The 2024 Eisteddfod takes place in beautiful Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, where the iconic Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was written and composed, almost 200 years ago.

There is so much to explore and enjoy in the town and the wider county borough, including exclusive access to award-winning attractions for Eisteddfod ticket holders.

Being based in the heart of a town centre, the 2024 Eisteddfod is set to be a different and urban festival.

While the attractions of Pontypridd, including great places to eat, shop and socialise are within walking distance of the Maes, here’s some key information on how to get to the event and around while you are here.

PONTYPRIDD PREPARES

Travel Hints and Tips

  1. Plan and book your travel and accommodation in advance and use sustainable transport options if possible and note that local accommodation is in high demand so act now to avoid disappointment. Also, you can download this handy map of the local area showing all your travel options. HERE.
  2. Plan your journey via Traveline Cymru (search for ‘Eisteddfod’) and keep up to date via social media with the dedicated channels (Facebook and X) . Check out the list of usual social media handle HERE
  3. If you live locally, please cycle, walk or use public transport, as roads are expected to be busier than usual.
  4. If you are travelling from further afield, stay locally and make the most of your visit. Reserve accommodation now to avoid disappointment.  Check out the event campsite or other local accommodation. If you are driving, please use the free park and rides which run from 7am to midnight.
  5. There is no event parking near the festival, so use public transport. Please car share if you can!
  6. The train/bus are convenient options, but services to Pontypridd are expected to be much busier than usual. Allow extra time for your journey and buy your ticket in advance to avoid queues at stations and ticket machines. HERE.
  7. Plan to arrive early and stay late to make the most of the Eisteddfod and all that Pontypridd has to offer. The Maes is open from 8am, so you can avoid the work rush hour commute. At the end of your visit, try not to leave during the busiest periods (4pm-7pm and after 10pm) to avoid unnecessary delays. Always check the time of your last train and bus, including shuttle buses to the park and rides, in advance.
  8. For additional information about the event, including information on what you can and can’t take inside please visit the Eisteddfod website HERE.
  9. For information on Blue Badge Parking, please see the Accessibility Section.

Getting to Pontypridd

The Eisteddfod is in a great easy to reach location. Please take a moment to review the information below when planning your trip and consider using sustainable travel wherever you can.

The key message is to plan ahead and to be sure to plan your journey using the Traveline Cymru (search for ‘Eisteddfod’) journey planner.

DOWNLOAD THE MAP HERE

Train

Pontypridd station serves the festival and is a five-minute walk to/from the Maes and a 25 minute walk to/from Maes B. Plan your train journey at Traveline Cymru (search for ‘Eisteddfod’).

Trains run direct from Cardiff Central to Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Treherbert, all of these stop in Pontypridd if you are making your way up (or down) the Valleys.

If you’re planning to travel from Bridgend, Barry Island, Penarth or Rhymney to Pontypridd, you’ll need to change at Cardiff Queen Street or Cardiff Central.

Look for trains to Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare or Treherbert which all stop in Pontypridd.

If travelling from Cardiff Bay or Cardiff Queen Street, you can also use the new Cardiff Bay to Pontypridd service. Treforest and Trehafod train stations are also nearby. 

Our Valley line services run several times an hour on weekends and Saturdays until the evening, please check back regularly for the latest information as the actual timetables during the event may change nearer the time.

Stations are expected to be busy during the event, especially if you are travelling through Cardiff on the weekend of August 9 when there is a stadium concert in the city. Buy your ticket in advance  on-line or at your nearest station to avoid queues on your day of travel. Book your ticket HERE.

Bus

Pontypridd bus station is a five minute walk from the festival. The town is very well served by local and regional bus services. You can plan your journey by bus at Traveline Cymru (search for ‘Eisteddfod’).

Local bus companies are Adventure Travel, Edwards, Stagecoach and Harris Coaches and are complemented by the T4, and T14 TrawsCymru Network.

From outside the local area you can reach Pontypridd direct from Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Blaenau Gwent.

Please check back regularly for the latest information as the actual timetables during the event may change nearer the time.

Walking and Cycling

If you are local, consider walking or cycling to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park using the dedicated walking and cycling routes in and around the town.

The Taff Trail, which follows the banks of the River Taff from Cardiff to Pontypridd is also a great walking/cycling route, connecting you from surrounding towns to Pontypridd. If you are taking your bike on the train or bus, check with the transport operator in advance that there is space.

The walk from Pontypridd Train Station to the Maes is less than 5 minutes and from Maes to Maes B is less than 20 minutes. Please see the accompanying map below for key point to point walking routes.

We are currently confirming location of cycle parking for the event (please check back for further information).

Car

Please note, there is no event parking near the Maes, except disabled parking. Please use the free park and rides DETAILS HERE. (This link takes you to the Eisteddfod website, where we are undertaking an audit of demand for park and ride spaces, so please complete the form, to help forward planning/demand management)

The roads in and around Pontypridd are expected to be much busier than usual during the week. You are advised not to drive into the town centre. If you are local, please walk, cycle or use the local bus.

If you are travelling from further afield and unable to use public transport, we strongly advise you to use the free event Park and Rides and car share to them where possible. It will be the easiest route to and from the event site. They are expected to be popular – you can express an interest in park and ride – to help us with planning and demand management – HERE.

Traffic Wales is a great source of information on travelling around the area by car. Please visit their website for all the latest information.

Park and Ride

Arrange a car share and use the free event park and rides.

The council are currently auditing demand for park and ride, so please complete the form HERE if you are interested in using the facilities, to assist with event planning and demand management.

There are also no event specific drop-off or pick-up areas near the festival site. Please don’t drive into the centre of Pontypridd.

There are two park and ride sites (north and south of Pontypridd) which will be open from Saturday 3rd to Saturday 10th August. They will run from 7am to midnight. Services will run frequently direct (non-stopping) between the car parks and the Maes.

You should register an interest in park and ride now HERE but before doing so check out the following advice:

  1. Decide which park and ride is best for you (see below).
  2. Think about which day (s) and time (s) you will need parking. 
  3. Register an interest in park and ride now HERE.
  4. Once you’ve decided which park and ride to use, plan your journey using the details below, remembering to allow extra time as local roads are expected to be very busy
  5. Remember your preferred park and ride and look out for signs to it on your approach.
  6. Make a note of the time of the last bus back to your car park – if you’re not sure you can always ask the bus driver on your way to the festival.
  7. Have a safe trip!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR