The atmosphere when Wales faces New Zealand is unmatched. It’s one of the biggest fixtures in the rugby calendar, bringing over 74,000 fans into the heart of Cardiff. But for anyone driving to the game, the excitement often comes with a side of stress: where are you going to park?
With city centre road closures, expensive multi-storeys, and the infamous post-match gridlock, finding a reliable parking space for the Wales vs All Blacks match can feel harder than winning a lineout against Sam Whitelock.
If you are looking for the best balance of convenience, price, and a quick getaway, we have the perfect solution.
The “Smart Choice” for Match Day Parking: Colum Drive
For this year’s clash, we are recommending Colum Drive (Cardiff University) as the premier parking destination for rugby fans.
Located just north of the Civic Centre, Colum Drive offers a strategic advantage that savvy regulars have been using for years: it avoids the worst of the city centre traffic.
Book Your Wales vs New Zealand Parking Here
Why Park at Colum Drive for the Rugby?
Here is why this location consistently ranks as a fan favourite for Principality Stadium parking:
1. The “Easy Exit” Factor
Ask anyone who has parked in the St David’s or John Lewis car parks on a match day—you can spend up to two hours just trying to get out of the building. Colum Drive is situated perfectly for a quick exit. You are just moments away from North Road (A470) and the Gabalfa Interchange, giving you direct access to the A48 and M4 without getting stuck in the deep city gridlock.
2. A Perfect Pre-Match Walk
The car park is approximately a 15-minute walk from the stadium. This is the “Goldilocks” distance—close enough to be an easy stroll, but far enough away that you aren’t caught inside the strict road closure zone. You can walk past the museum and through the civic centre, soaking up the atmosphere as you head to the gates.
3. Guaranteed Peace of Mind
There is nothing worse than driving around looking for a “Pay and Display” spot that doesn’t exist. By pre-booking your space, you have a guaranteed spot waiting for you. The site is staffed and secure, so you can enjoy the game without worrying about your vehicle.
How to Book Your Space
Spaces for high-profile matches like Wales vs New Zealand sell out incredibly fast. We strongly recommend booking as soon as you have your match tickets to avoid disappointment.
Event: Wales vs New Zealand (All Blacks) Location: Colum Drive, Cardiff, CF10 3EU Distance: Approx. 0.8 miles (15 min walk to Principality Stadium)
>> CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR PARKING SPACE <<
Alternative Parking Options in Cardiff
While we believe Colum Drive is the best option for this fixture, here is a quick look at the alternatives so you can make an informed choice:
- Park & Ride: Cardiff Council usually operates Park & Ride services from Leckwith or Cardiff Bay. While affordable, the queues for the buses after the final whistle can be long and frustrating in the rain.
- NCP City Centre: Convenient if you arrive very early (7:00 AM), but be prepared for significant delays leaving the car park.
- Sophia Gardens: A solid option, but it fills up early and can be difficult to exit.
Final Whistle
Don’t let parking stress ruin your match day experience. Secure a hassle-free spot at Colum Drive, enjoy the short walk to the stadium, and cheer on Wales knowing you have an easy route home.
