World City Guide

Getting There By Road

Driving regulations in Wales are the same as for the rest of the UK. Main roads are designated by a letter, followed by up to four numbers: an ‘M’ indicates a motorway, ‘A’ a major trunk road and ‘B’ minor roads. Traffic drives on the left and overtakes on the right. The speed limits are 113kph (70mph) on motorways and dual carriageways, 97kph (60mph) on single-lane main roads and 48kph (30mph) in built-up areas, unless otherwise indicated. Seatbelts are compulsory for drivers and front-seat passengers and for rear-seat passengers, if fitted. Motorcyclists must wear helmets. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio for driving is 0.08%. The legal driving age is 18 years. Overseas driving licences and International Driving Permits are valid for driving in Britain for up to one year. Insurance is mandatory. Overseas motorists should bring registration documents and ask their insurance company if a Green Card is required.

Mantais Cymru (Traffic Wales) provides traffic and road user information for travel to, from and within Wales (tel: (0845) 602 6020; website: www.traffic-wales.com). Breakdown service and general motoring information is provided by the Automobile Association (tel: (0870) 550 0600; website: www.theaa.co.uk), the Royal Automobile Club – RAC (tel: (0870) 572 2722; website: www.rac.co.uk) and Green Flag (tel: (0800) 001 371; website: www.greenflag.co.uk).

Emergency breakdown services:
AA (0800) 887 766 (toll free)
Green Flag (0800) 400 600 (toll free)
RAC (0800) 828 282 (toll free)

Routes to the city: The M4 is the main direct route to Cardiff from elsewhere in the UK, through London, Reading, Swindon, Bath and Bristol, crossing the Second Severn Crossing (M4) and continuing on to Swansea. From the north and Midlands, the M5 passes through Birmingham to link with the M4 near Bristol. The Severn Suspension Bridge (M48) provides an alternate route over the River Severn. A toll (westbound only) is charged on both bridges. Eastbound crossings from Wales into England are free for all vehicles. Toll charges are revised every January (tel: (01454) 633 522, for details).

Approximate driving times to Cardiff: From Swansea – 1 hour; Birmingham – 2 hours 30 minutes; London – 3 hours.

Coach services: National Express (tel: (0870) 580 8080; website: www.gobycoach.com) runs direct services between Cardiff and most other major UK towns and cities. It also operates services to Ireland via the Fishguard-Rosslare ferry. Eurolines (part of National Express) serves destinations on mainland Europe.

Cardiff’s coach and bus station is on Wood Street, immediately outside the railway station. About a dozen different coach and bus operators offer services around the city and further afield. Facilities are sparse but include a newsagent, fast-food outlets and a taxi rank. The terminal also is close to city centre amenities.