- Plan Your Visit
- Getting Here
Getting Here
South Wales has so many connections making it easy to get here, no matter whether you want to travel by rail, road, or air. Find out more below.
Travel for everyone, from everywhere
No matter where you're coming from, it's easy to arrive! If you're trying to work out how to get to South Wales then here are the options whether your travel plans include travelling by rail, by road, or by air. If you already know how you're getting here, you should also check out how to get around.
Travel by Train
Travelling to South Wales by train is quick, easy, and well connected, with direct services from many parts of the UK. Cardiff, the capital, is less than two hours from London Paddington on Great Western Railway services, making it perfect for both day trips and longer stays. CrossCountry trains provide direct links from the Midlands and further north, while Transport for Wales services connect South Wales with cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and across North and Mid Wales. There are also frequent services from Bristol, Bath, and the South West, making the region accessible from multiple directions.
Swansea and Newport are just as easy to reach by rail, offering convenient arrival points across South Wales. With fast, frequent trains and comfortable journeys, travelling by rail is one of the simplest ways to arrive and start enjoying everything the region has to offer.
Come by Car or Coach
Coming to South Wales by car is straightforward, with excellent motorway and trunk road connections from across the UK. The M4 is the main artery, running from London through to Bristol and into South Wales, providing easy access to Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, and the surrounding areas. From the Midlands and the north of England, the M5 links to the M4, or you can take the M50/A40 route, making it simple for visitors from Birmingham, Manchester, and beyond to reach the region. For visitors from Mid and North Wales, A40 and A470 offer scenic routes through towns, valleys, and countryside, and whilst they can be slow sometimes, there are gorgeous views along the way.
Coach and bus connections are plentiful too, with National Express and Flixbus operating services from around the UK to South Wales, as well as more local options from within Wales from Stagecoach and First Cymru.
Arrive by Air
There are plentiful options for arriving in South Wales by air, with Cardiff Airport serving as the region’s main gateway. Located just a few miles from Cardiff city centre, it offers regular domestic and international flights, connecting the region with cities across the UK, Europe, and beyond. From the airport, travellers can reach South Wales destinations quickly by taxi or coach, making it a convenient choice for those flying in for business or leisure. The airport’s compact size and efficient services ensure a smooth start to your trip, whether you are heading to the capital, the coast, or the valleys.
For international visitors, Bristol and Heathrow airports also provide excellent access to South Wales. Bristol Airport is just over an hour’s drive from Cardiff, with regular coach services linking the airport to key towns and cities. Heathrow, one of the UK’s busiest airports, offers a wider choice of international flights and easy train connections via London Paddington or Reading, followed by direct services to Cardiff, Newport, or Swansea. These airports make South Wales accessible from across the globe while offering a range of travel options for onward journeys into the heart of the region.
Useful Links
Cardiff Airport
Cardiff Airport is the main gateway to South Wales, with flights from cities like Amsterdam, Paris,… Cardiff Airport is the main gateway to South Wales, with flights from cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin and Spanish resorts, offering easy access to the region’s…
Transport For Wales
Transport for Wales runs trains and buses across Wales and into England, linking cities like… Transport for Wales runs trains and buses across Wales and into England, linking cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool with reliable, modern and sustainable…
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