Port information & tips for Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales is a stunning natural paradise and the only national park in Great Britain protected primarily for its spectacular coastline. The region impresses with dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and an untouched wilderness that radiates both peace and adventure. Absolute highlights include the majestic St Davids Cathedral and the famous Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which offers hikers breathtaking views over the Irish Sea. Cruise ships usually dock at Ocean Quay in the port of Fishguard, from where the charming town center is quickly accessible thanks to short transfer routes and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the beauty of the Welsh coast.
The picturesque Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales is home to Milford Haven, an important cruise port that provides an ideal starting point for exploring the impressive coastal landscape. Depending on the size of the vessel, cruise ships either dock directly at Pembroke Port or tender passengers to the lively Milford Waterfront.
Car
Arrival by car is convenient via the M4 motorway in western England, followed by the A48 and the A40 towards Haverfordwest, and finally the A4076 to Milford Haven. For ships docking at Pembroke Port, there is also good access to the M4 via the A477 and A40. Various free parking options are available at Milford Waterfront, including car parks at Mackerel Quay and under Victoria Bridge, providing a convenient option for arrival.
Train
The nearest and most relevant railway station is Milford Haven, located only about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) from the town center and Milford Waterfront. From there, you can easily reach the embarkation area on foot in just five minutes. Milford Haven is the terminus of the West Wales Line and offers regular direct connections to Cardiff Central and onward to Manchester Piccadilly, with optimal transfer options for travelers from London and the DACH region.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, arrival by plane via major British airports is recommended. Cardiff International Airport (CWL) is approximately 176 kilometers (110 miles) away, while Bristol Airport (BRS) can be reached in around 233 kilometers (145 miles). A car journey from Cardiff Airport to Milford Haven takes about 2 hours and 1 minute. Private transfer services from Cardiff Airport are also available and take around 2 hours and 6 minutes. Given the longer journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay near the airport or in Milford Haven itself before embarkation day is recommended to start your cruise in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The picturesque Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales is home to Milford Haven, an important cruise port that provides an ideal starting point for exploring the impressive coastal landscape. Depending on the size of the vessel, cruise ships either dock directly at Pembroke Port or tender passengers to the lively Milford Waterfront.
Car
Arrival by car is convenient via the M4 motorway in western England, followed by the A48 and the A40 towards Haverfordwest, and finally the A4076 to Milford Haven. For ships docking at Pembroke Port, there is also good access to the M4 via the A477 and A40. Various free parking options are available at Milford Waterfront, including car parks at Mackerel Quay and under Victoria Bridge, providing a convenient option for arrival.
Train
The nearest and most relevant railway station is Milford Haven, located only about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) from the town center and Milford Waterfront. From there, you can easily reach the embarkation area on foot in just five minutes. Milford Haven is the terminus of the West Wales Line and offers regular direct connections to Cardiff Central and onward to Manchester Piccadilly, with optimal transfer options for travelers from London and the DACH region.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, arrival by plane via major British airports is recommended. Cardiff International Airport (CWL) is approximately 176 kilometers (110 miles) away, while Bristol Airport (BRS) can be reached in around 233 kilometers (145 miles). A car journey from Cardiff Airport to Milford Haven takes about 2 hours and 1 minute. Private transfer services from Cardiff Airport are also available and take around 2 hours and 6 minutes. Given the longer journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay near the airport or in Milford Haven itself before embarkation day is recommended to start your cruise in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Access to the National Park via the ports of Fishguard or Milford Haven is excellently organized and allows travelers to dive directly into the Welsh coastal nature.
Coastal Buses (Puffin Shuttle & Co.)
The special National Park buses, such as the Puffin Shuttle, the Coastal Cruiser, or the Celtic Coaster, are ideally tailored for cruise guests and hikers. These colorful shuttle buses reliably connect the port towns with picturesque coastal villages and offer wonderful views of the Irish Sea thanks to their coastal routes.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the terminals in Fishguard and Milford Haven for individual excursions. These offer a convenient way to reach well-known sights such as the city of St Davids with its famous cathedral or Pembroke Castle quickly and flexibly.
On Foot
The National Park can be wonderfully explored directly from the port, as the award-winning Pembrokeshire Coast Path often begins just a few minutes' walk from the piers. In about 10 to 15 minutes, you can reach the first cliff paths and enjoy spectacular views of the rugged coastline and hidden coves.
To experience the best of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park's diversity, we recommend a combination of visiting picturesque coastal towns and exploring the impressive historical treasures along the Welsh coast.
Tenby
This charming coastal town impresses with its rows of colorful houses and medieval town walls; additionally, the winding alleys and the idyllic harbor invite you to take a relaxed stroll in a maritime atmosphere.
St Davids Cathedral
Located in the smallest city in Great Britain, this 12th-century architectural masterpiece impresses with its monumental presence and offers deep insight into the cultural heritage of Wales thanks to its well-preserved monastic ruins.
Barafundle Bay
Regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this stretch of coast is accessible via the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast Path and offers a perfect backdrop for nature lovers thanks to its golden sand and crystal-clear water.
Tenby and Castle Beach
The picturesque coastal town of Tenby is easily accessible from the regional piers in about thirty to forty minutes and enchants visitors with its iconic colorful house fronts and the multi-award-winning Castle Beach. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure right on the edge of the historic old town, you can enjoy fine golden sand as well as a first-class selection of charming cafes and local boutiques in the immediate vicinity. This location is perfect for a combination of relaxed beach life and cultural discoveries along the medieval town walls. Ideally, visit Tenby in the morning to experience the idyllic atmosphere in peace, and plan your return journey to the port at the latest ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey to the port in Fishguard is very relaxed and safe for all guests thanks to the good organization and clear paths.
Shuttle buses
The cruise lines usually provide free shuttle buses that run regularly between the central market square (The Square) in Fishguard and the pier at Ocean Quay. These buses are a reliable choice and will take you comfortably directly to the terminal building at the port.
Taxi
Local taxis can be found at the market square as well as at the Fishguard and Goodwick train stations. Booking in advance through a restaurant or the local tourist information office ensures a punctual return journey and also allows for a flexible transfer from more remote coastal viewpoints.
On foot
A walk from the picturesque Lower Town back to the port takes about 20 minutes and follows paved paths with a beautiful view of the sea. The route is easy to find, and thanks to the clear signage towards the Ferry Port, you will get directly back to the ship without any detours.
