The Cost of Driving from Cardiff to Plymouth: A Breakdown

Summer is just around the corner and that means it’s time to plan your next road trip. If you’re considering a drive from Cardiff, Wales to Plymouth, England, you’ll want to do some research to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Here’s a breakdown of the different routes, the distance of each route, the time it takes, and the cost of each route based on current gas prices.

Route 1: The Direct Route

The direct route from Cardiff to Plymouth is straightforward, taking you down the M4 and M5 highways. This route is approximately 115 miles and takes approximately 2 hours of driving time. Based on current gas prices, you can expect to pay around £23 in fuel costs. However, if you plan to go during peak hours, you may encounter traffic, which could increase your travel time and gas usage.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

If you want to experience the beautiful countryside of Wales and Southwest England, you might want to consider taking the scenic route. This route takes you through the Brecon Beacons National Park, over the Severn Bridge and along the coast of South West England. This route is approximately 140 miles and takes approximately 3 hours of driving time. Based on current gas prices, you can expect to pay around £28 in fuel costs. Keep in mind that this route has tolls, which may increase your travel costs.

Route 3: The Historical Route

If you are interested in history, you might consider the historical route. This route takes you through the Welsh town of Caerleon, where you can explore the Roman ruins of Isca Augusta. Then, head south to Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur. This route is approximately 160 miles and takes approximately 4 hours of driving time. Based on current gas prices, you can expect to pay around £32 in fuel costs. Keep in mind that this route is longer and takes a bit longer to drive, so you'll need to allocate enough time.

Route 4: The Coastal Route

Last but not least, another scenic option is to take the coastal route. This takes you through some of the most charming coastal towns such as Torquay and Dartmouth. This route is approximately 132 miles and takes approximately 3 hours of driving time. Based on current gas prices, you can expect to pay around £26 in fuel costs. Keep in mind that like the scenic route, this route has tolls so budget for the increased cost of the journey.

At the end of the day, the route you choose will depend on what is most important to you, whether that be saving time, experiencing the countryside, exploring history, or enjoying the coast. No matter which route you choose, keep in mind the additional cost of tolls and gas prices so you can budget appropriately. Safe travels!