Transport

One of the appeals of Wales as a premier business location lies in its excellent transport infrastructure and access to the rest of the UK and Europe.

Roads:

South Wales is linked to the UK road network by the M4 motorway, with London including Heathrow airport less than two hours drive away

North Wales is connected via the A55 Expressway, just over a hour’s drive from other major UK cities and airports such as Manchester and Birmingham.

Both highways are recognised as a Euro-routes, offering easy passage across the UK to continental Europe via the Channel Tunnel.

In addition there is an extensive network of fast routes linking all the principal centres within Wales.

For live traffic information in Wales visit the Traffic Wales website (External Website)

Rail:

Wales’ passenger and freight rail network is among the most modern in Europe with connections via the Channel Tunnel.

A modern multi-million Freightliner Terminal has been opened on the outskirts of Cardiff. With its state of the art handling facilities it provides a fast-track gateway to European and world markets.

London is only two hours by rail from Cardiff with Intercity services every hour.

Air:

Wales has it own fast-growing international airport at Cardiff with daily scheduled flights to other UK cities and continental Europe.

Heathrow – the world’s second busiest airport with direct flights worldwide – is within a two hour drive

Birmingham International airport - only 1.5 hours drive from Wales – has daily flights to most European capitals, North America, the Gulf, India and Pakistan

Sea:

Wales has nine ports, making it to reach by sea from locations worldwide

These ports offer both bulk cargo and container facilities

Port Talbot’s tidal harbour in South Wales has the deepest berthing in the South West of the UK. It can handle vessels up to 180,000 tonnes deadweight

The neighbouring ports of Newport, Cardiff and Barry handled a total of 4.4 million tonnes of cargo in 2005