Rugby fans are gearing up for an exciting Six Nations clash as Wales takes on Ireland at Principality Stadium on Saturday, 22 February. With kick-off scheduled for 2.15pm, attendees and city visitors should prepare for significant road closures, transport diversions, and parking restrictions throughout the day.
City Centre Road Closures
To ensure the smooth entry and exit of ticket holders, a full city centre road closure will be enforced from 10.15am until 5.45pm. The M4 motorway is expected to experience heavy traffic, so attendees are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative transport options.
Early Road Closures (from 7am)
- Scott Road and Park Street will be closed to accommodate the preparation of Gate 5 and to manage queuing fans.
Full Road Closures (10.15am – 5.45pm)
The following roads will be closed completely:
- Kingsway (North Road to Duke Street)
- Cowbridge Road East (Cathedral Road to Westgate Street)
- Tudor Street (Clare Road to Wood Street, with access for residents and traders via Fitzhammon Embankment)
- Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street (Despenser Place to Tudor Street, with access for residents and traders)
- 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
Additional Closures (Before and After the Match)
- Penarth Road will close 30 minutes before full-time and remain closed for up to one hour after the match to manage crowds at Cardiff Central train station.
- Station Terrace and Guildford Street will be open for buses only during road closure times, ensuring smooth access to Churchill Way’s bus satellite points.
Transport Disruptions & Advice
Rail Services
Transport for Wales (TfW) will be providing extra services, but trains are expected to be extremely busy. Fans are advised to allow ample travel time and check live updates on their journey. Post-event queues will be managed as follows:
- Mainline rail services queue at Central Square.
- Valleys services queue at the rear of Cardiff Central station.
- Cardiff Queen Street station will close at 3.30pm except for passengers requiring accessible access or travelling to Cardiff Bay.
- Revenue checks will be in place before entering queueing systems.
- Great Western Railway (GWR) will operate extra trains to Swansea, Newport, Bristol, and London, with ample parking at station car parks.
Park & Ride Facilities
A dedicated Park & Ride will operate from Toys R Us (Sports Village, Cardiff Bay – CF11 0JS) with drop-off at Callaghan Square. The facility will be available from 8.45am, with buses running 9am – 6pm. Cost: £15 cash only.
Event Day Parking
- Civic Centre Parking: £20 per car, £30 per coach. Card payments accepted. Open 8am – Midnight.
- Sophia Gardens Parking: £20 per car, £30 per coach. Staffed until 7pm. Any vehicle left beyond closing will be fined.
- City Centre Car Parks: Additional parking available at North Road, St David’s Shopping Centre, John Lewis, Capitol Shopping Centre, and NCP (Adam Street, Dumfries Place, Greyfriars Road).
- Disabled Parking: Available at Sophia Gardens and select private car parks.
Bus Services
- Local buses will be diverted during road closures. Visit respective bus operator websites for details.
- National Express services will operate from Sophia Gardens as usual.
Alternative Travel Options
- Cycling & Walking: Cycling routes remain open, but fans should exercise caution due to large crowds. Statistics show that 52% of car journeys in Cardiff are under 5km, making cycling a viable alternative.
Key Travel Reminders
- Gates open at 12.15pm – arrive early!
- Check Principality Stadium’s bag policy before travelling.
- Follow @TrafficWalesS for live road and motorway updates.
- Visit GWR to confirm train schedules.
- Expect delays and congestion—plan accordingly.
Enjoy the match and safe travels!
