How to get to Bangor
By Road
To drive to Bangor, North Wales, use the A55 North Wales Expressway, the primary route connecting the city to major areas. From London (250 miles, 4.5–5 hours), take M40 to M6, M56 to A55, exiting at junction 11. From Manchester (90 miles, 1.5–2 hours), follow M56 to A55, exiting at junction 11.
From Cardiff (170 miles, 3.5–4 hours), take M4 to A470, A44 to A487, then A55 north, exiting at junction 11.
From nearby Caernarfon (8 miles, 15–20 minutes), take A487 east; from Llandudno (15 miles, 25–30 minutes), take A55 west.
Watch for A55 speed cameras and occasional congestion near Conwy. In Bangor, park at Kyffin Square or Glanrafon car parks, as street parking is limited. Check Traffic Wales for A55 roadworks, especially in summer.
By Train
To travel to Bangor, North Wales by train, you’ll typically go through major hubs like London, Manchester, or Cardiff, with Bangor station served by Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast. From London Euston (3–3.5 hours), take a direct Avanti West Coast train to Bangor or change at Crewe.
From Manchester Piccadilly (2–2.5 hours), board a Transport for Wales train, often changing at Chester. From Cardiff Central (4–4.5 hours), take a Transport for Wales service, usually changing at Shrewsbury or Chester. Direct trains from nearby Llandudno Junction (20–30 minutes) or Holyhead (30–40 minutes) are frequent.
Bangor station is central, a short walk from the city. Book tickets early on Trainline or Transport for Wales for cheaper fares, and check for disruptions, especially on weekends.
By Sea
Traveling to Bangor, North Wales by sea is not straightforward, as Bangor lacks a direct passenger ferry service. The closest major ferry port is Holyhead (22 miles away, 30–40 minutes by car or train), with frequent ferries from Dublin, Ireland. Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate 4 daily crossings each (3h 15m–3h 30m), with fares starting at £27 for foot passengers or £230 with a car. From Holyhead, take a 30-minute train (Transport for Wales, £6–£10) or drive via the A55 to Bangor.
No ferries operate directly to Bangor or nearby ports like Caernarfon, and chartering a private boat from Bangor to Anglesey (e.g., Beaumaris, 1.5–2 miles) is possible but rare—contact local operators like Seawake or Dickies at Port Penrhyn for bespoke trips. For scenic cruises, Bangor Marina offers short boat trips, but they don’t serve as transport. Book Holyhead ferries early via Irish Ferries or Stena Line for best prices, and check Traveline Cymru for onward travel to Bangor.
By Air
Traveling to Bangor, North Wales by air is not direct, as Bangor has no commercial airport. The closest major airports are Manchester Airport (90 miles, 1.5–2 hours by car or 2–2.5 hours by train) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport (80 miles, 1.5–2 hours by car or 2.5–3 hours by train). From Manchester, fly in, then take a Transport for Wales train to Bangor via Chester (£20–£40) or drive via the M56 and A55. From Liverpool, fly in, then take a train with a change at Chester or Crewe (£15–£35) or drive via the A55.
For international travelers, London Heathrow or Gatwick (250–270 miles, 4.5–5 hours by car or 3–3.5 hours by train via London Euston) are options, with Avanti West Coast trains to Bangor (£50–£100). Anglesey Airport (20 miles) serves limited PSO flights from Cardiff, but it’s not practical for most. Private charters or helicopter transfers to Caernarfon Airfield (8 miles) are possible via operators like Dragonfly Aviation, but costly (£500+). Check Skyscanner for flights and Trainline for rail tickets; book early for savings.