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International student guide

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Getting ready to move to Cardiff

Guide to Cardiff

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Travel and transport

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Everything is within walking or cycling distance and with great public transport options, like buses and trains, getting around the city and beyond is a breeze. Cardiff makes it easy to balance studying, socialising and exploring!
Here are some options you may find useful to know about when exploring the city.

Much of Cardiff’s city centre is pedestrian-friendly, so it’s easy to get around on foot. The scenic waterfront at Cardiff Bay is just a short, pleasant walk from the city centre, offering stunning views and plenty to discover. For those who love a good stroll, why not venture along one of Cardiff’s many traffic-free footpaths? A must-try is the breathtaking <a href="https://www.visitcardiff.com/highlights/taff-trail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taff Trail</a>, which runs for nearly 60 miles from Cardiff Bay and winds its way through picturesque landscapes to Brecon.

Cardiff’s flat, compact layout makes it a dream to explore on two wheels. The city is bike-friendly, with plenty of bike racks dotted around the centre and fantastic cycle paths. Don’t have your own bike? <a href="https://www.visitcardiff.com/highlights/pedal-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pedal Power</a> has you covered. Their highly accessible bikes cater to everyone and can be rented from convenient locations in Pontcanna, near the city centre, and Cardiff Bay. Cycling around Cardiff has never been easier – or more enjoyable.

Cardiff’s 20 railway stations, part of the South Wales Metro, make getting around easy. Cardiff Central and Queen Street are the main hubs, with a shuttle train to Cardiff Bay and services to Cathays, Ninian Park and Llandaff. From Cardiff Central, you can also reach the Vale of Glamorgan, South West Wales and beyond.

<a href="https://www.cardiffbus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff Bus</a> offers an extensive network across the city and nearby areas like Penarth and Barry, with contactless or exact cash payments accepted. <a href="https://www.stagecoachbus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stagecoach</a> connects Cardiff to Caerphilly, Tongwynlais and the Valleys, while <a href="https://www.adventuretravel.cymru/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adventure Travel</a> provides additional local services.

Licensed black cabs are available at designated taxi ranks, or you can book a ride with private companies like <a href="https://www.veezu.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veezu</a>, one of Cardiff’s most popular options. Be sure to confirm the estimated fare with the driver before starting your journey. Uber operates in Cardiff, making it easy to book a ride with just a few taps.

Cardiff is easy to get around. If you're looking to explore the city on your own terms, you'll find plenty of car rental options to choose from. Well-known companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget and Europcar offer convenient pick-up locations at both Cardiff Airport and just a short walk from the city centre, making it easy to hit the road and discover the city's hidden gems.

For a fun way to travel between Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay, hop on the waterbus. From the City Centre, you'll find the waterbus stop in Bute Park, near the West Gate entrance and the Holiday Inn hotel and, from Cardiff Bay, the dock right in front of Mermaid Quay and the iconic Pierhead building. It’s a scenic and memorable way to see the city from the water.

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The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama attracts the best creative talent from across the globe. As Wales’ national conservatoire, we fire imagination and drive innovation, offering training to more than 800 actors, musicians, designers, technicians and arts managers from more than 40 countries. The College presents hundreds of events a year, from orchestral concerts and recitals to drama, opera, jazz, new music and musical theatre, performed by our students and a diverse array of world-class artists from around the globe.

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Cardiff is a compact city that’s perfect for students – it’s easy to explore and packed with everything you need right at your fingertips.

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Classical Café

Dinner by Moira Buffini

Don Giovanni by Mozart

Her Naked Skin by Rebecca Lenkiewicz

Antigone by Sophocles

RWCMD Big Band Quincy Jones: A Celebration

RWCMD Pianists: Lunchtime O'Boulez

Ardwyn Singers

Breakthrough Theatre Arts: Matilda Jr the Musical

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Music

Jazz

Empowering the next jazz generation in Wales: RWCMD launches National Youth Jazz Wales partnership

RWCMD

Our response to the proposed closure of Cardiff University's School of Music

Stage Management

Drama

Opera

Awards of a lifetime offered to six rising Welsh stars at Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2025

What's On

RWCMD's Spring season of inspirational performances

Dame Shirley Bassey is the new President of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

Vocal

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama launches £15,000 Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize

Strings

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama unveils innovative residency for two award-winning string quartets  

An autumnal feast of music and theatre

Outcome of Young RWCMD consultation

‘Artistically ground-breaking and transformative for Wales:’ RWCMD announces Honorary Fellows 2024

Overview

Travel and transport

Travelling around the city

Useful information

Guide to Cardiff

Travel to Cardiff

Living in Cardiff

Guide to Cardiff

Travel to Cardiff

Living in Cardiff

Explore section

Overview

Before you arrive

When you get here

International student guide

Your starter checklist