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Search for the best car hire deals in Swansea
There's loads to do in Swansea, from poetry museum visits to designer shopping. But if you miss out on the wider South Wales region, you're doing it wrong – and that's where a hire car comes in. Buckle up to discover the beaches and coves of the Gower Peninsula, the mighty Brecon Beacons and much more.
Fast facts about hiring a car in Swansea
This city by the sea has picture-perfect beaches for sandcastles and surfing, shops for splashing the cash and seafood to savour. Venture further afield in a hire car and you could be conquering the rapids at the Cardiff International White Water Centre, hunting for fossils along the beach at Penarth or seal-spotting jn the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
There are a number of car hire brands operating in Swansea city centre in 2020, so it's worth shopping around to find a cheap deal before you set off. Avis and Budget are close to the city railway station, while Europcar is near Swansea Grand Theatre. You'll also find some car rental offices to the north of the city centre in the Cwmbwria suburb.
Driving in Swansea city centre
The M4 is the main route in and out of Swansea. Use junction 47 if you’re arriving from the ferry ports and the west, and junction 42 if you’re heading from Cardiff in the east.
Swansea’s city centre roads have been criticised for confusing one-way systems and a ring road that left motorists frustrated. However, work is underway to revamp the main offender, The Kingsway. It should eventually ease the problem, but watch out for detours and be prepared for delays.
Keep an eye out too for the city’s bus lanes – there’s one on Fabian Way, a key route in and out of town, and Neath Road, close to Liberty Stadium. Be careful when you park too, the local authority is tough on motorists who stop on zig zags and yellow boxes. A camera car tours the city identifying offenders.
The largest car parks are at St David’s Place and Wellington Street. If you’re planning to beach hop, pick up a £5 transferable parking ticket so you can nip between beach car parks.
Recommended day trips from Swansea
Mumbles
Driving time: 20 minutes
Pack a bucket and spade and get set for a day at the beach. Mumbles is an easy drive from the city centre, and is one of the Gower Peninsula's prettiest resorts. Grab an ice cream, drink in views of the lighthouse and Victorian pier, and browse the local shops – then follow Mumbles Road to Bracelet Bay to explore the rock pools.
Castle Trail
Driving Time: 15 minutes
It isn't a Wales holiday without a castle or two. With a rental car you can plan a mini road trip around the fortifications that dot South Wales's sandy bays and rolling landscapes. Begin at Oystermouth Castle and plot a route that takes in Pennard, Oxwich and Weobley castles. Keep an eye open for ghostly goings-on – some of these are supposedly haunted.
Brecon Beacons
Driving time: 40 minutes
You’ll need a car to make the most of the Brecon Beacons. Stop on the way at Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, just 20 minutes by road from Swansea, to see how the power of water was harnessed to fuel new industries. Another 90 minutes on, lace up your boots and climb Pen y Fan, which, at 886 metres (2,907 feet) is the highest mountain in South Wales, or drive to Ystradfellte and follow the waterfall walk. It’ll take you to Sgwd yr Eira (Fall of Snow), where you can walk behind the cascading waters.