Pen y Pass
Pen y Pass serves as the starting point for both the Miners’ Track and Pyg Track, leading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. Located on the A4086, it sits approximately 5 miles south of Llanberis and 3 miles north of Nant Peris. Given its popularity, planning your journey to Pen y Pass in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons.
Parking at Pen y Pass
In the summer, Pen y Pass operates as a 24-hour pre-booking only car park and reverts to pay and display in the winter. To check the car park status and pre-book your space (if you’re planning your challenge during the summer months), click here. Parking on the road leading to Pen y Pass from both directions is strictly prohibited and actively monitored by police. Cars have been towed from this area in the past for obstructing traffic and creating a hazard to other road users, so please avoid parking here.
Please note: the maximum vehicle length permitted is 5 metres.
Drop-offs at Pen y Pass
Drop-offs are permitted at Pen y Pass, offering a convenient option during busier times.
However, space is very limited, especially during the day in areas where Sherpa buses, large coaches, minibuses, and taxis need to turn around. To help prevent congestion, be ready to exit the vehicle promptly upon arrival. Have your bags packed, your hiking boots on and laced, and be fully prepared to start your walk before reaching Pen y Pass. Please note that National Park staff may ask your driver to move on, if necessary, to avoid blocking the road and to keep traffic flowing.
Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service
The paths to Yr Wyddfa’s summit begin in small villages or areas with very limited parking capacity. Due to the mountain’s popularity, particularly during the busy spring and summer seasons, parking and traffic can become problematic, impacting local communities. To help alleviate congestion and reduce parking challenges, all visitors are strongly encouraged to use the Sherpa’r Wyddfa park and ride bus service during the day. This service provides convenient access to the Yr Wyddfa area – without the hassle of finding parking.
For more details and to plan your journey, please click on the button below.
Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service >Nant Peris car park
Nant Peris car park offers an excellent alternative, located just a short distance down the valley along the A4086 towards Llanberis. Regular Sherpa’r Wyddfa buses run from here to Pen y Pass, providing easy access to the mountain. It is also a convenient place for Three Peaks Challenge vehicles to park overnight or in the early morning while waiting for participants to return to Pen y Pass.
Payment information
Only ‘chip and pin’ or contactless payments are accepted; cash payments are not available.
Daily rate (until midnight): £5.00
Toilets
Please do not rely on Hafod Eryri (the summit building) for food, water, or toilet facilities. It is open only during the day in the summer season and only when trains are running to the summit. Be aware that adverse weather or other unforeseen events may result in unexpected closures—even during summer.
Toilets are available in National Park car parks, including Nant Peris and Pen y Pass, and are open 24 hours.
