Transport for Wales (TfW) is enhancing rail, bus and on demand transport services across West Wales to help visitors travel to this year’s National Eisteddfod in Llantwd.
The improvements have been introduced to make travelling to the week long celebration of Welsh language and culture easier and more sustainable.
Eisteddfod y Garreg Las takes place in Llantwd, North Pembrokeshire, from 1 to 8 August and marks the 850th anniversary of the very first Eisteddfod, held in Cardigan in 1176.
To support the event, TfW has strengthened several transport links to improve access to the Maes.
Additional rail services will operate in the morning, afternoon and evening to and from Fishguard Harbour, creating better connections for passengers travelling from Cardiff, Swansea and elsewhere in Wales. These services have been timed to connect with the enhanced TrawsCymru T5 bus service, which will run hourly between Cardigan and Fishguard, taking passengers directly to the Eisteddfod.
Visitors can also use the Poppit fflecsi on demand service, which covers the area between Fishguard and Cardigan, including the Eisteddfod Maes in Llantwd, as well as communities south to Crymych.
A free shuttle bus provided by Cymru Coaches will operate between Carmarthen railway station and the Maes throughout the event. TfW is advising visitors that parking at Carmarthen station will be limited and is encouraging people to travel by train before transferring to the shuttle service.
Lowri Joyce, Head of Welsh Language at Transport for Wales, said: “We’re delighted to play our part once again in helping visitors reach the Eisteddfod Maes. We’ve built a truly multi modal travel package and we would encourage passengers to take advantage of these extra rail and bus links to enjoy a greener, and easier journey to the Eisteddfod in Llantwd.
“Our team will be on the Maes at start of the week, so please come over and say hello. Whether you’re competing or just visiting, we hope you have a fantastic week enjoying what the Eisteddfod has to offer!”
Betsan Moses, Chief Executive Officer of the National Eisteddfod, said: “Once again this year, we encourage our visitors to travel to the Eisteddfod Maes by public transport.
“We are proud of our close collaboration with Transport for Wales and thank them for the additional services offered to make the experience easier for Eisteddfod-goers.”
TfW staff will also be available on the Welsh Government stand at the Maes on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 August to answer travel questions and help visitors make the most of the additional transport services.
