Getting here
Getting to and around North Wales
By train, car, bus, plane or ferry. How to reach North Wales and get about once you are here.By train
Trains to North Wales
The North Wales Coast Line runs from Crewe and Chester along the coast through Flint, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction and Bangor to Holyhead. Avanti West Coast runs direct trains from London Euston, taking around three hours to Llandudno Junction, and Transport for Wales runs services along the coast, including direct trains from Manchester and Birmingham.Branch lines take you further in. The Conwy Valley Line runs from Llandudno through Betws-y-Coed to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the Cambrian Coast Line serves Harlech, Porthmadog and Pwllheli. Wrexham is on the line between Chester and Shrewsbury. Change at Llandudno Junction for Llandudno itself.By road
Driving to North Wales
The A55 North Wales Expressway is the main route, running from Chester along the coast to Holyhead and linking with the M56 and M53. The A5 runs from Shropshire through Llangollen and Betws-y-Coed to Bangor and Anglesey, and the A470 runs north to south through the heart of Eryri.Many built-up roads in Wales now have a 20mph default speed limit, so watch the signs. Mountain car parks, especially Pen-y-Pass on Yr Wyddfa, fill early in busy periods and some need booking in advance. Check A55 traffic today and travel and weather alerts before you set off, and see our satnav postcodes for popular places.By air and sea
Flying and ferries
The nearest major airports are Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon, both around an hour or so from the North Wales border by car, with rail connections via Chester or Crewe.Holyhead on Anglesey is the main ferry port for Ireland, with Stena Line and Irish Ferries sailings to Dublin. See our Holyhead ferry port guide for postcodes, check-in times and parking. The port has direct trains along the coast and to London.Getting around
Getting around without a car
Frequent buses run along the coast between the main towns, and TrawsCymru long-distance buses link North Wales with mid Wales. In Eryri, the Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses connect the main Snowdon paths with Llanberis, Betws-y-Coed, Beddgelert and Caernarfon, so you can walk up one path and come down another. The heritage railways are a scenic way to travel too.Check timetables with Traveline Cymru or the operator before you travel, especially on Sundays and outside the summer season.Distances
How far is North Wales?
As a rough guide by car, Chester is on the border, Liverpool and Manchester are around one to one and a half hours from the coast, Birmingham is around two and a half hours, and London is around four to five hours. Times vary a lot with traffic, especially on summer weekends.Once you are here, see things to do, where to stay and local guides by area.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the nearest airport to North Wales?
Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon are the nearest major airports, both with road and rail links to North Wales.Is there a direct train from London to North Wales?
Yes. Avanti West Coast runs direct trains from London Euston along the North Wales coast, calling at stations including Rhyl, Llandudno Junction, Bangor and Holyhead.Can you get around North Wales without a car?
Yes. Trains run along the coast and up the Conwy Valley, buses link the main towns, and the Sherpa'r Wyddfa buses serve the Snowdon paths.Plan your trip
Find somewhere to stay
Search hotels, B&Bs, holiday parks and cottages across North Wales.
Find a place to stay in North Wales
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