Hi all,
I'm planning a late April trip to Aber, but don't want to rent a car-strictly train or bus. It seems that Birmingham is the closest international airport, but I'd like feedback from trusted RS travelers. Any suggestions? I'll also head to Ireland for several days. Any suggestions for that leg? Ferry or flight from an airport in Wales? Thanks in advance! RLLH
Cardiff is probably the closest international airport. But depending on where you start your trip it might be easier to fly to Heathrow or Manchester and continue by train. Or to Dublin and take the ferry over to Wales.
From Aberystwyth to Ireland, take the ferry from Holyhead. Or maybe from Fishguard, it depends on where in Ireland you're going.
Birmingham is the most sensible airport. Trains run direct from there to Aber every 2 hours taking 3 hours 15 minutes.
From Manchester Airport it would be changes at Manchester Pic and Shrewsbury.
From Cardiff it is a bus to the airport station, then change at Cardiff Central and Shrewsbury. Rather convoluted.
From London it would be train from Euston to Birmingham International then direct train as above.
To Dublin the only airport in Wales is Cardiff, Ryanair fly from there to Dublin. But I think ferry is easier.
Yes, Birmingham airport is not the closest as the crow flies but the most convenient by public transport.
If you want to get from Aberystwyth to Dublin, I would suggest train to Porthmadog (change at Dovey Junction or Machynlleth). You will be using this line:> https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/north-wales/explore-cambrian-coast-railway-line
From Porthmadog you would need to go by bus to Holyhead via Caernarfon - which has a massive medieval castle.https://www.traveline.cymru will tell you how to do this.
However, I suggest that to get from Porthmadog to Caernarfon I suggest that you use this very scenic heritage steam railway through the Snowdonia National Park:>https://www.festrail.co.uk
Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate between Holyhead & Dublin.
Birmingham is the most convenient airport for Aberystwyth. Failing that, Manchester and then train to Shrewsbury where you change for Aberystwyth. (You don’t say where you are coming from - just North West).
