Car Hire Carmarthen

Car Hire

Carmarthen is the highlight of the Welsh county of Carmarthenshire and is often referred to as the country's oldest town. Because of this, it is naturally rich in historical heritage with plenty of attractions that keep tourists flocking to its centre and surrounding areas. Car rental in Carmarthenshire helps visitors enjoy the most beautiful views of the area and guarantee that they see all there is on offer.

Who to Book With
Europcar and Alamo can be found on Pensarn Road, one of the main streets in the town, while Spillman Street is where the offices of Avis are located. Locally-run firms such as Beee Hire and Silcox Vehicle Rentals can also be relied upon but don't always accept online bookings in the same manner that the bigger names do.

Best Time to go
As with most destinations in the UK, the best time to visit is generally considered to be during the summer months, which run from June to August. Advanced bookings on both car hire and accommodation are advised for those that wish to visit during this period.

Need to Know Essentials
For rental car collection, be sure that you have the following:

- Valid UK driving license or International Driving Permit
- A form of photo ID separate from a driving license
- The debit or credit card that was used to make the booking
- Printed confirmation of rental booking

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Carmarthen isn't difficult for drivers to navigate given its small size. Due to its age, however, some roads may be one-way only or certain destinations might have to be walked to after having parked as close as possible. Traffic wardens regularly patrol the area and are more than happy to dish out fines to those that have violated parking laws.

See our guide to the United Kingdom for more information on driving in this country.

Transport

Residents and previous visitors regard driving as the best way to navigate areas in and around Carmarthen. Other options include taxis, buses and even rented bicycles. Those that wish to take a break from driving can also walk from one attraction to another, such is the compact size of Carmarthen.

Trains
Numerous direct trains run from London to Welsh destinations such as Swansea, Fishgaurd Harbour, Pembroke Dock, Tenby and Milford Haven. After reaching one of these towns, it is then possible to connect to Carmarthen with companies such as Arriva Wales and First Great Western.

Buses
Bus transport is mainly provided by First, a company that offers numerous services in and out of the town. The Number 20 bus provides transport to and from Cardiff, while the Number 10 can be caught to and from Swansea and the Number 40 can be relied upon for travel to and from Aberystwyth.

Taxis
Numerous local companies such as Spikes, Noel's, Gilligan and Gav's offer taxis with fares that are mostly agreed before pick-up. The local council also provides taxis that are metred and usually caught from specially-designated ranks.

Exploring

In Carmarthen itself, famous landmarks include Picton's monument, which has been around since 1828. Traditionally, tourists also make sure that they have a photo standing next to the statue of General Nott to add to their collection. Out of town, especially for those with their own vehicles, are quaint seaside towns and villages along the coast. Just about 16 kilometres out of the town is the main drawer of the area, Kidwelly Castle.

Recommended Drives

Middleton - The location of the National Botanic Garden of Wales and, aside from Kidwelly Castle, is the most popular tourist attraction out of Carmarthen for visiting tourists.

Laugharne - This is a steady 14-kilometre drive from the centre of Carmarthen. While its beach can be enjoyed by tourists, literary buffs often also head to town for the sole reason of it once being the home of Dylan Thomas.

Swansea - This is Wales' second-largest city and a mere 35-kilometre journey from Carmarthem along the A58 and M4. Plenty of other destinations along the Gower Coast or in and around Swansea Bay may also be enjoyed in this part of the country.