Cardiff Bay Aquabus Pier

Date of visit: December 2024

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.

I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

I attended the day after Storm Darragh had passed, meaning there was no Aquabus service in operation. As such, I can't advise on the access to the craft, but I felt there was some useful information to share.

Disabled Access In and Around

There are two routes to the pier, whether on foot or by wheelchair. There's a gentle slope at Roald Dahl Plass, which I found easier as a manual wheelchair user. There's an alternative route just above the Ianto Shrine with a long wooden ramp and rails on either side, leading down to the pier, which has more of an incline. The safety afforded by the rails may make this a better option for some. As for the pier itself, there's a large metal gate, which I expect is pinned open on the days the aquabus is in operation. Initially, there are rails on either side, but this soon ends. The brochure makes clear that the aquabus is accessible, though some reviews mention the lack of an accessible toilet on board. It should also be noted that the exit at the City Centre stop is uphill, and whilst it has rails, the path is sandy, making it especially difficult for manual or powerchairs. Please do your research and make sure it meets your needs to avoid a wasted trip down the River Taff.

Parking & Transport

As the pier is located at the bay, there are no parking spaces in the immediate vicinity. However, there is a car park at Mermaid Quay on Stuart Street, 150 metres away. Mermaid Quay car park has 380 spaces, 16 of which are accessible. Please keep in mind that there is a charge for parking here.

Accessible Toilets

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There are no toilets at this location, but there are bars at Mermaid Quay that I'm certain you could nip into if needed.

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