The Time It Takes To Drive From Cardiff, Wales to Shrewsbury, England

Are you planning a road trip from Cardiff to Shrewsbury? Wondering how long it will take, and what route you should take? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll go through the fastest and slowest routes, the distance, and the time it takes to drive from Cardiff to Shrewsbury based on traffic patterns.

Cardiff to Shrewsbury: Fastest Route

The fastest route from Cardiff to Shrewsbury is via the M4 and M5. The total distance of this route is approximately 120 miles, and it takes around 2 hours to drive, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. At peak times, such as rush hour, it can take up to 3 hours to complete the journey.

Cardiff to Shrewsbury: Alternative Routes

If you want to avoid motorways, another route you can take is via the A470. This route is about 110 miles long and takes around 3 hours to drive, but it’s a scenic route with beautiful views of the Welsh countryside. Nevertheless, the A470 passes through small towns and villages, so you should be prepared to slow down at lower speeds than the motorway.

Cardiff to Shrewsbury: Slowest Route

If you don’t mind taking the scenic route and want to spend more time driving, the slowest route is via the A4085 through Snowdonia National Park. This route runs from Caernarfon to Betws-y-Coed, and then through Llangollen. The total distance of this route is around 140 miles and it takes around 4 hours to drive. It’s a lovely route to take if you have the time, but it’s not the best option if you’re in a hurry.

Traffic Patterns and the Best Time to Travel

Traffic patterns on the roads can change depending on the time of day and day of the week. Rush hour can be busy, so it’s best to avoid driving to Shrewsbury between 7-9 am and 4-7 pm on weekdays. Furthermore, you should also avoid traveling on weekends and bank holidays as traffic can be busier than usual. If you have the flexibility to travel during off-peak times, then it’s best to do so. By doing this, you can expect to reduce your travel time by at least 20-30 minutes on most routes!

Conclusion

Overall, the quickest and most practical route to go from Cardiff to Shrewsbury is via the M4 and M5 motorway. It may congest into greater driving times during peak hours. However, if you prefer to take a more scenic route, the A470 is a good alternative, albeit slower. Just make sure to avoid peak times to get the fastest driving times, and remember to plan your journey accordingly. With these helpful tips, your journey from Cardiff to Shrewsbury will be a breeze!