Of all the main UK airports, Birmingham International is the most convenient airport for Aberystwyth if you are relying on public transport. London's airports are also fairly accessible and benefit from a wider range of flights and prices. Be aware that, although sometimes useful, Cardiff's airport is not particularly convenient for travellers to Aberystwyth.
Birmingham | Cardiff | Gatwick | Heathrow | Luton | Stansted
The airport has its own railway station with frequent trains to Birmingham New Street (10-15 minutes). From Birmingham New Street, regular direct trains are available to Aberystwyth. Shortest journey time is about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- Airport information: 0870 733 5511 or www.bhx.co.uk
- Train information
A free shuttle bus links Cardiff Airport to its own railway station, Rhoose Cardiff International Airport. Catch the train to Cardiff Central station (35 mins), then:
- Airport information: (01446) 711111 or www.cwlfly.com.
- Train information / Coach information
By train will take about 6 hours. Firstly, take either the Gatwick Express train (£15) or a local 'Southern' train (£9) to London Victoria. Once in London use the Underground's Victoria Line to reach London Euston for connecting services to Aberystwyth via Birmingham New Street. The ticket office at Gatwick Airport railway station can sell you a through ticket to Aberystwyth, but if you're arriving later in the day you will probably need to stay overnight in London and continue your journey the next day.
If you wish to avoid Central London, you could take the hourly direct train from Gatwick to Watford Junction and join the London to Birmingham train there instead.
If you wish to travel by coach, there is one daily journey which takes about 8 hours 30 minutes and requires a change of coaches in Birmingham.
- Gatwick airport information: 0870 000 2468 or www.gatwickairport.com.
- Train information / RailLinks Coach / Other Coach information
To travel directly to Aberystwyth, take the RailLinks coach from any terminal to Watford Junction station (40 mins). At Watford, join a Virgin Trains service to Birmingham New Street for an onward connection to Aberystwyth. It should be possible to complete the journey in less than 6 hours, and through tickets can be bought in advance.
Travelling via London takes approximately the same time. Make your way to Central London on the Heathrow Express train (15 mins; £15.50) or the cheaper London Underground service (45 mins, £4). Train connections to Aberystwyth leave from London Euston, while the daily coach leaves from London Victoria.
If you wish to travel only by coach, there is one daily journey which takes about 7 hours 30 minutes and requires a change of coaches in Birmingham.
- Heathrow airport information: 0870 000 0123 or www.heathrowairport.com.
- Train information / Coach information
Take the RailLinks coach to Milton Keynes Central railway station (1 hour). At Milton Keynes, join a Virgin Trains service to Birmingham New Street for an onward connection to Aberystwyth. Total journey time 5hrs 15mins.
- Luton airport information: (01582) 405100 or www.london-luton.co.uk.
- Train information / RailLinks Coach
There is an hourly train from Stansted to Birmingham New Street, where you can change trains for Aberystwyth. The journey should take around 7 hours.
- Stansted airport information: 0870 000 0303 or www.stanstedairport.com.
- Train information
This page updated 11-Jul-2007