By Car
Porthmadog is straightforward to reach by car. From the north, the A487 runs south from Caernarfon through Beddgelert and into Porthmadog — allow 50 minutes from Caernarfon or 30 minutes from Porthmadog’s nearest A55 junction (junction 11 at Caernarfon via the A487). From the south, the A487 comes up from Dolgellau through Harlech and Barmouth — about 45 minutes from Barmouth, two hours from Aberystwyth. From the Midlands and England, the A5 through Betws-y-Coed connects to the A470 south and then the A487 into Porthmadog — around three hours from Birmingham.
By Train
Porthmadog has a station on the Cambrian Coast Line, which runs from Shrewsbury through Machynlleth, Barmouth and Harlech to Pwllheli. From Birmingham, change at Shrewsbury or Machynlleth; journey time around three and a half hours. From Manchester, change at Shrewsbury. The Cambrian Coast Line is one of the most scenic railway journeys in Wales, following the coast for much of its length with views across Cardigan Bay.
From the north, the best approach by train is to take the main North Wales Coast Line to Bangor or Llandudno Junction, then bus or taxi south on the A487.
By Bus
Bus services connect Porthmadog with Caernarfon to the north (T12 service) and with Dolgellau, Barmouth and Aberystwyth to the south. The Snowdonia Sherpa network, operating in summer, connects key points in Snowdonia by bus.
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