Cost to visit Wales

There are currently no direct flights from the East Coast of the U.S. to Wales' main airport in Cardiff (CWL). However, it's easy to reach Cardiff via Bristol Airport (BRS) in England—just about an hour away by car or train.

From airports like New York JFK or Newark (EWR), airlines such as Aer Lingus, KLM, and Delta offer flights to Bristol with one stop, typically in Dublin, Amsterdam, or Paris.

• Economy class round-trip fares usually range from $560 to $1,100, depending on the season and booking window.

• Business class starts at around $1,500, with benefits like priority check-in, lounge access, and more generous baggage allowances.

• Premium Economy options are limited and not always available on these routes.

For travelers seeking lower-cost alternatives, some itineraries with multiple stopovers can be found under $500, but these often involve longer travel times and less convenience.

Once you arrive in Bristol, reaching Cardiff takes about an hour. A one-way train ticket costs roughly $15, and trains run regularly throughout the day.

Wales welcomes travelers with a wide variety of accommodation options. While charming inns and cozy B&Bs remain especially popular in the region, you can find 3-star hotels starting at around $65 per person per night.

For more comfort, 4-star hotels typically cost about $90 per person for a single or double room overnight stay. Elegant 5-star hotels charge roughly $110 per guest per night. Breakfast is usually included regardless of which type of accommodation you choose.

For families or groups visiting Wales, cozy vacation homes or stays on traditional Welsh farms are also highly recommended. If you go this route, be sure to check local transportation options ahead of time or consider renting a car to explore the area with ease.

Wales offers a wide range of leisure activities to suit every travel budget. You can enjoy popular experiences such as a guided kayak tour on Lake Llyn Padarn starting at around $65 per person. For adventure seekers, unique rafting trips in Llangollen or full-day guided tours of North Wales are available for about $75.

There are plenty of free activities as well. Consider hiking to St. David’s Head, spending a relaxing day at the beach on the scenic Gower Peninsula, or exploring the historic Dryslwyn Castle.

For travelers looking for exclusive experiences, Wales delivers too. Explore Cardiff’s charming old town on a private city tour for approximately $190 per person. Take in Snowdonia National Park from above with a 30-minute helicopter tour for about $225 per participant. Or enjoy a magical stargazing tour in Brecon Beacons National Park for around $300 per traveler.

Discover Wales’ picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities at your own pace with a rental car. You can rent a small car starting from about $90 per day, while mid-sized cars typically cost just under $110 daily. Larger vehicles and SUVs usually run around $150 per day. Keep in mind, gas prices in Wales are approximately $2.00 per liter (about $7.60 per gallon).

Alternatively, Wales is well connected by public transportation, including buses and trains. A single bus ticket for travel within Welsh cities costs around $2.20 per passenger. For longer trips, the 120-mile (190 km) intercity bus ride from Cardiff to Aberystwyth costs about $15 per ticket. The one-hour train journey from Cardiff to Swansea costs approximately $6 per person.

Taxi fares in Wales generally run about $1.50 per kilometer ($2.40 per mile). Nighttime rides may cost a bit more due to surcharges.

A meal in an inexpensive tourist restaurant in Wales usually costs between $20 and $33. You can eat much more affordably in local pubs or fast food spots, where meals typically range from $8 to $11. For a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to budget around $45 to $85 per person.

If you want to try a typical Welsh snack, a portion of Welsh rarebit (bread topped with melted cheese) costs about $4, while the popular fish and chips runs around $8. A glass of locally brewed draught beer or a small imported bottled beer is usually about $5, with soft drinks priced near $2.50 and a classic cappuccino around $4.

Grocery shopping is generally more economical. Similar to prices in Germany, a loaf of bread costs about $1.50, a liter of milk around $1.60, 1.5 liters of water about $1.30, and 1 kilogram of oranges roughly $2.70.