1.30pm until 10pm to ensure the safe movement of ticket holders.
From 7am on matchdays Scott Road and Park Street will be closed due to preparations at gate five and to safeguard queuing fans. The following roads will also be closed as part of the full city centre road closure from from 1.30pm until 10pm:
Kingsway from its junction with North Road to its junction with Duke Street.Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street.Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted via Fitzhamon Embankment).Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted).Station Terrace and Guildford Street, from the junction with Newport Road to the junction with Churchill Way, will be accessible only for buses during the times of the road closures. This is to ensure reliable access for buses to the satellite points in Churchill Way.
The following roads will be entirely closed: Duke Street, Castle Street, High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street, and Scott Road.
Penarth Road will be shut for safety reasons 30 minutes before the game ends and up to an hour after the final whistle to accommodate train passengers arriving at and departing from the station.
On matchday access to parts of the Civic Centre will be regulated with entry permitted only for event parking, limited commuter parking, loading, and access to private car parks. The roads affected include King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road, and Gorsedd Gardens Road.
Train services
Train operators have confirmed additional services to and from Cardiff Central for the autumn international series. GWR will operate extra trains between Cardiff and Swansea, Newport, Bristol, and London. All trains will require reservations so customers are advised to book seats in advance to avoid disappointment.
TfW has stated it will provide extra capacity where possible on routes in and out of Cardiff for all four autumn international fixtures. Journey planning systems have been updated to reflect the additional services.
Post-event queues for mainline rail services will be located in Central Square and queues for Valleys services will be at the back of the station. Cardiff Queen Street will shut at 7pm except for accessible access and passengers wishing to travel to Cardiff Bay.
Revenue checks will be conducted before and after the event at Cardiff Central so ensure you’ve bought your rail ticket prior to joining a queue. Pay As You Go is available on TfW and CrossCountry services across the South Wales Metro network.
The bus interchange will also shut in accordance with the full road closure from 1.30pm to 10pm.
Park and ride services
Event park and ride facilities will be situated at the car park by the Vindico Arena in the Sports Village, Cardiff Bay, CF11 0JS. The city centre drop-off point is Callaghan Square.
For the game against Japan the car park will open at 10am with the first bus at 10.30am. The last bus will leave the city centre at 8.30pm with the car park closing at 10pm.
The cost is £15. Cash only.
Parking (cars and coaches)
Event day parking at the Civic Centre (cars and coaches) will cost £20 for cars and £30 for coaches payable on the day. Card payments are now accepted.
The car park will open at 8am and close at midnight.
Event day parking at Sophia Gardens will cost £20 for cars and £30 for coaches payable on the day. Card payments are now accepted.
The car park will be open from 8am until midnight.
Please be aware that Sophia Gardens car park will be manned until 7pm with all vehicles left on site at the owner’s risk. Cardiff Council will not accept responsibility for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal belongings.
Any vehicles remaining in the car park after closing time will incur a fine.
Bus
Bus services will be rerouted due to city centre road closures. For more information about specific bus routes please visit the relevant bus operator’s website.
National Express coaches will continue to use Sophia Gardens as normal.
Cycling and walking
The cycle paths and temporary cycle lanes within the road closure area will stay open for cyclists during the event. However, due to the anticipated crowd attending the rugby match, Cardiff Council urges all cyclists to exercise caution.
The road closures apply to all motor vehicles but not to pedal bicycles.
Shopping parking
City centre car parks are also available: North Road car parks, St David’s Shopping Centre, John Lewis, Capitol Shopping Centre, and NCP (Adam Street, Dumfries Place, and Greyfriars Road.)
Disabled parking
Sophia Gardens is recommended for disabled drivers. Disabled parking is also available at various private car parks.
Please check individual websites for availability.
Taxis
The taxi rank in St Mary Street, outside the House of Fraser building, will be closed from 9.30am and will reopen in line with the road closures for each event.
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