Hay-on-Wye to Belfast

Cardiff would be a good route but reaching the airport is that bit harder. Until Covid there was a direct bus from the City Centre but it no longer exists. Now it is a train and bus integrated combo via Rhoose.

But as the flight leaves at noon the risks are minor- if the trains were having problems you would have time to get a taxi.

Hereford overnight would slightly worry me as it is 2 hours with a change at Birmingham New Street to the airport station, and only 2 trains to get you there on time.

What about bus to Hereford, leave the luggage at a Stasher type place, spend the day in Hereford then an evening train to Birmingham. Stay overnight in central Birmingham then train next morning to the airport. If the trains were having a bad day there is also a frequent bus (to Coventry) from the City Centre- so all your bases are covered.

Thank you for your response. You've made some good points. I've booked a hotel near the Birmingham train station and will have the option of a few more hours in Hay or a few hours in Hereford before heading for Birmingham for the night. I'll save Cardiff for another trip.

There are three main stations in Birmingham - Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street, into which a train from Hereford or Worcester will arrive; and Birmingham New Street - the big station - which receives trains from Wales and from where you get a train to Birmingham International, the airport station. At the airport station you pop into a free cable drawn capsule which whisks you over to the airport buildings in about 45 seconds, every 90 seconds or so.

All 3 main stations are easy walking distance apart, although not entirely level if you have luggage.

If the hotel you booked is the Ibis in Chinatown you will need to go up a couple of flights to get up to New Street station, probably through the Markets and the Bull Ring.

Thanks, Nigel, for the helpful information. I've booked the Premier Inn near the New Street Station. I don't mind a bit of a walk in Birmingham, and am used to doing hills and stairs. The Birmingham airport sounds very space-age!

I am certain that Nigel is right, that most Hereford and Worcester trains used to go to Moor Street. I thought so as well (although last time I went to Worcester I went from New Street, as it was closer to my hotel) but at some stage or other almost all of the hourly Hereford services have been diverted to New Street.- this is the current timetable until 1 June- https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/media/4329/download?inline

and this the one from 2 June (little or no difference)- https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/media/4795/download?inline

Almost all the trains which turn back at Worcester seem to still be Moor Street/Snow Hill services.

It's too late for you now, but for the benefit of others since February 2024 Hereford has had a free bus service every 15 minutes linking Hereford Bus Station and pretty much anywhere else you would want to go in the City Centre- called the Hereford Zipper- https://herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk/council-services/hereford-zipper-bus-service/