Road closures will be in place across Cardiff city centre this Saturday, March 28th, as Bristol Bears take on Harlequins at the Principality Stadium in a Big Day Out double header. With the women’s kick-off at 3.30pm, closures run from 11am to 8pm.
The M4 is expected to be very busy, so plan your journey ahead.
The quickest option is the park and ride at Vindico Arena, International Drive in the Sports Village, Cardiff Bay (CF11 0JS). The car park opens at 9.30am with the first bus at 10am. Last bus from the city centre is 6.30pm. It costs £15 cash only.
If you’re travelling by train, Transport for Wales is trialling a new post-match system. Fans on Valleys and Vale services will be directed to Cardiff Queen Street rather than Cardiff Central this time around. Have your ticket ready before you travel or use the contactless pay as you go option on the TfW app.
Driving in? Parking is available at the Civic Centre and Sophia Gardens, both £20 for cars, opening at 8am with card payments now accepted.
Cycleways within the road closure area will remain open throughout the day. No large bags are permitted at the stadium check principalitystadium.wales before setting off.
Road closures
From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will be closed to prepare Gate 5 and protect queuing fans.
The following roads will be closed as part of the full city centre closure:
Kingsway, Cowbridge Road East, Tudor Street, Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street. Residents and traders on Tudor Street can access via Fitzhammon Embankment.
The following roads will be closed in their entirety: 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.
Station Terrace and Guildford Street will be buses only during road closures, with Station Terrace closing at 5pm and reopening by 6.30pm.
Penarth Road will close 30 minutes before the final whistle and reopen up to an hour after.
Trains
Transport for Wales (TfW) will trial a new post-match crowd management approach for Bristol Bears vs Harlequins on March 28th, aimed at improving the match day experience and preparing for major works at Cardiff Central.
Fans on Valleys and Vale services will be directed to Cardiff Queen Street instead of Cardiff Central. Here’s where to go:
Platform 2 – Cardiff Bay, Barry Island, Penarth, Bridgend Platform 3 – Aberdare Platform 4 – Pontypridd, Treherbert, Merthyr Tydfil Platform 5 – Bargoed, Caerphilly, Rhymney, Coryton, Ystrad Mynach
Have a valid ticket before travelling or use the contactless pay as you go system on the TfW app. TfW volunteers will be on hand to help. Please note pay as you go is not available on GWR services.
Cardiff Bus Interchange will close at 11am and reopen at 8pm.
Park & Ride facilities
The event Park & Ride will operate from the car park next to Vindico Arena, located on International Drive, Sports Village, Cardiff Bay (CF11 0JS).
The drop-off point in the city centre will be Tresillian Way.
The car park opens at 9:30am, with the first bus departing at 10:00am. The last return bus from the city centre will be at 6:30pm.
Parking is £15 per vehicle (cash only).
Civic Centre Event Day Parking (Cars and Coaches)
Getting there: Exit Junction 32 of the M4, head south on the A470 towards the city centre, and follow the signage to the Civic Centre. Cost: £20 per car and £30 per coach, payable on the day. Card payments are also available. Parking times: The car park opens at 8:00am and closes at 12:00 midnight.
Event Day Parking at Sophia Gardens
Getting there: Exit Junction 32 off the M4.
Cost: £20 per car and £30 per coach. Card payments are now available.
Parking times: The car park opens at 8:00am and closes at 12:00 midnight.
Please note: Sophia Gardens car park will be staffed until 7:00pm. All vehicles are left on site at the owner’s risk. Cardiff Council will not be held responsible for any theft or damage to motor vehicles or personal possessions. Any vehicles left in the car park after closing time may be subject to a fine.
Can you cycle or walk?
Cycleways, including pop-up cycle routes within the road closure area, will remain open for use during the event. However, due to the large number of people expected to attend the rugby match, all cyclists are advised to take extra care.
Road closures apply to all motor vehicles but do not affect bicycles with pedals.
Those living locally may wish to consider cycling or walking. Research shows that 52% of car journeys in Cardiff are under 5km a distance that can typically be cycled in around 20 minutes.
With increased congestion during major events, cycling can often be a quicker and more convenient option than travelling by car.
Bus
Local buses:
Bus services will be diverted while city centre road closures are in place. Please visit the relevant bus operator’s website for up-to-date information about your specific route.
Disabled parking
Disabled drivers are advised to use Sophia Gardens. Additional accessible parking is available at various private car parks please check individual websites for availability.
Taxis
St Mary Street taxi rank will close at 11am and re-open at 8pm.
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).
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