Student Travel Guide

Our top tips for arriving to campus via train, bus and taxi.

Student Travel Guide

Heathrow to Treforest Via Train

Route Overview

1. Heathrow Airport → Reading Station (RailAir Bus RA1)
2. Reading → Cardiff Central (Great Western Railway)
3. Cardiff Central → Treforest (Transport for Wales)

Step-by-Step

1. From Heathrow Terminal 2, 3, 4, or 5, take the RailAir RA1 bus to Reading Station
2. At Reading, board a Great Western Railway (GWR) train to Cardiff Central
3. From Cardiff Central, take a Transport for Wales train to Treforest Station.
4. The Treforest Campus is a short walk from the station.
Total Travel Time: 3 – 3.5 hours
Estimated Cost: £40–£80 (depending on time and ticket type)

Heathrow to Treforest by Direct Bus

Route Overview

Heathrow Central Bus Station → Cardiff University (near Cathays station)

Step-by-Step

1. From Heathrow Central Bus Station, take a National express or FlixBus service to → Cardiff University (near Cathays station).
2. Buses run every 20 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 3 hours 40 minutes.
3. From Cathays station, train to Treforest station.
4. The Treforest Campus is a short walk from the station.
Total Travel Time: 3 hours – 4 hours
Estimated Cost: £20 –£40

Cardiff Airport to Treforest By Taxi

Duration: 40 minutes
Cost: Approximately £35
Distance: 20 miles
Taxis are available directly outside the terminal. You can pre-book with local services like Uber.
You can also pre-book a taxi by getting in touch with Cardiff Taxis Airport at: [email protected] 

Cardiff Airport to Treforest By Train

Cardiff Airport → Cardiff Central Station

1. Take the Cardiff Airport Shuttle Bus to Rhoose Cardiff International Airport railway station
2. From Rhoose, take a Transport for Wales train to Cardiff Central
Duration: 35 – 45 minutes


Cardiff Central → Treforest Station

1. Take a Transport for Wales train heading towards Merthyr Tydfil or Aberdare
2. Get off at Treforest Station
Duration: 25 minutes

Useful Links

  • Book in advance for cheaper train or bus fares.
  • Use apps like Trainline, National Rail, National Express or FlixBus for real-time schedules and ticket booking.
  • If arriving late, consider staying overnight in London or Cardiff before heading to campus.

More Information

Find all of our campus addresses and arrival advice by air, car, train and more.

Getting to Campus