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Port information & tips for Fishguard

Fishguard is a picturesque jewel on the Pembrokeshire coast and is considered one of the most charming gateways to the green landscapes of Wales. The port city impresses with its idyllic location in a deep blue bay and welcomes visitors with a mixture of historical flair, dramatic cliffs, and warm Welsh hospitality. Cultural highlights include the famous Last Invasion Tapestry in the Town Hall and the picturesque harbor of Lower Town, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers spectacular views of the untouched nature. Cruise ships dock at Ocean Quay in Fishguard Harbour, from where the town center is easily accessible thanks to regular shuttle buses or a charming walk of around two kilometers.

Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship

The port of Fishguard in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, is a charming ferry and cruise port in southwest Wales and serves as a gateway to the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Although larger cruise ships often lie at anchor, an efficient tender service ensures a comfortable landing directly at the terminal.

Car

Fishguard is easily accessible thanks to the connection via the M4 motorway and the A40 trunk road from the east, as well as the A497 from the north. Simply follow the signs for "Ferry Port," which will lead you directly to the harbor in Goodwick. On-site, both short-term parking spaces directly opposite the terminal building and a long-term parking lot with around 60 spaces, just 150 meters away, are available. Payment is conveniently possible via machines, by phone, or online via Horizon Parking.

Train

A particularly comfortable arrival is made possible by Fishguard Harbour station, which is located directly at the ferry terminal. Transport for Wales offers regular connections that are coordinated with the ferry times. From larger cities such as Cardiff Central or Swansea, there are direct train connections that will bring you to your destination relaxed. The terminal is within a few minutes' walk from the station.

Airplane

For international guests from the DACH region, Cardiff (CWL) and Bristol (BRS) airports are the most relevant options. Cardiff Airport (CWL) is about 169-176 kilometers away, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 15 to 20 minutes by car or transfer. Bristol Airport (BRS) is located around 162-247 kilometers away, and the journey takes about 3 hours. Local taxi and private transfer services are available at both airports, and there are also public bus and train connections. Arriving the day before can be recommended for longer air travel to start your cruise experience in a relaxed manner.

Check-in & Embarkation

Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account 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 trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.

Arrival & Departure

The port of Fishguard in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, is a charming ferry and cruise port in southwest Wales and serves as a gateway to the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Although larger cruise ships often lie at anchor, an efficient tender service ensures a comfortable landing directly at the terminal.

Car

Fishguard is easily accessible thanks to the connection via the M4 motorway and the A40 trunk road from the east, as well as the A497 from the north. Simply follow the signs for "Ferry Port," which will lead you directly to the harbor in Goodwick. On-site, both short-term parking spaces directly opposite the terminal building and a long-term parking lot with around 60 spaces, just 150 meters away, are available. Payment is conveniently possible via machines, by phone, or online via Horizon Parking.

Train

A particularly comfortable arrival is made possible by Fishguard Harbour station, which is located directly at the ferry terminal. Transport for Wales offers regular connections that are coordinated with the ferry times. From larger cities such as Cardiff Central or Swansea, there are direct train connections that will bring you to your destination relaxed. The terminal is within a few minutes' walk from the station.

Airplane

For international guests from the DACH region, Cardiff (CWL) and Bristol (BRS) airports are the most relevant options. Cardiff Airport (CWL) is about 169-176 kilometers away, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 15 to 20 minutes by car or transfer. Bristol Airport (BRS) is located around 162-247 kilometers away, and the journey takes about 3 hours. Local taxi and private transfer services are available at both airports, and there are also public bus and train connections. Arriving the day before can be recommended for longer air travel to start your cruise experience in a relaxed manner.

Check-in & Embarkation

Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account 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 trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.

Getting around

The Port of Fishguard is located in the charming district of Goodwick and offers travelers an ideal starting point for exploring Pembrokeshire thanks to short distances and well-organized local connections.

Shuttle Service & Public Buses

Free shuttle buses provided by the shipping companies as well as local bus lines T5 and 410 run regularly between the port terminal and Fishguard town center. The journey to the marketplace takes only a few minutes and provides a convenient connection to historical sights.

On Foot

Goodwick, located directly at the harbor with its small cafés, can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes. The walk to the higher-situated center of Fishguard takes approximately 25 minutes and leads via the picturesque Marine Walk, which also offers fascinating views of the Welsh coast.

Taxi

Official taxis are available immediately at the exit of the port terminal and take guests quickly into town. In addition, private tours to the nearby Strumble Head Lighthouse or to the prehistoric sites in the surrounding area can be arranged directly at the pier.

Highlights & Districts

To best experience the maritime magic of Fishguard and the cultural highlights of Pembrokeshire, a tour of discovery through the historic harbour district and the impressive architecture of the surrounding area is ideal.

Lower Fishguard

The picturesque harbour basin impresses with its colourful cottages and the authentic atmosphere of a traditional fishing village; additionally, the sheltered bay invites you to take a relaxing stroll directly by the water thanks to its idyllic location.

St Davids Cathedral

The magnificent cathedral is nestled in a green valley and is considered the cultural heart of Wales; at the same time, Great Britain's smallest city is an ideal destination for an inspiring shore excursion thanks to its charming galleries and cafes.

Whitesands Bay

This extensive sandy beach offers a dreamlike backdrop of the blue Atlantic and gentle hills; furthermore, the bay is perfectly suited for a relaxing break on the Welsh coast thanks to its natural beauty.

Useful tips

St Davids Cathedral & Bishop's Palace

The majestic St Davids Cathedral and the neighboring Bishop's Palace are easily accessible from the port in about thirty minutes by taxi or shuttle and offer an incomparable cultural experience in the smallest city in Great Britain. Thanks to the impressive medieval architecture and the extensive ruins steeped in history, this location is perfect for an inspiring tour as well as beautiful panoramic photos. The surrounding alleys also invite you to relax with cozy tea rooms and small galleries, highlighting the Welsh way of life. Ideally, start your excursion in the early morning to enjoy the special peace of the complex to the fullest, and return to the port at least ninety minutes before departure to end the day in a relaxed manner on board.

Returning to the ship

The return journey to the port of Fishguard is very straightforward thanks to the short distances between the upper town and the ferry terminal in Goodwick. Plan a small time buffer for the way back to enjoy the picturesque views of the bay in a relaxed manner.

Shuttle Bus & Local Bus

The cruise lines usually provide comfortable shuttle buses that run regularly from the central market square (The Square) in Fishguard directly to the ferry terminal in Goodwick. Additionally, the local bus route 410 reliably connects the upper part of town with the stop at the ferry terminal, ensuring you reach your ship comfortably and on time.

Taxi

Taxis can be found directly at the central square in Fishguard as well as in front of larger accommodations such as the Fishguard Bay Hotel. Since local providers are well-attuned to the docking times of the cruise ships, vehicles are often available at the market square and will bring you safely back to the port entrance at Ocean Quay in just a few minutes.

On Foot

A beautiful footpath leads from the town center via the Marine Walk or along the main road down to the bay at Goodwick. The route is clearly signposted and, thanks to the elevated position, offers easy orientation directly to the harbor basin and the secured terminal area, from where you can go directly to your berth.

Next cruises stopping in Fishguard

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