Getting to Anglesey: How to Travel by Car, Train or Ferry

Getting to Anglesey, Easier Than You Think

Come however you like. Take the train along the north Wales coast from Chester and watch the mountains give way to sea. Pack the car and make a family road trip of it with biscuit crumbs and playlist debates. Board a ferry from Ireland and hire a car, bring your bicycle, follow the walking routes, or simply cross the Menai Strait on a whim.

No matter how you travel, arriving in Anglesey feels like stepping into somewhere set apart and special. The journey becomes part of the memory, not just a means of getting here.

Anglesey sits quietly off the Northwest coast of Wales, an island off an island with its own rhythm and its own story. It’s close enough to reach with ease from Ireland, Manchester, Cheshire and the Midlands, yet far enough that the world seems to soften the moment you arrive.

Many come for the beaches, some for the adventure, others for history, wildlife, or simply a change of pace. Whatever draws you, Anglesey has a way of offering more than expected.

Travelling here can be as simple or as scenic as you like. The A55 sweeps you comfortably along the coast, yet smaller roads tempt you to slow down and explore market towns, viewpoints and foodie spots along the way. Cyclists and walkers often choose to make the journey part of their holiday, following routes through Snowdonia, the Llyn Peninsula or Lon Las Cymru until sea and sky open around them. Between April and October the weather tends to be kind enough to make being outdoors a pleasure rather than a challenge, though a light breeze is almost guaranteed.

Getting to Anglesey: The Essentials

By Car
The A55 expressway runs directly onto Anglesey, making the island easy to reach from Chester, the Midlands, Manchester and the North West. It’s the fastest route, with opportunities to stop at coastal towns like Conwy, Penmaenmawr and Bangor if you want to make a day of it.

By Train
Direct services run to Holyhead, with connections from major UK cities including London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham. From Holyhead you can continue your journey via local buses, taxis or car hire, with routes covering the island’s main towns and coastal areas.

By Ferry (Ireland)
Holyhead is one of the UK’s main ferry ports. Regular sailings connect Dublin and Holyhead, offering both fast and standard crossings. Many Irish visitors choose to bring their car, while others hire one on arrival.

By Cycling or Walking
For more adventurous travellers, long-distance routes like Lon Las Cymru and the coastal paths through Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula make the journey part of the holiday.

Explore Your Own Way

Once you’re here, Anglesey reveals its layers. There are ancient burial chambers that predate written history, quiet country lanes leading to lighthouses and hidden coves, and coastal paths that seem to go on forever.

RAF Valley brings drama to the skies while seals, puffins and gannets add their own sense of theatre along the cliffs and coastline. In one day you can climb Holyhead Mountain, watch seabirds nest at South Stack, then sit in a seaside pub with salt on your skin and tired but happy feet.

Villages such as Rhosneigr, Beaumaris, Aberffraw, Moelfre and Cemaes offer a mix of charm, heritage and good food. Children find adventure in places where the outdoors is the main attraction and parents rediscover what it feels like to slow down without feeling they’ve stopped.

And when it’s time to rest, that’s where we welcome you in. Our holiday homes sit across the island close to beaches, villages, walking trails and wide-open views. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends or coming for a peaceful escape, there will be a place that suits the way you want to experience Anglesey.

So start planning, choose your route and enjoy the journey. Anglesey is waiting, and once you’ve seen it for yourself, you’ll understand why so many return.

FAQs About Getting to Anglesey

• How do I get to Anglesey by car?
  Anglesey is linked to mainland Wales by the A55 expressway, which takes you straight across the Menai Strait. It’s the quickest and most convenient option for many visitors.
• Is there a train to Anglesey?
  Yes. Direct trains arrive into Holyhead, with connections to the rest of the island via buses, taxis and car hire.
• Can I get a ferry to Anglesey?
  Ferries run regularly between Dublin and Holyhead, making it easy to travel from Ireland by foot, bike or car.
• Do I need a car once I reach Anglesey?
  A car gives the most freedom, but buses, taxis and cycling routes make it possible to explore without one.
• When is the best time to visit Anglesey?
  April to October offers the warmest, driest weather, though the island has stunning scenery year-round.
• Where can I find guides to specific Anglesey villages?
  You can explore our hub of village guides, including Rhosneigr, Beaumaris, Aberffraw, Moelfre and Cemaes, on our Anglesey travel hub page.