It was a tough final day of 2022/23 for the Bluebirds, being beaten 3-0 by Sky Bet Championship winners Burnley, at Turf Moor.
Josh Brownhill, Ashley Barnes and Scott Twine hit the net for the home side.
Sabri Lamouchi made six changes from the side that faced Huddersfield Town last time out. Ryan Allsop, Perry Ng, Andy Rinomhota, Rubin Colwill and Connor Wickham came into the starting eleven.
There was plenty of representation from Cardiff City's Academy amongst the substitutes, with Rohan Luthra, Joel Bagan, Eli King, Isaak Davies and Mark Harris joining skipper Joe Ralls on the bench.
The Bluebirds had a good chance to take the lead after 11 minutes, but Rubin Colwill was unable to connect properly with Mahlon Romeo's cut-back.
The champions took the advantage after 27 minutes. Andy Rinomhota thought he was fouled in his own box, but the home side played on, with Josh Brownhill tapping in at close range.
It was two-nil four minutes later, as departing club legend Ashley Barnes lashed in on the half volley. City's main attacking threat for the remainder of the half came from Jaden Philogene, who seemed determined to test Arijanet Muric from distance.
The hosts added a third goal after half-time, when Scott Twine curled home a free-kick from just outside the box.
City sub Sory Kaba tried to make an immediate impact after coming into the action, but he struck over the bar after 68 minutes.
He had another chance ten minutes later, bringing the ball down from Mark McGuinness' flick-on, but the loanee's half-volley was tipped away.
The Bluebirds were unable to find a consolation, with Vincent Kompany's side picking up all three points on the final day, ahead of their title celebrations.
FINAL SCORE: BURNLEY 3-0 CARDIFF CITY
Burnley: Muric, Roberts, Harwood-Bellis, Al-Dakhil (Taylor 81'), Maatsen, Cullen (Cork 70'), Brownhill, Zaroury (Vitinho 81'), Guðmundsson (Tella 70'), Twine, Barnes (Rodriguez 75'). Subs not used: Peacock-Farrell, Foster.
Cardiff City: Allsop, Romeo (Harris 65'), Ng, McGuinness, Simpson, Wintle, Rinomhota, R. Colwill (Davies 46'), Ojo (Ralls 46'), Philogene (King 87'), Wickham (Kaba 65'). Subs not used: Luthra, Bagan.