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Wales Coast

Wales Road Trip

Barry - Llandeilo - Fishguard - Aberystwyth - Porthmadog - Holyhead - Conwy - Machynlleth - Merthyr Tydfil - Cardiff

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Beach Beach
Urban life Urban life
Wales Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages10 km1,132 h/stage2.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Wales Road Trip in Wales?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 252EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 462EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,116EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,368EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 200EUR sleep & more 737EUR eat & more 756EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,693EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,071EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 630EUR drive & more 275EUR sleep & more 1,111EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,394EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,024EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 300EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,189EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,764EUR
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Wales Road Trip Itinerary

The Wales Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through the stunning Welsh countryside. Starting in Barry, the route takes you through the towns of Llandeilo, Fishguard, Aberystwyth, Porthmadog, Holyhead, Conwy and Merthyr Tydfil, covering a total distance of 699 miles. The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months, when the landscapes are at their most vibrant and the days are long. Along the way, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, from ancient castles and breathtaking beaches, to vibrant towns and villages. The roads are generally in excellent condition, making it a comfortable and enjoyable drive. There is a border crossing along the route, so please remember to take your passport. With a moderate budget, the Wales Road Trip can be completed in 7 days, providing you with a wealth of experiences and memories. It is suitable for all drivers, so why not take the chance to explore this beautiful corner of the world?
number of days 7 number of days
route length 1,132 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Barry

Distance 1,132 km Driving time 20.9 h Pace: modest 294.3 kWh Airports CWL
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Barry in Wales is an excellent starting point for a road trip. Located in the far southwest corner of the country, the town is full of historical and picturesque sights. The quaint village is home to a variety of cultural attractions, like the ruins of the 12th-century castle, the oldest surviving clock tower in Wales, and the ruins of a 15th-century abbey. The nearby cliffs offer stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the region’s many islands. For those traveling to Barry by air, the closest international airport is Cardiff Airport (CWL). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the region. From Cardiff, it’s a short drive to Barry, where a diverse array of attractions await. Visitors can stop by St. Donat’s Castle, a 13th-century castle that has been used as a wedding venue and a film set. The town also offers a number of cozy pubs and restaurants, as well as opportunities for hiking and fishing. For a truly memorable experience, take a boat trip around the Bristol Channel and observe the region’s many islands. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery, Barry in Wales is an ideal starting point for the Wales Road Trip.

1 Barry - Llandeilo

Distance 123 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 36.9 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options interesting cultural site junction of road trips interesting  historic site camping sites
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for a 74mi journey through the stunning landscapes of Wales, starting in Barry and ending in Llandeilo. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, but it is also a great route on its own. You will have fewer than 2 hours of driving time, and you will get to visit some of the most interesting places in the region. First, you will stop in Swansea, a beautiful coastal city with a rich culture and history. Here, you can explore the Swansea Castle, the Dylan Thomas Centre, and the National Waterfront Museum. Continuing your journey, you will reach Carreg Cennen Castle, a magnificent medieval castle that stands atop a limestone hill. This is one of the most impressive castles in Wales, and it is definitely worth a visit. Finally, you will arrive in Llandeilo, a charming town with a picturesque main street and plenty of independent shops and cafes. Here you can explore the ruins of Dinefwr Castle and the beautiful gardens of the National Trust. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

2 Llandeilo - Fishguard

Distance 209 km Driving time 4.2 h Pace: modest 54.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Embark on an unforgettable 119mi road trip from Llandeilo, Wales to Fishguard, Wales. This journey is one of the stages of a larger tour, and will take you fewer than 4 hours. Start off in Llandeilo, where you can explore the ruins of Dinefwr Castle and the National Trust-managed Newton House. Then, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of Aberglasney House and Gardens, before heading to St. Davids. Once in St. Davids, you can visit the stunning St. Davids Cathedral and Bishops Palace. Then, take a leisurely walk to the ruins of the Bishop's Palace and the ruins of the Old Bishop's Palace. Continue your journey through the stunning Welsh countryside to Fishguard, where you can explore the ruins of Fishguard Fort, the harbour, and the beautiful harbour walk. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

3 Fishguard - Aberystwyth

Distance 94 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: modest 24.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips camping sites border crossing
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Welcome to the Fishguard - Narberth - Aberystwyth road trip! This 58mi drive will take you less than 2 hours, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in Wales. The journey starts in Fishguard, a picturesque harbor town, where you can explore the ruins of the 18th century fort. Then, you will drive to Narberth, where you can visit the 12th century Narberth Castle. Your next stop is Aberystwyth, a lively seaside town, where you can explore the impressive Aberystwyth Castle and take a stroll along the Victorian pier. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Aberystwyth - Porthmadog

Distance 127 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: modest 33.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Embark on a road trip stage from Aberystwyth to Porthmadog and explore the beautiful Welsh countryside! This 81mi journey can be completed in less than 3 hours and will take you to some of the most interesting places in Wales. Start your journey in Aberystwyth, a charming seaside town located on the west coast of Wales, and visit the iconic Aberystwyth Castle. This 13th Century fortress is a great spot for a picnic and offers spectacular views of the town and the sea. As you leave Aberystwyth, you'll pass through the impressive Elan Valley, a scenic area with several reservoirs and dams. Continue your journey to Porthmadog, a picturesque harbour town situated on the coast of the Snowdonia National Park. Here you can explore the town's impressive harbour, take a boat ride on the Glaslyn Estuary, or visit the nearby Portmeirion Village. This is just one of the stages of the larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Aberystwyth to Porthmadog!

5 Porthmadog - Holyhead

Distance 172 km Driving time 3.4 h Pace: modest 44.6 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options junction of road trips attractive landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site camping sites
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage that starts in Porthmadog, Wales and leads you through Caernarfon and ends in Holyhead. This 106 mi journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, so sit back and enjoy the stunning views of the Welsh countryside! Your first stop is Porthmadog, where you can explore the picturesque harbour and take a stroll along the promenade. Then, head to Caernarfon, a historic walled town with a castle built by Edward I. Explore the castle and the town’s many attractions, such as the Welsh Highland Railway, the National Slate Museum, and the Segontium Roman Fort. Finally, end your journey in Holyhead, a charming fishing port. Visit the Breakwater Country Park, the South Stack Lighthouse, and the St. Cybi Church. Along your journey, don’t forget to take a few breaks and admire the stunning landscape, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife! For further information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Holyhead - Conwy

Distance 94 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: fast 28.2 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip through Wales? Then buckle up and let's go! Starting in Holyhead, you will drive for about 57 miles and less than two hours until you reach your destination, Conwy. Along the way, you will pass through the beautiful city of Bangor. Here, you should make sure to pay attention to the historical sites, such as the Bangor Cathedral, the Penrhyn Castle, and the Menai Bridge. As you cross the state border, you can take in the breathtaking views of the countryside. As you make your way to Conwy, you will be able to explore the Conwy Castle, the Plas Mawr Elizabethan Townhouse, and the Aberconwy House. All of these attractions are sure to make your road trip even more memorable. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary of this stage. So, get ready for a great day of adventure and exploration!

7 Conwy - Machynlleth

Distance 102 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: fast 30.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Welcome to the Conwy-Machynlleth road trip! This exciting journey will take you through some of Wales' most beautiful and captivating landscapes. Starting in Conwy, you will drive 64 miles, taking fewer than two hours, to reach Machynlleth. Along the way, you will have the chance to explore the rugged hills of Blaenau Ffestiniog, and the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park. In Blaenau Ffestiniog, you can explore the fascinating Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Here, you will be able to learn about the history of slate mining in Wales, and take a tour of the caverns. In Snowdonia National Park, you can take a hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. You can also enjoy a peaceful stroll around the lake at Llyn Ogwen, or explore the historic Castles of Harlech and Caernarfon. To make the most of your road trip, more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

8 Machynlleth - Merthyr Tydfil

Distance 142 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: fast 42.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape camping sites
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Machynlleth, Wales and explore the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and Merthyr Tydfil. This 94mi journey will take you fewer than three hours to complete, and you'll be able to admire the area's lush green hills and valleys. Start your journey in Machynlleth and visit the Centre for Alternative Technology, where you can learn about sustainable living. Then drive to Brecon Beacons National Park, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons mountain range. Enjoy a hike or two, or take a leisurely stroll along one of the many trails. While in the park, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Brecon Beacons Waterfalls and the Dan-yr-Ogof National Showcaves. Continue your journey to Merthyr Tydfil, where you'll find a variety of attractions, including the historic Cyfarthfa Castle, Park and Museum, the National Roman Legion Museum, the Richard Burton Theatre and the Iron Bridge. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't wait any longer and plan your road trip today!

9 Merthyr Tydfil - Cardiff

Distance 40 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: fast 12.0 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options interesting cultural site interesting  historic site camping sites
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Are you ready to explore one of the most beautiful routes in Wales? Start your journey in Merthyr Tydfil, a town with a rich industrial heritage, and make your way to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The 24-mile route will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can make the most of your time to visit some of the most interesting places along the way. In Merthyr Tydfil, you can visit the ruins of the Cyfarthfa Ironworks, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in Wales. You can also explore the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Brecon Mountain Railway. In Cardiff, you can explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting the National Museum, the National Gallery of Wales, and the Millennium Stadium. You can also take a stroll through the city's beautiful parks and gardens, or explore Cardiff Castle and the Cardiff Bay area. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!

10 Cardiff - Barry

Distance 29 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 7.5 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options interesting cultural site interesting  historic site camping sites
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Start your road trip in Cardiff, Wales, and end in Barry, just 18 miles away – a journey that will take you fewer than one hour of driving. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and you will be amazed by the places you can visit in this route. In Cardiff, you will find the National Museum Cardiff, the Cardiff Castle, and the Llandaff Cathedral. If you have time, spend some time at the Cardiff Bay, the largest waterfront development in Europe. Continue your journey to the city of Barry, home of the Barry Island Pleasure Park and the Barry Island Beach. Here you can also visit the Barry Island Railway and the Fonmon Castle. You will find more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have an amazing road trip!

  Barry

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The final destination of the Wales Road Trip is Barry, a coastal town in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales. With its spectacular scenery and its long history, Barry is sure to be the perfect end to your journey. The first place to explore in Barry is the Barry Island Pleasure Park. This amusement park is a great spot to take the family, with its rides, arcades, and attractions. Barry Island is also home to the National Trust’s Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, with its beautiful lakeside walk, and the charming Porthkerry Country Park, with its stunning views of the Bristol Channel. To experience some of the local culture, a visit to the Barry Island Museum is a must. This museum houses a variety of artifacts and displays that detail the history of the area. There is also the Barry Island Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that runs through the town. Barry is also home to some great shopping opportunities, from the Victorian High Street to the modern-day Holton Road Shopping Centre. For those looking for something unique, there is the Barry Island Craft Market, where you can find handmade items from local artisans. Travelers arriving by air can fly into Cardiff Airport (CWL), which is located only 22 miles from Barry. From there, it’s just a short drive to the town and the end of your Wales Road Trip.

Wales Road Trip at a glance

Surely, our Wales Road Trip has become a perfect inspiration for your future travels.
The plan we’ve prepared can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse attractions.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Wales, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a list of elements to bear in mind to make your road trip safe. These tips will surely become useful for travellers who are considering vehicle hire or camper rental in Wales.
When you’re on a tour around Wales, you should follow the local road regulations. In Wales, if you are planning to drive, try avoiding alcoholic drinks at any expense. Holidaymakers ought to remember that the legal alcohol limit for drivers is rather low and is only 0.8‰. Exceeding the maximum speed limit, which is 48km/h, around the city streets may result in speeding offence. Around non-build-up-areas, you can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 96km/h. On highways, the permissible speed is 112km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to drive with your headlights on at daytime and equip your vehicle with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. Depending on your needs, the money that you have to spend will differ. Take a look at the available budget options.
We estimate that the cheapest offer when it comes to gasoline to cover the planned 1,132km while travelling around Wales will cost approximately 150 EUR. You should take into consideration that economy accommodation will cost around 462 EUR. Tourists should also take into consideration the fact that they will spend around 504 EUR for restaurants and food in this option. Travellers will have to pay approximately 252 EUR if they are interested in the budget hire car offer as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be around 1,116 EUR without car hire and 1,368 EUR with car hire.
Drivers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 200 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses can amount up to about 737 EUR. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost roughly 756 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of about 378 EUR. The whole estimated cost of the Wales Road Trip is 2,071 EUR with vehicle hire and 1,693 EUR without a hire vehicle.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding holidayers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 3,024 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle hire and 1,693 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of more or less 630 EUR. When it comes to the top standard configuration of the trip, you will pay about 275 EUR for fuel. Drivers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay more or less 1,008 EUR for food and restaurants and about 1,111 EUR for accommodation options.
Our tour is also an exquisite opportunity for all camper fans. When it comes to this travel means, the expenses may amount to approximately 1,575 EUR. Camper fans will spend more or less 300 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Holidaymakers who opt for camper rental should expect to pay about 385 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 504 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the presented expenses in detail.
The best travel opportunity when exploring the part of Wales mentioned in our road trip idea is between May and September. There are plenty of exciting road trips that are available on our website if Wales Road Trip has inspired you. Even the most demanding of tourists will surely be taken aback by the broad spectrum of road trips available on our website.

Facts for safer driving in Wales

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 48 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 96 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 112 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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