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Home - City Guide - Cardiff - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public Transport Transport in the city is by bus, the main provider is Cardiff Bus (tel: (029) 2066 6444 or (0870) 608 2608), based opposite the central bus station on Wood Street. Some regional services are run by First Cymru (tel: (01792) 580 580) from 0500 to 2320. Fares are calculated on a zone system designated by different colours, with the city centre being Zone A (red). A single ticket for journeys within Zone A costs £0.55 at all times. Tickets are purchased on-board the bus and passengers must have the exact change. A Multiride ticket is available from the Cardiff Bus office. Most regional train services are run by Valley Lines (tel: (029) 2023 1978 or 2044 9944). In addition to Cardiff Central, there are several regional rail stations, including Cardiff Queen Street, Cardiff Bay and Cathays. The Cardiff Card (see Sightseeing section) gives unlimited travel on Cardiff Bus buses and Valley Lines trains, as well as free admission to selected sights and other discounts. Taxis All taxis can be hailed on the street, whether black hackney cabs or cars with company logos indicating that they are taxi cabs. Alternatively, taxis can be ordered by phone from any one of the ten firms in Cardiff, such as Black Cabs (tel: (029) 2034 3343), Amber Cars (tel: (029) 2055 5555) or Dragon Taxis (tel: (029) 2033 3333). Expect to pay about £4.00 for a journey across town plus tip. Limousines British and American limousines can be hired from Jonathan Rosser, Lambourne Crescent (tel: (029) 2076 3500). Prices start from £150 for ten hours, plus fuel. Driving in the City Driving in Cardiff is usually trouble free, although traffic becomes heavy during rush hour (Monday to Friday 0800-0900 and 1700-1800). Finding a parking space on the street can be more problematic, as many of the residential roads in the centre are for permit holders only. Although cars that contravene parking regulations may be towed away, a parking fine is more usual. There are several car parks in the city centre, including three near Cardiff Central station. A park and ride bus runs on Saturday from Maritime Street on Cardiff Bay. Car Hire Regulations vary from company to company. However, in all cases, drivers will require a valid driving licence to hire a car. This can usually be a national driving licence, although an International Driving Permit may be preferred if the licence is not in English. A credit card is essential. The minimum age to hire a car is 18 years, although this may be older depending on the company. It is important to check the level of insurance included in the price of car hire. In addition to Europcar and Hertz at the airport, city-based car hire companies include: Avis/Rent-a-Car, 14 Tudor Street, Riverside (tel: (029) 2034 2111), Budget, 281 Penarth Road (tel: (029) 2066 4499) and Hertz, 9 Central Square (tel: (029) 2022 4548). Bicycle Hire Bicycles can be rented during the summer from the Taff Trail Hire Centre, Cardiff Caravan Park, Sophia Gardens (tel: (029) 2039 8362), and from The Waterfront, Cardiff Bay (tel: (029) 2048 4110 or 2033 0220). Daily rates are £9.00 for adults, £6.50 for children and £28.00 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). The Taff Trail, ideal for cyclists, extends from Cardiff Bay to Brecon 87km (54 miles) to the north. |