We’re thrilled to be meeting in Cardiff and can’t wait to see you there for Fixfest UK 2023.
However, due to a train strike, getting there may not be as simple as it would normally. Here’s some guidance on how to get to Cardiff without using any of the affected train companies.
Take a coach
Coaches are a great option for those who can’t get a train, especially for shorter journeys. Cardiff is very well connected by a few different coach operators. We recommend booking as soon as possible, as the train strike will likely mean that prices rise very quickly and availability may become limited. Here are a few places to start:
Our top tips for traveling by coach:
- Try to book direct coach routes with few stops where possible to keep the journey length to a minimum and avoid long stop-overs
- Compare routes and fares using Busbud
Take unaffected trains
Not every train operator is on strike on the 30th of September. Depending on your route, you may be able to take the train for all or part of your journey to avoid the strike entirely.
Transport for Wales services are scheduled to run as normal, including their trains into England (such as to/from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Crewe and Gloucester). If you’re planning to return on Sunday the 1st of October, you may also benefit from their 50% sale on tickets.
Other unaffected train companies include: Caledonian Sleeper, Grand Central, Hull Trains, Lumo, Merseyrail, ScotRail.
Note: we know many people have tickets for Great Western Railway (GWR) trains (e.g. from London to Cardiff). GWR claim that some of these trains will be running – more details here.
Drive
While we do encourage everyone to take public transport rather than drive, we understand that the train strike makes this much harder for many. If driving is your best option, there are a couple of things to bear in mind.
Due to the Cardiff half-marathon, there will be a number of road closures in central Cardiff. Be sure to factor these in when planning your route. There is also likely to be high demand for parking spaces. There is dedicated parking just outside the Fixfest UK venue, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. To book a parking space, please follow our parking instructions. We recommend booking a space as soon as possible.
Stay overnight
The strike mostly affects train services on Saturday 30 October. Due to an overtime ban, some disruption is also expected on Friday the 29th. However, if you are able to stay in Cardiff or Newport on Friday and/or Saturday night(s), it’s possible to avoid traveling on affected services on the 30th completely. We may be able help cover some of the cost of staying overnight. Just get in touch: [email protected].
For anyone arriving on Friday the 29th, we’re organising a couple of social activities in the afternoon & evening. Learn more about these in our Guide to Fixfest UK.
Ask us for help
Due to the strike, we’re expanding our travel bursary scheme. If you need extra support as a result of the strike to pay for new transport or accommodation, please get in touch: [email protected]. We’ll do what we can to help subsidise your trip.