Getting around Wales

Distances in Wales are very managable - after all, if you could travel in a straight line, our country is only about 180 miles long. Going around all the mountains, though, makes it about a 5 hour drive from top to bottom.

One thing you're sure to notice is that the landscape and scenery changes quickly and dramtically - one minute you'll be travelling though a craggy mountain pass, the next you'll see our wide open countryside and coastline spread out below you.

Useful sites to help you plan a trip around Wales:

The Automobile Association

Route planner.
Royal Automobile Club

Route planner.
National Express

Long distance bus travel.
Brit Rail

Train travel information.
Highland Airways

Direct flights between North and South Wales.
Traveline Cymru

Comprehensive Wales journey planner - from Traveline Cymru.
Scenic Wales

Beautiful rail lines supported by community rail partnerships.
Great Little Trains of Wales

14 steam and narrow-gauge railways. Add some character to your travels.
Snowdon Sherpa Bus Service

Explore Snowdonia - and let someone else take care of the driving.
Explore Wales by Rail and Bus

One ticket that gives you unlimited access to all of Wales’s mainline train services and almost every bus service.
TrawsCambria

Longer distance bus services that offer a wonderful opportunity to see some of the best scenery in Wales.
Brecon Beacons National Park

Easy access - thanks to excellent rail and motorway links with the rest of the UK.
PCNPA

Get around the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with the 'Puffin' Coastal Bus Services.

Map of Wales

Need to take a look at a map?

It's usually the best way to orientate yourself and get an idea of distances and locations in Wales.

Look at our Wales Map Page.

Take a Tour

Let the experts take care of your Wales tour.

Find a local tour operator to help you discover the real Wales. Our directory of Tour Companies in Wales (and the rest of Britain) will set you on the right track to find a tour that matches your interests perfectly.

Visiting Wales and Ireland

If you're thinking of combining your trip to Wales with a visit to Ireland, ferries depart from either Holyhead in North Wales or Fishguard and Pembroke Dock in the South. The quickest crossings take just 99 minutes.

Services are operated by two companies; check their websites for details and special offers:

Irish Ferries

Stena Line

If you'd prefer to fly, Aer Arann operates frequent direct flights from Cardiff to Dublin and to Cork.