The station is next to Cardiff University Students' Union and across the road from many Cardiff University buildings, as well as a short walk from the Welsh Government and other civic buildings in Cathays Park.

The footbridge over the railway is much used as a shortcut between Park Place and Senghenydd Road.

Funded by British Rail and South Glamorgan County Council, construction commenced in April 1983, with the station opened on 3 October 1983.

[2][3] Cathays station is now staffed during peak hours, since the introduction of a new automated ticket barrier system in summer 2007.

Cathays has two platforms, each with a small shelter and an information screen displaying the next train's arrival.