Wales Unveils One Hundred Thirty-Eight Million Pounds Revamp of Cardiff Central Station to Enhance Travel Experience and Regional Connectivity by 2029

Published on December 4, 2025

Cardiff is set to undergo a transformative £138 million renovation of its Central Station, aiming to revolutionize travel and significantly enhance regional connectivity by 2029. With over 35,000 passengers passing through the station daily, the upgrade will address the growing demand for improved facilities, featuring a new southern entrance, expanded concourse, and extended platforms to accommodate increased passenger flow. This ambitious project, funded by the UK government, Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, and the Welsh Government, will not only modernize the station but also improve the overall travel experience by offering better access, retail options, and more efficient station flow, positioning Cardiff as a key transport hub for years to come.

Cardiff Central, the busiest railway station in Wales, is on the cusp of a major transformation with a £138 million overhaul scheduled for completion by 2029. The station, which sees over 35,000 passengers a day, is set to undergo a comprehensive renovation designed to accommodate growing passenger numbers and enhance the travel experience. This overhaul comes as part of a broader effort to modernize the city’s transport infrastructure and improve rail connections for the future.

The most prominent features of the renovation will be a striking new southern entrance, a significantly larger main concourse, and extended platforms. The station, which is a hub for both commuters and tourists, especially during high-profile events like the Six Nations rugby tournament, has outgrown its current facilities. The upgrades will make it more efficient, accessible, and capable of handling increased passenger traffic. Currently, Cardiff Central sees a major surge in footfall during large events, with thousands of rugby fans passing through its gates. The improvements aim to streamline this influx, ensuring smoother transitions for passengers, whether they are daily commuters or event-goers.

Scheduled to kick off in spring 2026, the construction work is expected to take several years, with the majority of upgrades due for completion by 2029. While the major works are underway, Cardiff Central will remain operational, with efforts made to minimize disruption to travelers. As part of the extensive project, the station will see expanded waiting areas and additional retail options, providing passengers with more space and a better experience while they wait for their trains. The new design will also include improved cycle storage facilities, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable travel options in the city.

One of the most important elements of the project is the upgrade to the ticket gates and overall station flow. The current setup often leads to bottlenecks during peak times, and the redesign aims to make access and movement within the station more efficient. These improvements are crucial as Cardiff Central continues to serve as a key transportation hub in South Wales, connecting the city with major destinations across the UK.

The project is being funded through a combination of public investments. The UK government has pledged £77.8 million towards the development, while £40 million will come from the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal. Additionally, the Welsh Government is contributing £21 million. This collective funding underscores the importance of the project not just for Cardiff, but for the wider region, as it seeks to enhance connectivity and support economic growth.

Beyond the station itself, the project also includes the development of a new Cardiff Metro station, with an additional £50 million in government funding. The Cardiff Metro will provide a direct link to Cardiff Bay, a popular area that has seen significant development in recent years. This new metro station will serve as a key part of the city’s growing transport network, offering an efficient alternative to road travel and reducing congestion. Moreover, the development paves the way for further extensions to the metro system in the coming years, with plans to expand to the north-west and east of the city. This long-term vision will help integrate Cardiff’s transport network and make it easier for passengers to travel across the city and beyond.

This ambitious £138 million transformation of Cardiff Central is part of a larger £445 million investment in rail infrastructure by the Department for Transport. This broader initiative is focused on improving rail services across Wales, including the construction of new stations in South Wales and the expansion of services on key rail lines such as the North Wales Mainline and the Wrexham-Liverpool line. The overall goal is to increase train capacity and improve connectivity, benefiting both local commuters and visitors from further afield.

For Cardiff, these upgrades are a significant step forward in its ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and accommodate the growing needs of its population. The overhaul of Cardiff Central station is not just about increasing capacity; it’s about creating a transport hub that can support the city’s ambitions as a vibrant, connected destination. The new station will not only serve as a gateway to the city but also contribute to the local economy by enhancing business travel, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Cardiff’s £138 million transformation of Central Station is set to enhance travel efficiency and regional connectivity by 2029. The renovation will address growing passenger demand with expanded facilities, better access, and improved flow, making Cardiff a key transport hub.

With its mix of modern design and practical improvements, the transformation of Cardiff Central is set to provide a much-needed boost to the city’s transportation infrastructure, ensuring that it can continue to meet the demands of the 21st century.