A series of road closures and travel measures will be in place in Cardiff city centre for the Autumn International rugby matches at Principality Stadium.
Fans are being urged to plan their journeys, arrive early, and make use of park and ride options to avoid congestion and delays.
Match day road closures
Wales vs Argentina – Sunday, November 9
Kick off: 3.10pm
Road closures: 11am until 7.15pm
Wales vs Japan – Saturday, November 15
Kick off: 5.40pm
Road closures: 1.30pm until 10pm
Wales vs New Zealand – Saturday, November 22
Kick off: 3.10pm
Road closures: 11am until 7.15pm
Wales vs South Africa – Saturday, November 29
Kick off: 3.10pm
Road closures: 11am until 7.15pm
The M4 motorway is expected to be particularly busy during these weekends. Motorists are advised to use the park and ride facility at Vindico Arena, International Drive, Cardiff Bay (CF11 0JS) to avoid city centre congestion.
For live traffic updates, visit the Traffic Wales website or follow @TrafficWalesS on social media.
Those attending the matches are encouraged to check the list of prohibited items at principalitystadium.wales before travelling. Large bags are not permitted.
Road closures in detail
From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will close to allow preparations at Gate 5 and to protect queuing fans.
The following roads will close as part of the full city centre restriction for each match:
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Kingsway (North Road to Duke Street)
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Cowbridge Road East (Cathedral Road to Westgate Street)
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Tudor Street (Clare Road to Wood Street, with resident and trader access via Fitzhammon Embankment)
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Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street (Despenser Place to Tudor Street, with resident and trader access)
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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 remain open for bus access only during road closure times, ensuring reliable routes to and from Churchill Way.
Penarth Road will close around 30 minutes before the final whistle and reopen up to one hour after the match to ensure the safety of train passengers.
Civic Centre access
Controlled access will be in place throughout each event day. Roads affected include King Edward VII Avenue, Museum Avenue, City Hall Road, College Road and Gorsedd Gardens Road.
Train services
Great Western Railway (GWR) will operate additional services to and from Cardiff Central, including routes to Swansea, Newport, Bristol and London. Pre-match trains will be reservation only, so passengers should book in advance.
Post-match, a queuing system will be in place outside Cardiff Central to manage crowds safely.
Transport for Wales (TfW) will also add extra capacity across routes serving Cardiff.
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Mainline service queues: Central Square
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Valleys service queues: rear of Cardiff Central station
Cardiff Queen Street station will close on:
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November 9, 22 and 29 from 4.30pm
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November 15 from 7pm
Access will remain for passengers travelling to Cardiff Bay or those requiring accessible access.
Bus Interchange closures:
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November 9, 22 and 29: 11am – 7.15pm
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November 15: 1.30pm – 10pm
Ticketing: Revenue checks will take place before and after matches. Pay As You Go is available on TfW and CrossCountry services across the South Wales Metro (not valid on GWR). TfW volunteers will be on hand to help.
Park & Ride facilities
Located at Vindico Arena, International Drive, Cardiff Bay (CF11 0JS), with drop-off at Callaghan Square.
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Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa matches:
Car park opens 10am, first bus 10.30am, last bus leaves city centre 6pm, car park closes 6.30pm -
Japan match:
Car park opens 10am, first bus 10.30am, last bus leaves city centre 8.30pm, car park closes 10pm
Cost: £15 (cash only)
Civic Centre Event Day Parking
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Cost: £20 (cars), £30 (coaches) – card payments accepted
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Open: 8am to midnight
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Directions: Exit M4 at Junction 32 and follow signs to the Civic Centre
Sophia Gardens Event Day Parking
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Cost: £20 (cars), £30 (coaches) – card payments accepted
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Open: 8am to midnight
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Note: Staffed until 7pm. Vehicles left overnight are at the owner’s risk.
Bus services
Local bus routes will be diverted during road closures. For the latest route details, visit:
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Stagecoach: stagecoachbus.com
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Cardiff Bus: cardiffbus.com/principality-stadium
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Adventure Travel: adventuretravel.cymru
National Express coaches will continue to use Sophia Gardens.
Walking and cycling
Cycleways within the closure area will remain open, though cyclists are asked to take extra care due to large crowds.
Residents living nearby are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible. Research shows over half of Cardiff’s car journeys are under 5km, which can be cycled in around 20 minutes.
City centre parking
City centre car parks, including North Road, St David’s Shopping Centre, John Lewis, Capitol Shopping Centre, and NCP (Adam Street, Dumfries Place and Greyfriars Road), will remain open.
Disabled parking
Disabled drivers are advised to use Sophia Gardens, with additional accessible spaces available in various private car parks.
Taxis
The St Mary Street taxi rank will close and reopen in line with the city centre road closures.
