Getting around on the path

The most important thing you will need to consider about visiting the path is how you will get around Wales. Apart from walking, (the most obvious way to get yourself from one place to another on the path), you’ll need to consider other modes of transportation. With 870 miles /1,400km of path to consider, here’s some useful information to help you research and plan your time on the path. Read on to find out more about:

• how to get to Wales,
• how to get to each region of the path,
• the different transport options once you’re on the path.

If you see anything that’s not right or is out of date please contact us

How to get to Wales

Wales is easily served a number of major motorways, airports, trains and ferry links. You can get across to Wales via the public transport network by train, coach and by car. Main direct rail routes to Wales include fast and frequent service from London Paddington via the south west with onward connections to Abertawe (Swansea), Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. 

There are also train connections from London Euston to Manchester and along the north Wales coast to Caergybi (Holyhead). Read more about getting to Wales from across the UK and overseas

Traveline Cymu

Traveline Cymru is Wales’ public transport information service to help you plan your journey using bus, coach, train as well as walking and cycling routes. It’s ideal for planning transport options with key features like:

• Mobile app and text services – get times of your next bus sent to you direct.Journey planner – plan your journey to get options for different modes of transport to your destination
• Street View – See what bus stops or train stations look like in Google maps with the Street View function with up to date timetable
• Network maps - check where the Transport for Wales trains

How to get around the path

By using different forms of transport, you’ll experience a unique opportunity to explore Wales’ diverse landscape from picturesque coastal towns and villages, bustling cityscapes and urban locations

By Train

Transport for Wales (TfW) provides the train service across Wales and with the borders as well as the bus provision.Some sections of the path are easier to walk because there are plenty of train connections and you can get a different perspective of the Welsh coastline. Read our guide on how to find your way from the train stations to the path – which will make it easier and quicker to start your walking trip. 

By Bus

There are a range of different bus options to take when walking the path.

fflecsi Bus

The bus coverage along the path can vary depending on the area.The fflecsi bus is a demand response transport (DRT) initiative by Transport for Wales in partnership with local councils and bus operators in some parts of Wales. The initiative operates in some areas of Pembrokeshire and some sections of the Llŷn and Eryri section of the path. Other DRT schemes include Newport Bus (more details under Newport).

Instead of operating a fixed route and a set timetable, fflecsi bus can pick up and drop off passengers within a designated service area and are based on bookings. Many path walkers use the fflecsi bus because it’s a more flexible and affordable way to get from one location to another. The bus can pick them up close to their finish point, which is not always on a fixed bus route.

TrawsCymru buses

The TrawsCymru bus service offers longer distance bus services but are also ideal for short journeys between towns. The T1, T2 and T6 routes and selected destinations are integrated with rail journeys and you can buy a combined rail and bus ticket.

The TrawsCymru app will help you plan your journey, buy tickets and track your bus. The most relevant TrawsCymru routes for the path are:

• T1,T1A, T1X Carmarthen to Aberystwyth
• T2 Bangor to Aberystwyth
• T5 Haverfordwest to Aberystwyth
• T11 Haverfordwest to Fishguard
• T22 Caernarfon to Blaenau Ffestiniog via Porthmadog
• T28 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth

By Bicycle

There are sections of the path is also part of the National Cycle Network, where some sections of the path can be cycled. However, the path is primarily a footpath, where you can only access it on foot. Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available.

Check ahead to check whether buses will allow bikes - it is often at the drivers discretion. You can take a bicycle on board a train, but spaces may be limited.

By Car

Areas of the path are difficult to reach by public transport, giving you no option but to drive to the path. Many walkers take two cars and park at either end of their walk. Plan your walk by checking Google Streetview to check for suitable parking spots nearest the path.The path goes through lots of locations where people live and work near path.

Remember to park responsibly by not blocking access to gateways or driveways. We don’t hold any information about car parking along the path.

Accessible Travel

There are some accessible sections of the path which can be done with mobility equipment where there are designated disabled parking bays. For instance, you can explore the north Wales section with mobility equipment  (just over 40 miles) using existing designated disabled parking spots and train stations.

Check out Transport for Wales website for accessible travel information  like accessible toilets and travelling with a mobility scooter.

Walking holiday providers

There are companies that specialise in organised walking holidays and some provide onward transportation to your next section of the path. We do not endorse or recommend any businesses and it is advisable to research before booking. Go to Planning and Carrying Help

Other Useful Information

The following tips may help you make the most of your time on the path.

Check the path online

Use Google Streetview to check what the path looks like and also research and plan your trip before leaving home. It’s a great way to check what local places to eat, drink and stay and places to park are nearby to get the best experience on the path.

Electric vehicle charging points

If you’ve an electric car, remember to download any relevant apps to find EV charging points near the path.

Stay informed of road traffic

Keep up to date with road traffic in Wales by checking Traffic Wales for traffic alerts, planned roadworks and live traffic cameras to help you plan your car journey

Flooding near the coast

The coastline is particularly vulnerable during stormy weather, with coastal flooding impacting local transport connections and walking the path. Stay informed of floods near the coast and sign up to receive flood warnings

Base yourself at transport hubs

Plan your walk where there are transport options available for a stress free time on the path. Our distance tables give you distances between over 200 locations along the path.

Walk to your public transport of choice

Take a bus or train to the start point of your walk and then walk to your end point. This avoids the stress of missing the last bus, train or connection at the end of a hard day of walking.

Research public transport options

Public transport can be limited or reduced service, especially in rural parts of the path. We recommend to check where possible, timetables especially during autumn and winter months. Check ahead to ask whether dogs are allowed on buses (usually at driver’s discretion).

Download travel apps

Download travel apps before you leave like fflecsi, TrawsCymru and Traveline Cymru to make planning easier with travel alerts and up to date timetables on the go.

Tickets and Concessions

Transport for Wales offer a wide variety of ticket and fares to buy online, on the Transport for Wales app or at stations.There are various ticket options for travelling on trains and busses as well as a combination of bus and train and sail and rail travel. 

Concessions for travel on bus and rail services are available to those aged over 60 and have a primary address in Wales.Those with an English or Scottish concession may be charged the price of a child’s fare – we recommend checking with the operator beforehand. 

Ask the Wales Coast Path community

Ask fellow walkers in the official, members only Wales Coast Path Facebook community where you can ask, suggest and recommend where to walk from people with direct experience of walking the path. Expect lots of encouragement and inspiration alongside practical walking advice like how to get from one section of the path to another. 

How to get to the north Wales coast

Between the Welsh border with Chester to the university city of Bangor, you can walk this section of the path using the trains and buses operating along the north Wales coastline and to Anglesey. The path goes through the local authority boundaries of Flintshire, Denbighshire, and Conwy.

 The majority of this section is flat and tarmacked, or along promenades and runs alongside the North Wales expressway, locally known as A55 - the major road connecting Chester to north Wales.

The A55 provides good road access to all major coastal towns with various car parks managed by local authorities of Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy. 

Using trains along the north Wales coast

The northern point of the path is on the Welsh border with Chester, a major transport hub with train connections to the north Wales coastline. Make use of the frequent train service to walk this section of the path.

Using buses along the north Wales coast

With links to the A55, there a number of buses operating up and down the north Wales coastline with major transport hubs like Rhyl, Llandudno and Bangor along the way.

Cycling along the north Wales coast

The majority of the path on the north Wales section follows the North Wales Coastal Route between Chester to Holyhead.

How to get to Isle of Anglesey

You can travel to the Anglesey by the A55 and by crossing the Menai Strait, the body of water separating Anglesey and mainland Wales. Go to Visit Anglesey for more information 

You’ll cross one of two bridges to get to and from Anglesey:

• The A5 Menai Suspension Bridge (locally known as the Menai Bridge) carries road traffic and pedestrians to the island via the town of Menai Bridge. 
• The Britannia Bridge which carries road traffic and trains.

Sometimes, there are vehicle restrictions in crossing the Menai Bridge which you may need to take into account when planning your visit.

There are direct train services from Cardiff Central and Birmingham New Street (via Chester and Shrewsbury) on the North Wales South Wales Service and North Wales Coast Line. There’s also a limited service that runs from Manchester Airport via Manchester Piccadilly.

The Anglesey section is an island, which makes it a popular circular walking route (approximately 132 miles long). People will often begin at the official start in Holyhead in the north west of the island, being major transportation hub for ferries to Dublin, trains and buses.

Using the train on Anglesey

There are trains serving Anglesey but only 4 stations near the path with some being request stops. 

Using the bus on Anglesey

We recommend researching and planning your route on this section of the path due limited bus service in more rural areas and reduced or no bus service on Sundays.

In the south east Anglesey, the Seiriol Alliance community group, offers a community mini bus service operating between Beaumaris, Llanddona and Penmon with request stops and scheduled stops. The mini bus service aims to complement the existing bus service operated by Arriva.

How to get to Llŷn and Eryri coast 

This section of the path is between from Bangor to Machynlleth. You can arrive by bus, train and car to the county of Gwynedd. Direct train services take you to the popular north Wales coastal destinations from most parts of the UK. Plan your visit to Eryri /Snowdonia 

Using the train on the Llŷn and Eryri coast

You can walk 100 miles of the path using the train between Pwllheli and Aberystwyth using the Cambrian Coast Line operated by Transport for Wales. This is an ideal weekend away exploring and walking this popular section of the path.

Using the bus on the Llŷn and Eryri coast

The fflecsi bus service covers part of this section of the path between Trefor and Pwllheli. Book your place on the bus and it will pick you up at your preferred pick up and drop off point.

Cycling on the Llŷn and Eryri coast

You can cycle the path on the Lon Las Menai cycle route between the historical town of Caernarfon to the village of Y Felinheli, approximately 4.5 miles /6.5km. See Felinheli to Caernarfon accessible route

How to get to Ceredigion

Between Machynlleth to Poppit sands, the Ceredigion section follows the Cambrian Coast rail line which provides a regular rail service linking Aberystwyth with London, Liverpool, Manchester and other cities across the UK, via Birmingham International (Birmingham airport). Plan your trip to Ceredigion

You can travel this popular section of the path in comfort by train, coach or bus. The TrawsCymru bus service connects northern and southern Ceredigion onto Pembrokeshire and to Cardiff and Carmarthen.

Using the train in Ceredigion 

You can walk parts of the Ceredigion section using the train on the Cambrian Line operated by Transport for Wales. Use the Cambrian Line to walk 100 miles between Pwllheli and Aberystwyth operated by Transport for Wales. 

Travellers can purchase an Explore Cambrian Day ticket. These tickets are also valid on bus operators within the region. 

Using the bus in Ceredigion

The following TrawsCymru routes can be used to walk the path: 
•    T1 , T1A, T1X Carmarthen to Aberystwyth
•    T2 Bangor to Aberystwyth
•    T5 Haverfordwest to Aberystwyth
•    T28 Aberystwyth to Machynlleth

There are also local bus connections to the rest of the county.

How to get to Pembrokeshire

Between Poppit Sands in north Pembrokeshire to Amroth in the south, this is a very well-known section of the Wales Coast Path, a National Trail and part of the UK’s only coastal National Park. You can get here by ferry (from Ireland), train, coastal bus services and car. 

Great Western Railway runs trains from London Paddington, Bristol and the South West to Carmarthen and then onto a Transport for Wales train for services to Pembrokeshire. 

The key roads to the county is the M4 motorway (from the east), A477 (from the south of the county), A40 (for the north and centre of the county).  From the north Midlands and north of England, head for Aberystwyth via the A487. 

Around 40 car parks and parking areas are managed by the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority. There are pay and display car parks, with cashless payments and seasonal parking tickets available to buy online. Read more about travel and parking in Pembrokeshire

Using the train in Pembrokeshire

The train service provides a useful link in between towns and provides a scenic way to get into countryside, especially along the south coast.

Using the bus in Pembrokeshire 

The coastal buses operate during the summer with a reduced winter service. Coastal Cruiser, Puffin Shuttle, Celtic Coaster and the Strumble Shuttle buses are very popular with coast path walkers. Latest Pembrokeshire coastal bus routes and timetables 

There are 5 fflecsi zones in Pembrokeshire covering most of the county which are:
•    North west Pembrokeshire
•    Mid Pembrokeshire
•    South Pembrokeshire
•    Milford zone
•    Poppit zone 
The TrawsCymru bus T11 Haverfordwest to Fishguard may also be an option to consider.

How to get to Carmarthenshire

This section of the path is between Amroth, the southern point of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail to Bynea on the border with Swansea. 

Get to Carmarthenshire by road along the M4 from London to Pont Abraham.There are also good road connections by the M5, M6, M42 and M50 with National Express coach services to this area. Read more about getting to Carmarthenshire

The Wales Coast Path follows the Millennium Coastal Path, offering an opportunity to cycle along a traffic free route

Using the train in Carmarthenshire

TfW trains go to Carmarthen from Manchester, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Hereford, Newport, Cardiff. 

Great Western Railway service links between London Paddington to Wales and regular services to and from Swansea calling at major towns along the Carmarthenshire coastline like Kidwelly, Carmarthen and Burry Port.

Using the coach and bus around Carmarthenshire 

National Express offers links to all major towns and cities and once arrived there is an extensive bus service covering the whole area. The TrawsCymru T1 also travels between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen. The bus service connects to towns along the path like Llansteffan and St Clears and Carmarthen.

Cycling around Carmarthenshire

You can cycle and get fantastic coastal views by cycling a section of the path on the Celtic Trail between Llanelli and Burry Port.

Using local boat service in Carmarthenshire

At Ferryside and Llansteffan, the path follows the River Towy / Afon Tywi towards the town of Carmarthen, which means walking up one side of the estuary only to come down the other side of it - only to see your starting point not far across the River Towy. 

Carmarthen Bay Ferries offer a crossing at Ferryside and Llansteffan, if you want to avoid the estuarine way.
Whilst this may seem a lot of walking most of the walkers are keen to walk the official path and walk (perhaps begrudgingly!) the 18 miles/29 kilometre estuary route. But the most likely way to tackle this section is break up this section in Carmarthen.

How to get to Swansea Bay and Gower

Between Bynea to Margam Moors in neighbouring Neath Port Talbot county in south west Wales, Swansea is accessible by train, bus, coach and car.  

The M4 motorway provides direct access to all parts of Swansea Bay, Mumbles and Gower and to neighbouring Neath Port Talbot. There are a number of coastal car parks managed by Swansea Council and several in the Gower area by National Trust. 

There are direct trains from London Paddington, Bristol Parkway, Cardiff, Newport amongst others with good connections from the Midlands. National Express runs direct to Swansea from central London, Gatwick and Heathrow airports, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff. Read more about getting to Swansea

Using the train in Swansea Bay and Gower

There are 2 options to disembark - Swansea and Gowerton. From Swansea station, you can enjoy a flat accessible walk from the marina around Swansea Bay to Mumbles.  

Using buses in Swansea Bay and Gower

Local bus services leave from stops at Swansea bus station to the rest of the city and regions including Gower and Mumbles.There a number of walking routes combining a walk on the Gower section of the path with a local bus service - perfect if you don’t have a car.  

Check out Swansea Bay without a car – with lots of useful information to travel around Swansea Bay using the public transport network, cycle and by foot.

How to get to the South Wales coast 

The south Wales section of the path goes between Margam Moors in Neath Port Talbot to the historic market town of Chepstow in Monmouthshire.  

It crosses 6 local authority boundaries: Neath Port Talbot, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport and Monmouthshire. Use major road links like the M4 motorway and connecting and direct trains from London and Cardiff to get to this section of the path.

How to get to Neath Port Talbot

In between Swansea and Bridgend, you can get to this section of the path by road, rail and bus. The M4 motorway and A465 Heads of the Valley route can connect you to this section of the path. There are car parks managed by Neath Port Talbot council, including one at Aberavon seafront. 

Using the trains in Neath Port Talbot 

Neath and Port Talbot both have mainline stations connected direct to London Paddington and Manchester Piccadilly (via Cardiff Central) on the Marches line.

Using buses in Neath Port Talbot

Local bus services operate in Neath, Port Talbot and surrounding Valley areas. 

How to get to the Vale of Glamorgan

Use the M4 motorway to get to different parts of the path in the Vale of Glamorgan. Coastal carparks are managed by the Vale of Glamorgan council with seasonal permits available. Parking is available to cars and motorbikes at any of Vale’s coastal carparks. Read more about transportation options in the Vale of Glamorgan

Using the trains in the Vale of Glamorgan 

There are links to the Vale (as locally known) from neighbouring Bridgend or Cardiff Central. The train stations at Barry Island and Penarth are very close to the path.

Using the bus in the Vale of Glamorgan 

The bus network connects the county at coastal locations like Llanwit Major and Penarth to neighbouring Bridgend and Cardiff.

Using the bus in the Vale of Glamorgan 

The bus network connects the county at coastal locations like Llanwit Major and Penarth to neighbouring Bridgend and Cardiff. 

How to get to Bridgend

There are train connections from London Paddington and Birmingham to Bridgend county and in easy reach of the M4 motorway. National Express coaches run from London Victoria to Bridgend. There are also car parks managed by Bridgend County Borough Council 

Read more travel information in Bridgend

Using the train in Bridgend 

The train station in Bridgend town connects to Milford Haven, Swansea, Cardiff central and Penarth and Barry Docks in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Using the bus in Bridgend 

The bus network includes to and from Bridgend and connects to Porthcawl and Llantwit Major.

How to get to Cardiff

The capital city of Wales, Cardiff (Caerdydd in Welsh) is easily accessed by train, coach and car. For overseas visitors, Cardiff airport has regular and frequent public transport links to and from the airport. National Express offer regular services from London and along the M4 motorway. 

Cardiff is less than two hours away from London by train and Cardiff Central station conveniently located in the city centre. Plan your visit to Cardiff

Getting around by train in Cardiff

You can use the train to walk the path between Cardiff, Cardiff Bay, Penarth, Barry Island and Llantwit Major. 

Getting around by bus in Cardiff

The capital city of Wales is well served by buses.

How to get to Newport

Travelling from the east, travel to Newport on the M4 motorway across a choice of two toll free bridges crossing the river Severn: the Severn Bridge (M48) and the Prince of Wales Bridge (M4)

The M4 motorway brings you into the heart of Newport where there is a coach station with links to buses and taxis with a mainline train station.

Getting around by train in Newport

Newport’s mainline station has direct services from London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Getting around by bus in Newport

Newport Bus provides an extensive bus service to Cardiff city centre, RSPB Newport Wetlands Nature Reserve and eastwards including Caldicot, Portskewett, Sudbrook and Chepstow.

Newport Bus also offers transport based on how many people book their place on it. This demand response transport (DRT) initiative serves rural areas in south Newport, using small buses with wheelchair access. Book in advance to agree pick up and drop off points.

How to get to Monmouthshire

On the border with England and Wales, the southern point of the path is in Chepstow in Monmouthshire, accessible by the M4, M48, M50 and M5 motorways (from the Midlands and North) and by rail and bus. National Express operate coach services to Chepstow and Newport. 

Chepstow is also the southern point for the 177 mile/285 kilometre Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. If you walk northwards, you can join up with the Wales Coast Path in the seaside town of Prestatyn along the north Wales coast.

From the east, you can cross into Wales via two toll free bridges: Severn Bridge and Prince of Wales bridge. Use the Prince of Wales bridge for Chepstow. Plan your visit to Monmouthshire

Using the trains in Monmouthshire

Chepstow train station is very close to the path. 

Using the buses in Monmouthshire

The bus network includes Newport, Cardiff central, Sudbrook and Chepstow.