Car-free holiday ideas – plan your short break by bus or train

Get ideas for your car-free break. Scroll on for inspiration or jump straight to the section that interests you most:

• North Wales
• Mid Wales
• South Wales

northNorth Wales is known for its dramatic landscapes, historic castles and vibrant coastal towns.

With mountain walks, beach days, outdoor adventures and cultural attractions all within easy reach, it’s the ideal place for a no-car holiday.

Choose from a range of places to stay and things to do, all with great public transport links, and enjoy a relaxed short break by train or bus through some of Cymru's most scenic spots.

North Wales offers accommodation for every traveller, many within easy reach of a bus or train station.

Families can enjoy a relaxed coastal break at Pines Holiday Park in Diserth, with sea views and family-friendly facilities.

For those seeking luxury, the Quay Hotel & Spa in Deganwy offers waterfront elegance, spa treatments and fine dining.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Sunsets and Stars Shepherd's Hut in Bae Colwyn (Colwyn Bay), where glamping meets stargazing in a peaceful hillside setting.

And for a city break, the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham in Wrecsam offers modern comfort with easy access to shops, restaurants and public transport.

How to get there:

• Pines Holiday Park: Catch the 36 bus from Y Rhyl (Rhyl) Bus Station (Stand D) to Ffordd y Ffrainc, Diserth. The journey takes around 19 minutes with buses every 30 minutes.
• Quay Hotel & Spa: Take a Transport for Wales train from Llandudno to Deganwy. Services run hourly and it's just a short walk to the hotel.
• Sunsets and Stars Shepherd's Hut: The North Wales Coast Line stops at Bae Colwyn. From there, take a local Arriva or Stagecoach bus towards Mochdre.
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham: The hotel is around a 10 minute walk from Wrecsam General Station.

There’s plenty to enjoy on a car-free holiday in North Wales.

Thrill-seekers can soar above the historic slate mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog at Zip World Llechwedd, home of Europe's first four person zip line, or head underground to bounce on giant trampolines, fly, traverse and climb your way across rope bridges or enjoy a round on the world's first underground adventure golf course.

On Anglesey, hop aboard Rib Ride Adventure Boats for a high-speed coastal tour with stunning views and and wildlife encounters. 

For a taste of Welsh history, Erddig near Wrecsam offers a beautifully preserved stately home and gardens.

At the Penderyn Lloyd Street Distillery in Llandudno, visitors can discover the craft behind award-winning Welsh whisky on a guided tour and tasting.

How to get there:

• Zip World Llechwedd: From Blaenau Ffestiniog train station it's a 28 min walk to the attraction.
• Rib Ride Adventure Boats: Take the train to Bangor station, then catch the Arriva Wales bus, service 58, to Menai Bridge. It’s a 5-minute walk to Porth Daniel Boat Yard.
• Erddig, Wrexham:  Within walking distance of the city centre, or take Line 3 bus from Cobden Road to Esmwyth (Esless) (around 4 minutes). Alternatively, Arriva Bus Wales route 5 is another option.
• Penderyn Llandudno Lloyd Street Distillery: Arrive by train into Llandudno train station, the distillery is only a 10-minute walk away.

midWith its green hills, wildlife-rich landscapes and charming market towns, Mid Wales offers a slower pace, perfect for unwinding in nature. 

It’s easy to plan a staycation without a car, with scenic routes connecting nature reserves, heritage railways and coastal trails.

Mid Wales offers a diverse mix of accommodation. 

Families can enjoy a relaxed countryside break at Penrhos Park Lodges, Cabins & Caravans, with leisure facilities and nearby coastal walks. 

For a touch of luxury, the Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells combines Victorian elegance with modern wellness experiences.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Nyth Robin near Aberdyfi (Aberdovey), offering eco-friendly glamping in woodland surroundings.

And for a town-based stay, The Glengower in Aberystwyth, delivers seafront charm, great food and easy access to local attractions and transport links.

How to get there:

• Penrhos Park Lodges, Cabins & Caravans: Travel to Aberystwyth by train, from here the T5, T1, T1C, T1X. bus services pass near Penrhos Park.
• Metropole Hotel & Spa: Travel to Llandrindod Railway Station on the Heart of Wales Line from Swansea, Llanelli, and Shrewsbury. The hotel is a short walk away.
• Nyth Robin: Travel to Machynlleth on the Cambrian Coast Line from Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth. Local bus services stop a 5 minute walk from the site.
• The Glengower: Around 10 minutes’ walk from Aberystwyth train and bus stations.

Mid Wales is full of gentle adventure.

Go underground at King Arthur’s Labyrinth for a mythical journey through caverns and storytelling. Admire the dramatic cascades of Devil’s Bridge Falls with its historic bridges and woodland walks. Or head to New Quay Harbour for a seaside stroll along Dolau and Traeth Gwyn beaches. 

Each experience is easy to reach by public transport, making it ideal for a no-car holiday or a relaxing short break by bus or train.

How to get there:

• King Arthur’s Labyrinth: Travel by bus on the TrawsCymru T2 service.
• Devil’s Bridge Falls: Travel in style on the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth
• New Quay Harbour, Dolau & Traeth Gwyn: Travel by bus on the TrawsCymru T5 service.

southSouth Wales blends vibrant cities, coastal escapes and rolling countryside. Excellent transport links make it perfect for mini breaks by train or short breaks by bus, with a great choice of places to stay and explore on a car-free holiday.

Families can enjoy coastal views and on-site leisure facilities at Fontygary Leisure Park in the Vale of Glamorgan.

For a luxury Voco St David’s Hotel in Bae Caerdydd (Cardiff Bay) offers a beautiful waterfront setting with a spa and fine dining.

Outdoor enthusiasts can stay at The Roost Merthyr, Merthyr Tudful an eco-friendly glamping retreat with direct access to walking and biking trails.

For a stylish city break, The Parkgate Hotel in Caerdydd combines elegant design with a prime location close to shops, attractions and public transport.

• Fontygary Leisure Park: First South & West Wales bus 304 from Caerdydd city centre.
• Voco St David's Spa, Bae Caerdydd: Baycar bus (service 6) from Caerdydd city centre, or train to Bae Caerdydd station and Cardiff Bus (service 1).
• The Roost, Merthyr Tudful: Troedyrhiw station is a 5-minute walk away and connects directly with Merthyr Tudful, Caerdydd, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr (Bridgend) and Y Barri (Barry)
• The Parkgate Hotel: Located in Caerdydd city centre, a short walk from Caerdydd Central Station and Bus Interchange.

South Wales is packed with things to see and do for car-free explorers.

In Cardiff, iconic attractions such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, tours of the Principality Stadium, and BBC Tours, are all within walking distance of main transport hubs.

Beyond the city, Whitmore beach at Ynys y Barri (Barry Island) offers classic seaside fun with beaches, arcades and cafés – just 30 minutes by train. 

History lovers can explore the mighty walls of Caerphilly Castle and when travelling by train, take advantage of Transport for Wales and Cadw’s 2-for-1 entry offer. 

For heritage a little further north, visit  Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, in Merthyr Tudful, surrounded by 150 acres of parkland with a tearoom and model railway.

Nature lovers, can continue to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park) for scenic trails and panoramic views from Pen y Fan – the highest peak in South Wales.

How to get there:

• Ynys y Barri: Direct train from Caerdydd (approx. 30 minutes).
• Caerphilly Castle: Direct train from Caerdydd or Stagecoach South Wales service 26.
• Cyfarthfa Park and Castle Museum and Museum: Train from Caerdydd to Tudful, then Stagecoach South Wales bus 25 to Cyfarthfa Park.
• Bannau Brycheiniog: Train from Cardiff to Merthyr Tudful, then TrawsCymru T4 bus stopping at Storey Arms (base of Pen y Fan).

Wales is full of car-free holiday possibilities – adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both. With bus and rail connections linking coasts, cities and countryside, organising a staycation without a car has never been simpler.

Ready to go? Start planning your trip today.

You can travel to the places mentioned in this article by train or bus, however, services and timetables are subject to change, sometimes at short notice.  Always check with the service provider before booking/travelling.

• Traveline Cymru - Public transport information service for journey planning in Wales
• Transport for Wales - Public transport booking platform