Car Hire Cardiff Airport

Car Hire Cardiff Airport

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Travel Advice in Cardiff Airport

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Cardiff International Airport officially opened on April 7th 1942 on a previously designated wartime satellite aerodrome and training base in rural Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Over the last 60 years Cardiff’s airport at Rhoose has developed into one of the UK’s most successful regional airports with regular services running frequently to 64 major international and domestic destinations, including Amsterdam, Paris, Florida and Canada. The full commercial potential of the runway at Cardiff Airport was recognised in the early 1950’s with the establishment of a regular Dublin service in 1952. A new Terminal Building followed shortly after, along with flights to France, Belfast and Cork. An escalation in holiday charter business resulted in passenger throughput exceeding 100,000 in 1962 and in1965, control of the Airport was transferred from the Ministry of Defence to the local council.

With the first transatlantic flight in 1971, further investment led to the development of the current Terminal Building and Control Tower. The main runway was doubled in length to 7,000 ft, which enabled the airport to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft facilitating new links between Cardiff and Canada. A series of major expansion projects, designed to boost the capacity of the Terminal Building and enhance overall operational efficiency, began in the early 1990’s including carefully planned re-development, expansion and modernisation of the airport site.

Following privatisation of the business in 1995 Cardiff International Airport has enjoyed continued investment and success. The Airport currently handles around 1.9 million passengers a year and was the UK’s second fastest growing airport in 2003. The main passenger terminal provides a comprehensive range of facilities to meet the needs of travellers including a currency exchange, numerous cash dispensers, wireless internet access, entertainment game zones, comprehensive baby care facilities, restaurants and cafes, a separate Business lounge with related services exclusive to the Business Class traveller, and a number of car hire companies.

There is easy access to Cardiff International Airport from the M4 at Junction 33 following the A4232. The first exit off the A4232 at Culverhouse Cross leads to the A4050 and A4226 along which the route to the airport is clearly signposted. The airport is situated 12 miles west of Cardiff city centre and the main short and long stay car parks are located conveniently on the airport site. Cardiff Central Station is served by regular, direct InterCity and Alphaline trains to a number of destinations throughout the country. Numerous frequent bus services connect the train station to the airport throughout the day with an adult single fare costing £4. Taxis are also available from the terminal forecourt 24 hours a day, 7 days a week operated by Cardiff International Taxis.

Car Hire Cardiff Airport

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