best railway journey in wales

The most scenic railways, trams and train journeys in Wales

Ride the rails in Wales and experience incredible scenery on the move

• 15:03, 15 OCT 2016
• Updated 09:57, 30 MAR 2022

If you want to see Wales' remarkable scenery at a more leisurely pace, there are several scenic train rides you can take where you can see the best of Wales, on rails.

Many of them are vintage steam trains, transporting you to a bygone era where you can relax and enjoy the Welsh countryside from the comfort of expertly restored carriages.

A Welsh train journey has also recently been named as one of the best in the world by travel publisher Lonely Planet . The highly regarded travel authority had released its first-ever guide dedicated to continental train travel and the train journey loop from Llandudno to Porthmadog appears in the top five in Europe.

Read more: The beautiful Welsh Waterfalls where you can go swimming

The new guide helps to explain the best ways to travel by train on the complex European rail network with detailed maps, information about main stations, and the best places to stay nearby.

There is also advice on ticketing, what to expect from a sleeper train experience and tips for different kinds of travellers including families and those with disabilities.

If you're looking for a scenic train ride, here are our top picks for the most scenic railways, trams and train journeys in Wales.

1. Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis

If you don't fancy a long trek up the highest mountain in Wales, the Snowdon Mountain Railway offers the fastest way and most direct way up Yr Wyddfa.

Pushed up the mountain by original steam locomotives from 1896, these heritage carriages are accurate reconstructions of the original Snowdon Mountain Tramroad & Hotels Co 1896 observation carriages.

‘The Snowdon Lily’ and the ‘The Snowdon Mountain Goat’ are both built on chassis and bogies from the original carriages of 1896. Seating only 34 passengers with a central aisle, in twos and fours.

The return journey to Clogwyn is approximately two hours which includes a 30-minute stop at the unsheltered mountainside station.

Departures leave Llanberis three times per day from June 3 to September 11 and pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Visit snowdonrailway.co.uk

2. Llandudno to Porthmadog loop

This route in Wales is featured amongst five of the "best scenic journeys around Europe" by Lonely Planet.

It says of the Llandudno to Porthmadog loop: "Some of the world’s most beautiful narrow-gauge railways can be found in Wales and two of the best can be combined in a loop to take in the mountains and coastal scenery of Snowdonia.

Catch a service from Llandudno Junction – with its mainline connections – down the Conwy Valley to Blaenau Ffestiniog and change for the celebrated Ffestiniog Railway, a distinctive steam-hauled line that winds 13 miles down to the coast at Porthmadog.

Return via the sublime steam service of the Welsh Highland Railway under the summit of Snowdon to Caernarfon where you can catch a bus back to Bangor and the mainline."

Details can be found in Lonely Planet's Guide to Train Travel in Europe and it retails at £19.99

3. Heart of Wales Line

Meandering past rolling Welsh countryside and magnificent structures like the viaducts at Cynghordy and Knucklas, the Heart of Wales line takes in the Loughor estuary, the River Tywi, the Eppynt hills near Llanwrtyd Wells, Radnor Forest between Llandrindod Wells and Knighton and the remote borderlands of the Marches.

It also travels through the homes of many myths and legends like Twm Sion Cati (the so-called Welsh Robin Hood), Norman castles, Victorian spa towns, pubs and restaurants.

There is a limited but regular train service along the line operated by Transport for Wales.

There is also the impressive Heart of Wales Line Trail. This 141-mile trail uses existing rights of way that connect in and out of most stations along the line, allowing walkers to hop on and off and walk some or all of the entire route. It’s already open across Shropshire, much of Carmarthenshire and Swansea.

The trail also takes passengers to pubs, shops and cafes along the way with plans to develop artwork along the route, both at stations and on the lineside.

Visit heart-of-wales.co.uk

4. Vale of Rheidol

The Vale of Rheidol is a narrow-gauge heritage railway in Ceredigion that offers a fun steam train experience. The original primary purpose of the line was to carry timber (for pit props in the south Wales valleys) and lead ore from the Rheidol Valley to the sea and the mainline railway at Aberystwyth.

These days, it's a unique tourist experience in the Cambrian Mountains that offers superb views of the Welsh countryside.

The 12-mile journey takes one hour in each direction and runs in either direction from Devils Bridge to Aberystwyth through Welsh woodlands, fields and meadows.

Journey across the Rheidol Valley in a beautifully restored steam train and enjoy a retro rail adventure.

The track follows the contours of the countryside and takes you through some remarkable scenery at a leisurely pace. When you arrive at Devil’s Bridge, head to the Two Hoots Cafe for a warming bowl of cawl before you head back to Aberystwyth.

Visit: Vale of Rheidol Railway

5. Talyllyn, Gwynedd

The Talyllyn Railway is the first preserved railway in the World, known affectionately as ‘The Railway with a Heart of Gold’. This historic narrow-gauge steam railway is set in beautiful southern Snowdonia and crosses more than seven miles of spectacular scenery.

Starting from Tywyn on the Mid-Wales coast, Talyllyn was opened in 1865 and was built to carry slate from quarries in the hills. In 1952 the railway was taken over by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society and it is the volunteers and a small full-time workforce who run the railway today.

On arrival at Abergynolwyn, Quarryman’s Caban serves lovely homemade treats, drinks and snacks and there are plenty of trails and walks to explore in this beautiful corner of the Snowdonia National Park.

A daily steam train service operates from Easter to the end of October and at Christmas.

Visit: talyllyn.co.uk

6. Belmond Northern Belle

This luxury vintage train travels through Wales regularly and is a popular experience with rail lovers and families.

The Belmond Northern Belle is the sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient Express and reflects the style of 'Belle' trains of the 1930s and the Pullman carriages of the famous train.

The opulent train features hand-crafted carriages and travels through the countryside as passengers savour fine cuisine and wine.

Passengers can travel in one of seven beautifully detailed carriages which have been named after British castles and country estates including Glamis in Scotland, Harlech on the Welsh coast, and Belvoir in central England.

Visit northernbelle.co.uk for tickets. You can get discounted tickets at Virgin Experience Days or BuyaGift.

7. Bala Lake Railway

A nine-mile, one hour journey around the beautiful Bala Lake, the largest natural body of water in Wales, in Snowdonia's National Park.

You'll also have great views of the Arenig Fawr, Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy mountains on this short but sweet journey.

All trains start and finish at Llanuwchllyn, a village at the head of the lake. Trains run on selected dates in September, October and November.

The Bala Lake Railway Trust is also currently trying to raise £3.5 million as part of the Red Dragon Project to construct the extension of the Bala Lake Railway to Bala Town Station. You can help by joining their Red Dragon Appeal

Visit: bala-lake-railway.co.uk

8. Aberystwyth Cliff Railway

The historic Aberystwyth Cliff Railway is the longest electric funicular railway in Britain and has been transporting visitors to the summit since opening in 1896.

The carriages are hauled to the summit at a stately four miles per hour and are powered by a powerful motor and high-tensile steel cables supported by a sophisticated electronic safety system.

At the northern end of the Aberystwyth promenade, Constitution Hill rises dramatically from the sea, providing spectacular and uninterrupted views of the town, Cardigan Bay, and on a clear day 26 mountain peaks spanning much of the length of Wales.

The most relaxing way to enjoy this majestic panorama is to travel by train on the longest funicular electric cliff railway in Britain, which has been transporting visitors to the summit since it opened 126 years ago.

Visit aberystwythcliffrailway.co.uk

9. Brecon Mountain Railway, Merthyr Tydfil

The Brecon Mountain Railway is a narrow-gauge heritage railway on the south side of the Brecon Beacons. It climbs northwards from Pant along the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir and continues past the adjoining Pentwyn Reservoir to Torpantau railway station.

Take a seat in an observation carriage and you'll be pulled along by a vintage steam locomotive from Pant near Merthyr Tydfil along the length of the Pontsticill Reservoir to Torpantau in the Brecon Beacons .

There's a licensed tearoom and a workshop at the main station where you can take a breather.

Visit bmr.wales

10. Cambrian Railway Line

The Cambrian Railway spans 120 miles of unspoilt natural beauty.

From Shrewsbury in Shropshire, the Cambrian Main Line takes you over the border into Wales, through rugged mountain terrain, market towns, World Heritage sites and castles, cross-country towards the picturesque west coast of Wales.

Here it merges into the Cambrian Coastal route offering spectacular views, coastal walks and places to visit along the length of the Gwynedd coast.

Visit walesonrails.com/our-routes

11. Welshpool and Llanfair Railway

Built as a light railway the line was opened in 1903 to link Welshpool to Llanfair Caereinion. The railway closed in 1956 but the line was gradually re-opened and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Take a trip and you'll cross a viaduct and river bridge, climb the Golfa Bank and steam through the Powis Estate and beautiful countryside.

Most of the trains are steam hauled, either by an original locomotive or one from abroad and some of the carriages are from Hungary and Austria.

Visit wllr.org.uk

12. Great Orme Tramway

The Great Orme Tramway is Britain’s only cable-hauled public road tramway and was first opened in 1902.

The Tramway climbs a mile high up the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve with the unique journey beginning at Victoria Station then climbing to the Halfway Station exhibition.

Change trams there and continue your journey to the summit where the views are rather spectacular. On a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as the Isle of Man, Blackpool and the Lake District.

Visit greatormetramway.co.uk

13. Llangollen Railway

Llangollen Railway is the only standard gauge heritage railway in North Wales, taking visitors on a vintage voyage through captivating scenery. Board a 1950's carriage being hauled by a classic steam engine and enjoy a spot of nostalgia as the train follows the river and climbs the curves of a lush, green landscape.

The line is a labour of love as rail enthusiasts have been meticulously rebuilding and restoring 10 miles of neglected lines and stations between Llangollen and Corwen, for over 45 years. The result is a splendid community asset that makes for a unique family day out on the rails in Wales.

As well as steam-hauled trains, they also run diesel locomotive and heritage railcar services on selected days throughout the season. You can buy a standard return from Llangollen to Corwen or an all-day rover ticket, which will let you travel all day on any of the services.

Visit llangollen-railway.co.uk

14. Gwili Steam Railway

You can look forward to a scenic, five-mile round trip when you set off on the Gwili Steam Railway.

It's two and a half miles from Bronwydd Arms Station to the end of the line at Danycoed Halt and you can enjoy the views of open fields, wooded hills and the River Gwili along the way.

The round trip takes an hour but your ticket lasts all day so you can return whenever you want.

The whole family can top up on snacks and drinks in the Gwili Tea Room in the station yard.

Visit lake-railway.co.uk

15. Llanberis Lake Railway

This heritage railway runs for two and a half miles along the northern shore of Llyn Padarn in the Snowdonia National park.

Along the way, you'll pass the 13th-century Dolbadarn Castle and Llanberis' twin lakes. The train runs non-stop through the Padarn Country Park and along the shores of Lake Padarn to Penllyn with stunning views of Snowdon on the way.

There's a short stop at Cei Llydan and at Gilfach Ddu. The five-mile return journey on the vintage steam engines rescued from the nearby Dinorwic slate quarries takes an hour.

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Visiting Wales By Train! 10 Best Places To Visit in Wales by Train!

Categories U.K , Wales

Are you wondering how much you can see in Wales by train and where to go in Wales by train?

There are so many amazing places to visit in Wales along the coast, in the countryside, mountains and cities and many of these places in Wales can be accessed by train.

In this Wales travel blog, I’m going to give you 10 great places to visit in Wales by train along with tips for the trains in Wales, getting the train to Wales, cheaper train tickets, and recommendations for your Wales train itinerary.

Wales by Train

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Train Tickets for Wales

There are a variety of tickets available for getting around Wales by train and the Transport for Wales (TfW) direct website is where I recommend you go to purchase your Welsh train tickets. You can also download the TfW app which makes buying and presenting tickets easy on your journey.

More Trains, More Choice – 2nd June 2024 Update

As of 2nd June 2024, Transport for Wales have made travelling Wales by train even easier in South Wales with ‘more trains, more choice’ meaning quicker travel times, more frequent trains and new direct routes!

Visit Transport for Wales website or use the TfW app to book tickets and stay up-to-date on the latest information!

Need more ideas of where to go: Here are 10 day trips from Cardiff by train to go on!

If you are looking to visit just 1 place in Wales, a return journey option will be the best option for you, and if you are looking to visit a few places in Wales by train, single journey tickets or Multiflex train tickets will be the best option depending on how many places you intend to visit.

Train to Wales

You’re probably reading this post because you live in England, are planning to visit Wales from England or visiting from one of the main airports in England.

When planning a train travel trip to Wales, there are a few good starting points in England which will make getting the train to Wales easier.

Cities in England you should look to start your trip from are:

Trains in Wales

Before we get into where to go in Wales by train, here are a few things you should note about the trains in Wales and train travel around Wales.

My top tips for getting the train around Wales are:

• Don’t try to visit too many places in one day
• Stick to exploring one part of the country in one trip
• Plan in plenty of time for cross-country journeys and journeys to and from Wales
• Be prepared to change trains (which TfW will make you aware of in advance)
• Look into the buses in Wales (which you can do via Transport for Wales too) when you can’t see a connecting train route
• Book accommodation close to the train station / in the town centre so you don’t need to take taxis from the train station
• Use a city or large town in Wales as your base as it will be easy to get the train there and then you can take separate day trips by train, bus, taxi and tour to places nearby

Railways in Wales Map

Below is a network map for all the railways in Wales and train stations in Wales. As you can see, Wales is well connected by train!

This is a Wales train map by TfW, if you want to download it as a PDF, visit the TfW website here .

Places to go in Wales by Train

South wales by train.

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and certainly one of the best and easiest places to visit in Wales by train due to its great railway connectivity to many major cities and towns in England and Wales.

Cardiff is a city worth visiting in itself, here are the top things to do in Cardiff like Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay, but it’s also a great base in Wales for a few days. From Cardiff, you can take the train or bus to many beaches , towns and mountains nearby for day trips from Cardiff . Or, take an organised tour with a local company.

If you’re coming from London, you can even do a day trip from London to Cardiff by train !

Best to visit from:

• London Paddington – 2 hours
• Birmingham International – 2 hours
• Shrewsbury – 2 hours
• Manchester Piccadilly – 3 hours 15 minutes
• Bristol – 35 minutes

Search for train tickets to Cardiff here using TfW

Tenby is a seaside gem in Wales and it’s so great that Tenby has a train station in the centre of town making it one of the top places to go in Wales by train!

Getting to Tenby by train does take a while because it is in the Southern West corner of Wales but once you get there it will be well worth it!

You’ll have a colourful town and 4 beaches right on your doorstep with many more beaches and walks close by. I really recommend the Tenby to Saundersfoot walk !

There are many cottages in Tenby close to town as well as hotels and B&B’s so Tenby works as a brilliant final destination in Wales for a few days or a base to see more of Pembrokeshire from.

• Swansea – 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cardiff – 2 hours 40 minutes
• Bristol – 3 hours 30 minutes
• London – 4 hours 50 minutes

Search for train tickets to Tenby here using TfW

3. Fishguard

If you want to get pretty far away in Wales by train then Fishguard is a great place to go!

Fishguard is a small town on the West Coast of Wales in North Pembrokeshire. It has a harbour and a few beaches nearby.

Fishguard is a good place to visit if you are planning a South West Wales itinerary by train because you can visit Carmarthen, Tenby and Narbeth in one trip by train around Wales.

Fishguard is also well connected by train because of the ferry over to Ireland so if you are travelling by public transport around Wales and want to continue, you could always jump on the ferry to Ireland next.

• Carmarthen – 50 minutes
• Tenby – 1 hour 15 minutes
• Swansea – 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cardiff – 2 hours 50 minutes
• London – 5 hours

Search for train tickets to Fishguard here using TfW

4. Carmarthen

I’ve spent a lot of my life in and around Carmarthen and used to get the train here a lot when I was younger so it has to feature on this list of places to go in Wales by train.

Carmarthen itself is a town with a few shops and not so much going on but it is a great base to see more of South West Wales from.

When planning your Wales itinerary by train I’d suggest basing yourself in Carmarthen for a few days close to the train station and then visiting places nearby on day trips like Tenby, Narbeth, Pembrey, Llanelli and Fishguard, all of which have their own central train stations.

• Tenby – 45 minutes
• Swansea – 50 minutes
• Cardiff – 1 hour 50 minutes
• Bristol – 2 hours 30 minutes
• London – 3 hours 40 minutes

Search for train tickets to Carmarthen here using TfW

Swansea works well as a base in South Wales to see more of the area from and it benefits from being further West than Cardiff so it’s quicker to access beautiful places in Pembrokeshire from by train, like Tenby .

A huge benefit to Swansea is Swansea Gower which is like an island off the coast of Swansea, it has a spectacular coastline and you can visit the cute town of The Mumbles or wild beaches like Three Cliffs Bay with the help of the TfW bus system.

• Cardiff – 50 minutes
• Bristol – 1 hour 30 minutes
• Birmingham – 3 hours
• London – 3 hours 45 minutes
• Manchester – 4 hours 10 minutes

Search for train tickets to Swansea here using TfW

6. Abergavenny

The Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the best places to visit in South Wales and to best access this area by train you can catch the train into Abergavenny and travel by bus or taxi to your desired village or hiking spot. The Pen-Y-Fan hike will take you to the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. and in South Wales!

When planning your Wales train travel itinerary, you could travel from Cardiff to Abergavenny quite easily as it’s not far by train and then travel back into England from Abergavenny or back down to the South Coast

• Cardiff – 40 minutes
• London – 2 hours 10 minutes
• Birmingham – 2 hours 10 minutes
• Manchester – 2 hours 30 minutes

Search for train tickets to Abergavenny here using TfW

Remember to check out the Advance Ticket Sale now available here on Transport for Wales !

North Wales by Train

Visiting North Wales is an absolute must and Bangor is a great city in North Wales to travel to by train and base yourself in to see more of this stunning part of the country.

Bangor has a thriving University and University city feel and it’s the best gateway into Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) that you’ll get by train travel in Wales.

If you want to see more trains in Wales and Welsh train stations, from Bangor you could get yourself to Llanberis, a small town in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) and take a steam train around Llanberis Lake Railway , and, you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the highest point in Wales!

• Chester – 1 hour 10 minutes
• Liverpool – 2 hours
• London – 3 hours 20 minutes
• Cardiff – 4 hours 20 minutes

Search for train tickets to Bangor here using TfW

8. Llandudno

Llandudno is a Victorian seaside town and was very popular in its heyday! These days it’s still a great place to go and is high on my list of places to visit in North Wales , especially for families as there is plenty to do in the town and nearby!

Llandudno is located along the coast of North Wales and is a good place to add to your Wales by train itinerary if you plan to stop in a few locations along the North Coast, for example, you could stop at Llandudno before or after Conwy and Bangor.

One of the best things to do in Llandudno is to take the Great Orme Tramway to the summit of the Great Orme.

• Manchester – 2 hours 15 minutes
• London – 3 hours 30 minutes

Search for train tickets to Llandudno here using TfW

9. Holyhead

Anglesey is an island just off the North West Coast of Wales and Holyhead is at the very top of it. There is a well-located and well-connected train station in Holyhead which I recommend travelling to by train in Wales to see more of this stunning corner of Wales.

If you enjoy hiking you can walk the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path from here as well as visit beaches nearby.

Holyhead is not too far from Bangor and Llandudno by train so if you are looking to visit a few places in North Wales by train, you can plan your Wales train itinerary to take the train to each of these places and stay a few nights.

• Bangor – 30 minutes
• Liverpool – 2 hours 50 minutes
• Manchester – 3 hours 10 minutes
• Birmingham – 3 hours 45 minutes

Search for train tickets to Holyhead here using TfW

Mid-Wales by Train

10. aberystwyth.

This popular seaside town on the West coast of Wales is a great place to go in Wales by train because a train line runs directly there through the centre of Wales and once there, Aberystwyth train station is located right in the centre of town.

After your scenic train journey to Aberystwyth, you can spend a few days enjoying this seaside town as well as visiting other coastal destinations nearby using the train and bus services.

For train lovers, once in Aberystwyth, you can take the Vale of Rheidol Railway , a restored steam train service for a stunning journey along the Rheidol Valley.

• Birmingham – 3 hours 15 minutes
• Manchester – 4 hours
• Cardiff – 4 hours

Search for train tickets to Aberystwyth here using TfW

I hope this helps you with places to go in Wales by train and how to travel Wales by train!

This post is sponsored by Transport For Wales. All opinions, thoughts and suggestions are my own.

• To read more of my Wales blog posts see:
• 20 Things To Do In Cardiff, Cardiff Bay & Near Cardiff!
• 30 TOP Places To Visit in South Wales & South Wales Attractions!
• 30 BEST Places to Visit in North Wales & North Wales Attractions!
• 15 BEST Beaches in Pembrokeshire To Visit & A Map!
• Best Time To Visit Wales By Weather & Things To Do!

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Monday 18th of September 2023

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Seven sensational Welsh train journeys

Wales is home to some of the most scenic heritage railways in Europe, offering passengers incredible views as they step back in time to the golden age of train travel. Whether the locomotives and their beautifully restored carriages are ascending mountains or snaking through lush green valleys, hugging the spectacular coastline or following fast-flowing rivers, there’s so much for travellers to enjoy - and afternoon tea or a glass of something sparkling simply adds to the occasion! Here are seven of our favourites, which are well worth a visit on a tour of Wales.

Ffestiniog Railway

The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the world, established in 1832, and runs through the incredible landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). The railway takes passengers on a 13 mile journey from the harbour at Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, home to Zip World Llechwedd .

The historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round horseshoe bends clinging to the side of a mountain and even tunnelling through it. Tan-y-Bwlch Station, halfway along the line, is the starting point for many wonderful walks – perfect for a hike or a more leisurely stroll.

Welsh Highland Railway

A sister line to the Ffestiniog Railway (they’re run by the same operator), the Welsh Highland Railway is North Wales' newest and the UK's longest heritage railway. Running from the pretty town of Caernarfon – the station is just a stone’s throw from the world-famous castle – trains pass the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the picture postcard village of Beddgelert, through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and on to the Harbour Station in Porthmadog.

Along the 25-mile route, passengers ride in some of the most comfortable carriages on any heritage railway in the UK, including first class Pullman luxury and freshly-cooked food delivered to your seat.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Perhaps the most famous heritage railway in Wales – and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions – is the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which has been taking the leg work out of reaching the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) since 1896.

Described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, trains depart from Llanberis Station at the foot of the mountain for the one hour climb to the 1,000 metre (3,500 ft) summit. On a clear day the views can stretch as far as Ireland, with stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views all around.

Welshpool and Llanfair Railway

Hauled by a historic steam locomotive, the 16-mile (25.7 km) return journey with Welshpool and Llanfair Railway begins at a delightfully restored station on the edge of the old market town of Welshpool in the east of Wales.

The journey includes the notoriously steep Golfa Bank, which makes a great echo of the locomotive’s engine, and the delightful rolling scenery of the Banwy valley. All this is viewed from the unique open balcony coaches, providing passengers with an opportunity to see deer, hawks, pheasants, plenty of sheep and even otters. At Llanfair Caereinion station, there is a shop and a traditional tearoom serving delicious home-made snacks and cakes.

Brecon Mountain Railway

One of the most popular railways in Wales is the Brecon Mountain Railway, which runs through the spectacular scenery of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, in South Wales. A vintage steam locomotive pulls all-weather observation coaches for five miles alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir, from Pant to Torpantau, high in Bannau Brycheiniog.

At Pontsticill travellers can alight from the train to admire the view, enjoy refreshments at the café or go for a ramble alongside the reservoir. Returning to Pant, it’s fascinating to visit the workshop where old steam locomotives are repaired.

Vale of Rheidol Railway

Running for almost 12 miles (19 km) along the Rheidol Valley from Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales to the small inland village of Devil’s Bridge, the Vale of Rheidol Railway offers an unforgettable journey by narrow gauge steam train.

Opened in 1902, the railway is a masterpiece of engineering and has been delighting passengers for generations. Although the line no longer carries lead ore from the mines, for over 100 years it has been carrying holidaymakers to the beauty spot of Devil's Bridge - home of the famous Mynach Falls and Devil's Punchbowl. The historic steam locomotives and vintage carriages were built by the Great Western Railway in the 1920s and 30s and are now fully restored.

Talyllyn Railway

Running continuously since 1865, the Talyllyn Railway was originally built to carry slate from the Bryn Eglwys Quarry outside Abergynolwyn in Eryri (Snowdonia) to Tywyn wharf, for onward shipping. The railway became the world’s first preserved railway in 1951, being run and operated entirely by volunteers.

Today, the 7.25 mile (11.8 km) journey from the main station at Tywyn along the picturesque Fathew Valley, takes in the spectacular Dolgech Falls as well as rolling countryside, ancient woodland and deep ravines. A picnic hamper or afternoon tea adds to the experience, as well as an upgrade to first class!

Tywyn Wharf station is home to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, which tells the story of little railways across Britain, including the link to the Rev W Awdry, author of the Thomas the Tank Engine railway series. 

If you or your group would like to enjoy a trip on one or more of the fabulous heritage railways in Wales , please do contact our friendly team and we’ll put together the perfect itinerary for you!

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Discover Wales by Rail: Scenic Train Journeys and Heritage Routes

Activities , Adventure , Our Wales | 0 comments

Wales is bursting with stunning train journeys and heritage routes that will leave you in awe. Get ready for an adventure as we uncover hidden gems and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this incredible country.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Prepare for an epic ride on the legendary Snowdon Mountain Railway. Imagine chugging up the mountainside, passing enchanting waterfalls and jaw-dropping views. As you reach the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park.

Heart of Wales Line

Calling all nature lovers! The Heart of Wales Line is a must for you. Picture rolling hills, lush valleys, and charming little towns that will steal your heart. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems like the dramatic ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle.

Cambrian Coast Line

This train ride follows the stunning shores of Cardigan Bay, taking you through sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and breathtaking cliffs. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and seals along the way.

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

Wind your way through the magical Snowdonia National Park, passing cute villages, lush forests, and serene lakes. And guess what? You can even extend your adventure by connecting to the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.

Conwy Valley Line

If medieval castles and stunning river views are your thing, then the Conwy Valley Line will sweep you off your feet. This train journey offers jaw-dropping glimpses of Snowdonia and the Conwy River. As you glide along, take a moment to marvel at the majestic Conwy Castle.

Brecon Mountain Railway

Picture yourself aboard a charming steam train, chugging through the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park. Rolling hills, dramatic valleys, and peaceful reservoirs will be your backdrop as you enjoy the soothing rhythm of the steam engine.

These train rides offer a unique and captivating way to explore the beauty of Wales. So, sit back, relax, and let the railways guide you through the wonders of this incredible country.

Our Wales: DYW on the Road

One-week Borders and Wales by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: December 11, 2023

Explore Wales by train in just one week on this rail itinerary featuring castles, beaches and scenic views as you travel from Cardiff to Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth, Harlech, Llandudo and Chester.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Explore the Borders and Wales by train in just one week on this rail itinerary, featuring some of the region’s highlights – from castles and cable cars to steam trains and seaside towns. Starting in Cardiff, the route takes in the unpoilt Welsh Marches on its way to Shrewsbury before crossing back into Wales and travelling up the coast past Victorian seaside resorts and the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) on its way to Chester.

This Borders and Wales by train one-week itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see, do and where to stay along the way.

The Borders and Wales by train map

Day 1: Cardiff

Start your Borders and Wales rail trip with a day in the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Travel through 2000 years of history at Cardiff Castle, which has been a Roman Fort, Norman Castle, Victorian mansion and Second World War bomb shelter. Take a peek at its ornate interiors with a tour of the Castle Apartments, and check out the views from the keep.

Visit the independent shops and cafés in Cardiff’s Victorian and Edwardian arcades. Wander through Bute Park’s arboretum and learn more about Welsh history at the National Museum Cardiff. This two-for-one museum has a natural history gallery on the ground floor and a gallery of paintings and sculptures from Wales and beyond upstairs.

Travel just outside the city centre to the redeveloped industrial docklands of Cardiff Bay. Explore the bay’s mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, like the Senedd parliament building, copper-fronted Wales Millennium Centre, red-brick Pierhead building and wooden Norwegian Church, before stocking up on some Fabulous Welshcakes.

Where to stay in Cardiff: The Hotel Indigo * on Queen Street has 116 stylish, modern bedrooms. They’re decorated with three different themes – Made in Wales, Welsh Industry and Music – using local materials and quirky curios. There’s also a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill on the top floor with great views out across the city.

Read more: A weekend in Cardiff, Wales: 2-day Cardiff itinerary 

Day 2: Cardiff > Shrewsbury

The next morning, catch the train north across the border into England and the market town of Shrewsbury. The journey takes two hours, departing Cardiff Central at 08.49 and arriving in Shrewsbury at 10.52. Set among the Shopshire Hills nine miles from the Welsh border, Shrewsbury is a laid back, peaceful town once home to Charles Darwin.

Head back in time to the red brick 13th-century Shrewsbury Castle, where you’ll find the Shropshire Regimental Museum and views over the town from Laura’s Tower. Explore more of Shrewsbury’s history on its Historic Church Trail, which includes St Chads, the largest round church in the UK. Or visit the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.

Shrewsbury lies in a loop of the River Severn and you can take a 45-minute boat trip from the English Bridge in one direction to the Welsh Bridge in the other. Or explore The Quarry, a 29-acre riverside park, and shop for local gifts and produce at the Market Hall.

Where to stay in Shrewsbury: The 16th-century Lion and Pheasant Hotel * combines a characterful historic details like oak beams, flagstone floors and fireplaces with a minimalist contemporary décor. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from the riverside and abbey, and has a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, cocktail bar and secluded courtyard garden.

Day 3: Shrewsbury > Aberystwyth

Next head back into Wales and the coastal town of Aberystwyth. The journey takes around two hours, leaving Shrewsbury at 09.30 and arriving in Aberystwyth at 11.21. With its long sandy beach, Aberystwyth has been a seaside holiday favourite for generations.

Take a stroll along Aberystwyth’s mile-long Victorian promenade and visit the oldest pier in Wales, built in 1864. Grab an ice cream and try your luck on the slot machines, and look out for the impressive starling murmurations on summer evenings. Visit the seafront ruins of Aberystwyth Castle, built by the English in the 13th century to keep the Welsh out.

Climb up Constitution Hill for sunset, or take the easier route to the top on board the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, a electric funicular dating back to the 1800s. Constitution Hill is also home to the world’s largest Camera Obscura, which gives you a 360-degree view along the coast. Or visit the National Library of Wales to see the world’s smallest book.

Where to stay in Aberystwyth: The Gwesty Cymru Hotel & Restaurant * is right on Aberystwyth’s seafront, overlooking the pier and just a short walk from the train station. Rooms are smart and neutrally decorated, with local artworks and oak furniture to add character, and they have a café and wine bar with a seafront terrace.

Day 4: Aberystwyth > Harlech

Then catch the scenic Cambrian Coast Line for the three-hour journey north to Harlech. Depart Aberystwyth at 09.29, change at Dovey Junction near Machynlleth half an hour later and arrive into Harlech at 12.26. There are stunning views along the way as you travel through Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park and cross the estuary at Barmouth.

Explore Harlech Castle, one of the country’s most impressive medieval castles, built by Edward I in the 13th century and perched on top of a cliff to protect it from invaders. Take a walk on Harlech’s huge sandy beach, which has been made a National Nature Reserve for its sand dune ecosystem. Or play a hole or two at beachside David’s Golf Club.

Or take an afternoon trip to the Italian-style village of Portmeirion – the closest station is at Minffordd, 15 minutes from Harlech. Portmeirion was the creation of eccentric Sir Bertram Clough Williams-Ellis, who rescued old buildings from around the UK which were due to be demolished and created a unique, colourful village, with a hotel and restaurant.

Where to stay in Harlech: You can’t get a better location than the Harlech Castle Apartments . These five apartments next to the gatehouse each sleep two, with fantastic views of the castle and the sea and mountains beyond. They’ve been recently converted, and have an en-suite stylish bedroom, cosy lounge and fully-equipped kitchen.

Day 5: Harlech > Llandudno

The next day’s journey will vary depending on whether you are visiting when the Ffestiniog Railway is running. This historic steam railway runs several routes, including the ‘Mountain Spirit’ from Porthmadog to the former mining town Blaenau Ffestiniog. Services run between late March and the end of October but not necessarily every day.

When the Ffestiniog Railway is running, first take a regular train for the 25-minute journey to Porthmadog, which leaves Harlech at 08.25 and arrives into Porthmadog at 08.50. Then change onto a Ffestiniog Railway steam train. The trip takes 70 minutes, leaving Porthmadog at 10.45 and arriving in Blaenau Ffestiniog at 11.55, with beautiful scenery.

On days when the Ffestiniog Railway isn’t running, you’ll need to take the Llew Jones Coaches 3B bus for the journey between Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog instead. This runs around once an hour (excluding Sundays) and takes around 30 minutes.

When you arrive in Blaenau Ffestiniog, you have a couple of hours to explore the town and have lunch. One of the most popular things to do is visit the Llechwedd slate caverns, a mile north of Blaenau Ffestiniog. As well as running a deep mine tour 500 feet underground there’s also underground zip-ling and Bounce Below’s giant trampolines.

Then take the train from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno, departing at 14.39 and arriving at 15.52 (there’s also a train three hours later if you want to explore the caverns for longer). Llandudno is another of Wales’ Victorian seaside resorts, fronted by the sandy North Shore Beach with its promenade and pier. There’s also the quieter West Shore Beach.

Where to stay in Llandudno: Escape Boutique B&B * is a stylish but friendly base in Llandudno. Its nine individually decorated rooms mix Victorian features with vintage furniture and colourful murals, and there’s an honesty bar and tasty breakfasts.

Day 6: Llandudno > Chester

Climb to the top of Great Orme, a limestone headland overlooking the town with panoramic views of Anglesey and Snowdonia (Eryri). It has a Country Park and Nature Reserve, as well as the remains of a prehistoric copper mine. Take a hike to reach the top or get there the easy way on either the historic tramway or the Llandudno Cable Car to the summit.

Then travel back back across the border into England and the city of Chester, departing Llandudno at 12.52 and arriving in Chester at 14.10, with a change at Llandudno Junction. Chester is packed with history, dating back to the Romans who knew it as Deva Victrix .

Explore the remnants of Roman Chester with a walk along the two-mile-long Roman city walls which circle the city, and visit the ruined Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Gardens. Admire the Eastgate Clock, built on top of a bridge to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, and shop the double-decker black and white shops of the Rows.

Where to stay in Chester: The Grosvenor Hotel * is full of old-fashioned glamour, from its doormen in top hats to the lobby’s sparkling crystal chandeliers. This five-star hotel is right in the heart of Chester and has a Michelin-starred restaurant and luxurious spa.

Read more: A weekend in Chester: 2-day Chester itinerary

Day 7: Chester > Cardiff

Spend the morning seeing more of Chester. Visit its abbey-turned-cathedral and climb to the tip of the tower for one of the best views of the city. Take to the water on a boat trip along the River Dee or walk along the Shropshire Union Canal, passing narrowboats and red brick mill buildings. Or meet the locals at Chester Zoo, one of the UK’s largest zoos.

Finally, finish your Borders and Wales by train itinerary by travelling south back to Cardiff. The direct 14.15 train from Chester arrives at Cardiff Central at 17.12.

Along the way the train passes the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and runs through the Shropshire Hills and Herefordshire countryside. From Cardiff you can catch a train on to London (around 2 hours) or other UK destinations. Or if you’re flying home, you can reach Cardiff International Airport from the city centre by train or bus in around an hour.

If you have more time to spare, it’s not far from Chester to the cool northern cities of Liverpool (45 minutes) and Manchester (1 hour 10 minutes), which are both known for their industrial heritage, music scene, nightlife and famous football clubs.

Or if you’re finishing your trip in Cardiff, you can catch the train along the south coast to pretty Pembrokeshire seaside towns like Tenby, Saundersfoot and Manorbier (2–3 hours).

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a Wales rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28/over 60, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices depend on how early you book and if you’re booking a specific train or want to be flexible. There are three main fare categories: Advance, Off-Peak or Anytime. Advance are cheapest and can be booked 8–12 weeks in advance, but are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Off-Peak services are valid on any train outside weekday peak hours. And Anytime are most expensive but can be bought on the day and used on any train.

Using the cheapest Advance fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at £145 per person:

• Cardiff > Shrewsbury: from £23.80
• Shrewsbury > Aberystwyth: from £9.50
• Aberystwyth > Harlech: from £18.60
• Harlech > Llandudno: from £13.70 (plus £44 for the Ffestiniog Railway)
• Llandudno > Chester: from £7.60
• Chester > Cardiff: from £27.50

You can also save a third on all rail fares with a Railcard *. These cost £30 with different versions for 16–25s, 25–30s, Seniors and Disabled People. You can also get a Two Together railcard for two named adults travelling together, or a Friends and Family Railcard for up to four adults and four children. Both UK and overseas residents are eligible.

The railpass option

There are various rail passes available, and which you’re eligible for depends on where you live. If you live outside the UK, you can can get a InterRail / Eurail pass (InterRail is for European residents and Eurail is for non-European residents) or BritRail pass. They work in a similar way and cover either a set time period or a certain number of travel days.

For the Wales by train itinerary, the best InterRail/Eurail option is the One Country Great Britain pass for 5 travel days within 1 month (£220 adults, £191 youths aged 12–27 or £198 seniors over 60). Or the best BritRail option is the BritRail Pass for 8 Consecutive Days (£258 adults, £206 youths aged 16–25 or £219 seniors over 60).

Transport For Wales * also offers its own rail passes which are available to both UK and overseas residents. The best option for this itinerary is the Explore Wales Pass , which gives you unlimited travel by train and bus within Wales and along the border.

The pass costs £104 for adults, £52 for children aged 5–15 and there are discounts for Railcard holders. The pass only cover 4 days of travel within a period of 8 days though, so you’d need to book one journey separately (day two is probably the cheapest).

Passholders are recommended to make seat reservations – though it’s probably only worth doing for long-distance services or at busy peak times so you’re guaranteed to get a seat – which you can do for free at any UK train station up to two hours before departure.

Please note the Ffestiniog Railway is privately owned so isn’t covered by any rail passes.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book UK train journeys, but some charge a booking fee. To avoid fees you can book with Transport for Wales * and either use a mobile ticket on your phone or collect them from a ticket machine or a counter at the station. Or if you have an international credit card you can book with The Trainline for a small fee.

Tickets for the Ffestiniog Railway must be booked directly with them, and you need to call their Booking Office to book a single journey as these can’t be booked online.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book a custom trip based on this Borders and Wales by train itinerary through our partners Byway ,* the flight-free holiday platform, which includes transport and accommodation.

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Tuesday 12th of March 2024

Oh, this looks like such a wonderful adventure! I am so interested in doing this with my husband. I am curious how you got around in each city, did you walk or use cabs for the sightseeing? Are your hotel suggestions close to the city sights??

Sunday 13th of March 2022

We would love to do this. I am Welsh and live in Canada and these stops are places I visited in childhood. We are confused about your train prices though. The cheapest I can find from Cardiff to Shrewsbury is 55.00 which is a huge difference to the amount you have posted. Do you book throught the National Rail website.

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 14th of March 2022

Hi Kate, I usually book direct with Transport for Wales and you'll need to book in advance to get the cheaper fares – they used to be released 3 months in advance but with the disruption in the last few years it's currently 6 weeks, so if you look then you should get a cheaper price (I'm seeing £21 for the 08.50 in 6 weeks from today).

Mark Warrick

Wednesday 30th of June 2021

Thanks for this! I am actually planning a very similar itinerary and some of your tips will come in useful. I have to say, the Advance fares are very reasonable, aren't they?

Monday 5th of July 2021

Glad it was useful! Yes the Advance fares are really good, though I'm finding with reduced services at the moment you do need to book as soon as you can as they're selling out quite fast.

Great Little Trains of Wales

Twelve little steam railways located in stunning scenery across Wales

Railway Locations

Experience the beautiful Welsh countryside: on little railways that are passionate about providing a warm welcome and an amazing experience. Take your time as we transport you on a relaxed journey, an ideal little excursion.

Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake Railway), a 9-mile return journey alongside Bala Lake in Snowdonia National Park. All trains start and finish at Llanuwchllyn station with its café, locomotive sheds and heritage centre.

The steam railway that runs high into the Brecon Beacons on a 10-mile round trip, surrounded by superb scenery. Travel from Pant near Merthyr Tydfil along the beautiful Taf Fechan Reservoir to Torpantau.

For over 100 years this railway has connected Fairbourne with the sea at Barmouth Ferry. Experience the beauty of the Mawddach Estuary on this miniature (12.25-inch gauge) coastal railway. Ride all day with a Day Rover ticket.

From the new £1.25 million two-platform layout at Harbour Station, Porthmadog, travel to Tan-y-Bwlch Station. Then onwards to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Connect with the Welsh Highland Railway for 40 unbroken miles of adventure.

Situated in the heart of Snowdonia, the heritage steam locomotives take you on a five-mile return journey alongside Llyn Padarn lake, in the heart of Snowdonia. All tickets are for return travel.

Snowdon Mountain Railway has been welcoming visitors to Llanberis to experience the awe-inspiring journey by rack railway to the summit of Snowdon since 1896.

The world's first preserved steam railway. Steam through the charming Fathew valley in Snowdonia National Park. The journey covers more than seven miles of spectacular scenery within sight of one of Britain’s highest mountains, Cadair Idris.

Travel on the Vale of Rheidol Railway and explore the stunning Rheidol Valley. Opened in 1902, the railway has been delighting passengers young and old for over a century. The train climbs 700ft (200m) in the 11.75 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge.

Starting from beneath the castle walls in historic Caernarfon, the railway climbs to the foot of Snowdon before dropping again to sea level at the harbour in Porthmadog. Connecting with Ffestiniog Railway, experience 40 unbroken miles of adventure.

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway offers you three experiences for the price of one: a train ride, a miniature railway and an interactive museum, with tickets valid all day. Journey from Porthmadog to Pen y Mount.

Linking the market town of Welshpool to the rural community of Llanfair Caereinion, this narrow gauge steam railway has tight curves and steep gradients. A 16-mile return journey through the beautiful Mid-Wales countryside.

Take a gentle trip down the beautiful Dulas Valley on this family-friendly steam railway. Journey on a completely new train with modern recreations of the original Corris Victorian carriages and a Corris steam locomotive.

For the Gold Card and the Discount Card and any other matters please contact:

The Company Secretary Great Little Trains of Wales C/O Joanna Quinney, 7 Hill St, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AG

Company address: Great Little Trains of Wales, Wharf Station Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9EY

For additional information on individual railways please go to the ‘railways’ page.

Latest News & Events

What’s going on, wales golden photo competition 2024.

Wales on Rails competition for Community Rail Week 2024 #WalesOnRails or #CledrauCymru, 20 May to 30 June 2024 walesgoldenphoto2024 Image Steve Towns @sjtown .

Ffestiniog Bygones Weekend

06/10/23 to 08/10/2023, visit the Bygones Weekend at Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, a festival of vintage trains and stock. With a full and interesting timetable including passenger, gravity, slate and freight trains.

#23offGOLDCARDfor23days2023 23/03 to to 23/04/23

Offer closed 23/04/2023. Each Gold Card costs £175, now discounted to £152 (23 March 2023 to 23 April 2023). Every card is valid for 12 months from the date your first journey.

St Dwynwen’s Day to St Valentine’s Day, 2 for 1 DISCOUNT CARD offer

Offer closed 23/02/2023. Celebrate Love in Wales with our 2 for 1 Discount Card offer #Love2for1. Pay for 1 Discount Card, £20, and you will be posted 2 cards, 25 January to 22 February 2023.

Finalist Go North Wales Award

Our sister project, Wales on Rails , is a finalist in the Go North Wales, for a Go Responsible and Sustainable Green Award. The Talyllyn Railway and The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are also finalists.

Go North Wales finalists-winners

We Won a Community Rail Award

Full steam ahead for our partnership project ‘Wales on Rails’, supported by Transport for Wales and the Community Rail Partnerships in Wales and the borders. We WON a tourism and leisure award.

Wales on Rails Shortlisted for Award

Wales on Rails at the Community Rail Awards 2022. Wales on Rails is a sustainable pan-Wales tourism project, led by Great Little Trains of Wales. https://walesonrails.co.uk/

Latest News

Heart of Wales railway line - ‘Best in Europe’

29 feb 2024.

World famous travel guide Lonely Planet has named the Heart of Wales railway line as one of the best rail journeys in Europe.

Lein Calon Cymru - ‘Y Gorau yn Ewrop’

Described as ‘a spectrum of scenery’ that alternates ‘from the sand-edged estuaries of South Wales’ to ‘one of England’s prettiest medieval cities’, the line has been ranked amongst the top ten train rides in Europe for 2024.

Others on the prestigious list include the Le Petit Train Juane in the French Pyrenees, The Berina Express in Switzerland and The Brenner Railway passing through Germany, Austria and Italy.

Running between Swansea and Shrewsbury, a full trip on the line takes 4 hours and covers nearly 200km, passing through villages such as Llandeilo and Llandovery within the south and Craven Arms and Church Stretton further north.

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer at Transport for Wales said: “The Heart of Wales line is a beautiful rural railway that is popular with day trippers and walkers, it also provides vital links for the rural communities in Mid Wales and the Borders.

“It’s great to be recognised internationally by Lonely Planet and I’d encourage visitors to take a ride and enjoy the experience of dramatic mountains, forests, wild rivers and the quaint towns and villages of Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire and Swansea.”    

“At TfW we’re on a journey to improve public transport and also to encourage people to choose sustainable travel.  For those visiting and interested, please visit www.walesonrails.co.uk to see the many wonderful places and attractions within Wales and how they can be accessed using public transport.”

Owen Griffkin, Heart of Wales Community Rail Partnership Officer said: “It was wonderful to see the Heart of Wales Line included as one of the top ten rail journeys in Europe. We are very proud of the railway and to see it gaining global recognition as one of the most scenic routes in Europe is something we can celebrate.

“Articles like this will drive more tourism to the area and provide economic benefits to communities all along the line, and we will be looking to capitalise on this in our next Community Rail Partnership activity plan.”

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Heart of Wales Line-6

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Seeing Wales By Train: With an Explore Wales Pass

Itinerary ideas for making the most of using an Explore Wales rail pass to see the best of beautiful Wales by train,

If you want to put the rather wonderful idea of using an Explore Wales pass for a multi-stop train travel itinerary around the principality into practice, then the two optimum ideas are:

(1) Following a circular route around the country by train, or (2) A looping route, which has the advantage of minimising the number of different locations in which you’ll be spending overnight stays.

The slight negative of the circular route is the need to transport luggage with you on most of the journeys you will be taking – and as will be seen, to make the most of a tour around Wales you’ll need to hop and off multiple trains (and buses). None of the stations you will be taking trains to and from will have left-luggage facilities.

The delightful towns of Chester and Shrewsbury both make for good starting points of a round Wales by train itinerary; the trains from Shrewsbury will call at Chester. These two towns are in England, but the routes between them and Wales are covered by the Explore Wales pass.

Both Chester and Shrewsbury have direct trains from London, Birmingham and Manchester, while Chester also has trains from Liverpool.

Day 1. Circular route, to Porthmadog or Barmouth:

Shrewsbury OR Chester > Bangor > Caernarfon > Porthmadog by the Welsh Highland Railway > Barmouth Only possible on Fridays and Saturdays

On the train to Bangor, sit on the right so that you can take in the spectacular views of the North Wales Coast. In Bangor the bus stop is adjacent to the railway station, so a relatively straightforward connection will be available into the frequent 5C bus route/line which will take you on to Caernarfon, where the bus station is a five minute walk from the station that the Welsh Highland Trains depart from; the afternoon departure on Fridays and Saturdays leaves at 14:20. Though single (one-way) journey tickets for the journey on the Welsh Highland Railway cannot be booked online. Some trains can also sell out in advance, so booking ahead is highly recommended!

On arrival in Porthmadog, you could check-in to overnight accommodation in the town, OR head on to delightful Barmouth by train in order to spend the night there. (Though The Welsh Highland Railway station in Porthmadog is a 12-20 min walk away from the mainline station which is where the trains on to Barmouth will depart from.

If you want to take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway then it’s best to follow the suggested routing above, but wind up your day one of travel in Caernarfon . On arrival in the town, you’ll then have time to explore Caernarfon Castle .

Then on the next day, exploit the fact that you don’t have to use the Explore Wales pass on consecutive days by making return trip on bus route/line S1 to Llanberis. Because from there you can take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway and/or the Llanberis Lake Railway . The Explore Wales Pass isn’t valid on this bus route or on these trains.

If you do opt to include Llanberis, you won’t miss out on a journey on the Welsh Highland Railway, because you’ll be travelling by it on Day 2.

If you want to include a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway instead of a journey on the Welsh Highland Railway on a round-Wales circular itinerary, then follow the itinerary of Day 1 of the looping route.

On this day you’ll be heading to Aberystwyth by taking the railway along the gorgeous Cambrian Coast.

If you’ve overnighted in either Barmouth or Porthmadog you can take a train to Machynlleth and connect there for Aberystwyth.

In Machynlleth the station is a 10 min walk from its centre, so if you want to explore this charming town between trains, you won't have to go far.

Or if you have spent the night in Caernarfon (because you added the option of going up Mount Snowdon), you can take the morning Welsh Highland Railway train to Porthmadog and then travel on from there to Aberystwyth via Machynlleth.

When heading towards Machynlleth, take a seat on the right hand side of the train, to make the most of the glorious views of the coast.

Then while you’re in Aberystwyth , a ride on the beautiful Vale of Rheidol Railway is highly recommended.

If you’ve headed to the the town from Barmouth or Porthmadog, you’ll have time to squeeze in an afternoon return trip by the steam trains before the end of the day. But if you’ve travelled from Caernarfon, you’ll need to spend the night in Aberystwyth and ride the steam train on the next day.

Though taking some time out to relax in Aberystwyth regardless during the trip is highly recommended, a fabulous excursion is to take a ride on its funicular railway!

Day 3. Circular route, to Pembrokeshire:

The T1 bus line/route from Aberystwyth to Carmarthen is the best option for travelling on to Pembrokeshire in south-west Wales. It plugs a gap in the current rail network, since the closure of the Aberystwyth to Carmarthen railway line back in the 1960s, hence the Explore Wales can be used on this bus route.

Then from Carmarthen station you can take a train to either of the two locations that are good choices for an overnight stay:

• the delightful coastal town, of Tenby , or
• the city of Swansea . Sit on the right when taking the train towards Swansea to take in the lovely coastal views.

A plus of staying in Swansea is the access it has to the beautiful Gower Peninsular . Bus line/route 118 from Swansea Bus station crosses the centre of this Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty on route to and from Rhossili .

Stopping off to visit the Gower Peninsular when passing through Swansea is compromised by its rail station having no left luggage facilities; and the city’s bus station , which the 118 bus departs from, is a 15min walk from the rail station .

Also if you opt to stay in Swansea you don’t have to miss out on seeing Tenby, as it’s an easy day trip by train from Swansea. The journey’s short enough for it not to be worth using the pass for that trip.

Day 4. Circular route, across the Heart of Wales:

There are two routes available for heading back to Chester or Shrewsbury by train from south-west Wales. (1) For those that don’t want to miss out on making the most of the Welsh scenic railway journeys, the better option is to take the direct route across central Wales on the beautiful Heart Of Wales railway line .

However, if you opt to spend the night in Tenby, the theoretically available connections at Llanelli station into the trains which take that Heart Of Wales route, are awkwardly timed. Though if you overnight in Swansea or on the Gower Peninsular, you then won’t have to worry about making any connections when taking that Heart Of Wales route, as its trains commence their journeys in Swansea.

(2) Or a more frequent (and usually much easier) option is to take a direct train from Swansea back to Shrewsbury or Chester (or take a train from Tenby to make the connection in Swansea).

Or if you want to explore the Welsh capital during the trip, you can stop off in Cardiff, while on route from Swansea or Tenby back to your starting point in Shrewsbury or Chester; both towns have direct trains from Cardiff, on which the Explore Wales pass can be used, despite much of the journey being through England. Though a Cardiff stopover is compromised by the lack of left luggage facilities at Cardiff Central station. So if Cardiff is a must, you could make a trip there by train from Swansea, by booking separate tickets (if you've opted to spend the night there instead of Tenby).

If time and budget are available the ultimate means of seeing Wales by train, is to exploit the fact the Explore Wales Pass is valid for an 8 day period. So on the 4 days on which the pass won't be good value for money, you can make other optional journeys. On the summaries below the four days on which you will be using the rail pass are marked with an*.

1 – Chester or Shrewsbury to Caernarfon via Bangor * 2 – day trip to Llanberis for Mount Snowdon 3 – Caernarfon to Aberystwyth* 4 – A day in Aberystwyth, including a ride on the Vale Of Rheidol Line 5 – Aberystwyth to Swansea* 6 – A day trip from Swansea across the Gower Peninsular 7 – A day trip from Swansea to Tenby or Cardiff 8 – Swansea to Shrewsbury or Chester on the Heart Of Wales line*

OR 1 – Chester or Shrewsbury to Porthmadog via Blaenau Ffestiniog* 2 – A day trip from Porthmadog to Caernarfon on the Welsh Highland Railway. 3 – Porthmadog to Aberystwyth*, taking the ride on the Vale Of Rheidol Line when you arrive there. 4 – Aberystwyth to Tenby* 5 – A day relaxing in Tenby 6 – Tenby to Swansea by train 7 – A day trip from Swansea across the Gower Peninsular 8 – Swansea to Shrewsbury or Chester on the Heart Of Wales line*.

Note that due to a a reduced timetable on the Welsh Highland Railway for the 2023 season, this itinerary is only available if day one is a Thursday or a Friday.

This day of rail adventure includes a ride on the utterly charming Ffestiniog Railway to Porthmadog

The schedule which is only available on a Monday to Saturday , usually involves taking these trains.

* To minimise the risk of making the vital 13 min connection at Llandudno Junction, check the train times on arrival at Colwyn Bay, if the 13:10 departure is delayed, you can take an earlier train on to Llandudno Junction. A break of journey at Colwyn Bay has been suggested, as doing this avoids having to wait for more than an hour between trains at Llandudno Junction. The station in Colwyn Bay is opposite the main street in the town, which is home to a choice of cafes.

**If you do want to head on to Barmouth, (if you don't you can spend the night in Porthmadog), the Ffestiniog Railway station in Porthmadog is a 12-20 min walk to the mainline station .

Though single (one-way) journey tickets for the journey on the Ffestiniog Railway cannot be booked online. Some trains can also sell out in advance, so booking ahead is highly recommended!

Day 2. Looping route, back to Shrewsbury or Chester:

From Barmouth or Porthmadog you can follow this suggested routing to head back to your starting point in Shrewsbury OR Chester; or you can pick up Day 2 of the circular route and head to Aberystwyth. (But if you take this looping route you won’t miss out on the delights of Aberystwyth and south-west Wales, as you'll be heading to them on Day 3).

The first stage of day two on the loop is to take the morning departure on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon, which leaves at 09:40 on Fridays and Saturdays only So if you’ve spent the night in Barmouth, you’ll need to head back to Porthmadog to make the connection; departing Barmouth at 07:47.

Then from Caernarfon you can return to Shrewsbury or Chester by taking; (1) the 5C bus route/line on to Bangor (2) Then a train on from there (there are usually hourly trains to Chester, most of which have connections on to Shrewsbury) – take a seat on the left for the lovely views of the North Wales coast The bus stop in Bangor is adjacent to the railway station.

Because you’ll be looping back to Shrewsbury or Chester, at the close of both days two and four, you can split your luggage, so that on your travel days you’ll only need to have the equivalent of an overnight bag with you. The looping route is also better value for money, because you will be travelling further by train compared to the circular route, but will be using the same pass.

Or if you want to include the Snowdon Mountain Railway or the Llanberis Lake Railway on the looping itinerary, then your final day one journey will be taking bus route/line T2 on from Porthmadog to Caernarfon (and heading there instead of Barmouth).

Then on the following morning you can head to Llanberis on bus route/line 88 , in order to access the Snowdon Mountain Railway and / or the Llanberis Lake railway. Having done so, you can then either: (1) Spend another night in Caernarfon (having not used the Explore Wales Pass for the day trip to Llanberis; because the pass isn’t valid on the bus to Llanberis or its railways) and then take that Day 2 routing back to Shrewsbury or Chester, OR (2) Head back to Shrewsbury via Bangor in the early evening – on Mondays to Saturdays the final direct train of the day to Shrewsbury usually departs Bangor at 20:00.

On the third day on which you will be using the pass, depart from Shrewsbury on a direct train to Aberystwyth on the lovely Cambrian Line route.

If you opted to base yourself in Chester, taking a train to Shrewsbury, n order to make the connection, is an straightforward journey which takes around an hour. Take the mid-morning train, which is usually scheduled to leave just before 10:30 and you’ll be arriving in Aberystwyth around 12:20; in good time to take journey on the beautiful Vale of Rheidol Railway .

You could exploit the fourth day of the using the pass to: 1 - take the T1 bus line/route from Aberystwyth to Carmarthen 2 - take a train from Carmarthen to Llanelli or Swansea (depending on the optimum connections) 3 - take the train along the Heart Of Wales railway line .from Llanelli or Swansea back to Shrewsbury (connecting in Shrewsbury for Chester if need be).

Or add Swansea (for the Gower peninsular) or Tenby to your adventures, by heading to either of those locations from Aberystwyth, but don't use the pass and buy tickets for those journeys instead. 1 - take the T1 bus line/route from Aberystwyth to Carmarthen 2 - take a train from Carmarthen to Tenby or Swansea.

Then use the fourth day of using your Explore Wales Pass(es) to travel back to Shrewsbury or Chester, as per Day 4 of the circular route.

Four days of travel

1 –Shrewsbury → Blaenau Ffestiniog → Porthmadog → Barmouth 2 – Barmouth → Porthmadog → to Caernarfon by the Welsh Highland Railway → Bangor → Shrewsury 3 - Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth 4 - Aberystwyth → Camarthen → Llanelli or Swansea → Shrewsbury.

Follow this routing and the only tickets not covered by the pass will be the journeys on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.. So it is this 4 days of travel, on which an Explore Wales Pass provides particularly good value in comparision to tickets per journey .

Eight days of travel

You can exploit the fact the Explore Wales Pass is valid for an 8 day period to pursue this ultimate looping route itinerary – the four days on which you will be using the rail pass are marked with an *

1 – Shrewsbury to Barmouth via Blaenau Ffestiniog and Porthmadog* 2 – Barmouth to Porthmadog and then by the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon. 3 - to Llanberis for Mount Snowdon and then from Caernarfon back to Shrewsbury via Bangor *. 4 – Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth*, taking the ride on the Vale Of Rheidol Line when you arrive there. 5 – Aberystwyth to Swansea. 6 – A day trip from Swansea across the Gower Peninsular. 7 – A day trip from Swansea to Tenby or Cardiff. 8. - Swansea to Shrewsbury or Chester on the Heart Of Wales line*.

Using Explore Wales Passes to travel around Wales by train will very likely be cheaper than buying tickets for the journeys by the Transport For Wales trains and the bus routes covered by the pass. To be certain of whether the pass will save you money, there's no substitute for spending around 10 minutes to look up the train journeys you want to take on the Transport For Wales website, then comparing them to the pass price(s). Though add on an additional £10-15 to the train ticket calculations, to cover the cost of the bus journeys (not covered by the pass) you will be making.

However, ShowMeTheJourney has made a comparison between the likely costs for those suggested itineraries outlined above.

Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

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Some of the main experiences

Welsh highland railway, ffestiniog railway, llanberis lake railway, talyllyn railway, vale of rheidol railway, llangollen railway, snowdonia national park.

• Conwy Town and Conwy Valley

South Snowdonia & Llyn Peninsula

Dee valley and llangollen, welsh highland heritage railway, national slate museum, penrhyn castle railway museum.

• Dinorwic slate railway story

Some of the main sights

The National Slate Museum at Llanberis is one of the most alluring assets of this beautiful region. Visitors expecting dusty displays or worthy walkabouts are delighted to find a treasure trove of human stories and engaging activities, where craftsmen show the art of splitting slate and dramatic landscapes are magnets for exploration.  We can then follow the route of the old Dinorwic slate railway down to the harbour in Y Felinheli (Port Dinorwig). The Dinorwic Padarn Railway was an early and uncommon  4 ft (1219 mm) narrow gauge industrial railway connecting the slate quarry at Dinorwic in Caernarvonshire with the coastal port at Y Felinheli.     We can also show you the route of the horse-drawn tramway built in 1823 which was in use before the train railway was built. We also have a library of old images of the railway and the old port.

National Slate Museum Website

Conwy Town and the Conwy Valley

South Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula offer you an incredible variety of scenery, architecture and history. The Italianate fantasy village of Portmeirion, castles at Criccieth and Harlech, beautiful gardens at Brondanw and an Iron Age hillfort are all en route. And if that were not enough, there is a dramatically located, restored quarry village repurposed as a cultural centre which lies on the shores of an azure sea.

South Snowdonia & Llyn Peninsula Tour

The natural centre of this beautiful region is Llangollen, an attractive small town at an important crossing point of the river Dee. The river is quite wild at this point and it’s a great pleasure to spend time on its banks watching canoeists battle their way through, while keeping an eye on the steam trains arriving and departing from the perfectly preserved station. On a gentler note, the town is also a cultural centre, hosting an International Eisteddfod (festival). 

Yet another World Heritage Site is nearby – the famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct which takes the Llangollen canal soaring above the valley of the River Dee. You can visit Telford’s masterpiece from below or for those who want to brave the heights, you can walk across. Nearby are also the atmospheric ruins of Vale Crucis Abbey and the hilltop castle of Dinas Bran – the City of the Crow.

Dee Valley & Llangollen Tour

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Karen Willans

Content producer for Visit Wales, her main interests are museums, railways and walking the wonderful Welsh hills and trails. 

• North Wales
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© Robert Mann MA Photography

Llandudno railway station, North Wales

Things to do along the North Wales Coast Railway

The North Wales Coast Railway stretches between Crewe and Holyhead, taking in some impressive scenery including coastal views, castles and bridges along the way. Here's our handy guide to exploring the North Wales coast by train.

'Come to Sunny Rhyl!' declared the post-war railway posters, enticing visitors to North Wales with stylized images of wide, sandy beaches, and smiling, happy families playing by the seashore.

There's loads more for visitors to do in North Wales these days, and one of the best ways to get about is by train. No worries about traffic or roadworks; just chill out, watch the impressive scenery go by, and let someone else do the driving. Here are a few suggestions for some memory-making days out using the North Wales Coast Railway.

'Y Gerallt Gymro', Transport for Wales' Holyhead to Cardiff (and back) weekday business class service near Dwygyfylchi, North Wales

About the North Wales Coast Railway

The railway was originally built as a key route for passengers, freight and the Irish Mail service heading from the major English towns to Ireland via Holyhead and vice versa. The roads were pretty dire and dangerous at the time so the railway offered a safer and quicker alternative. By 1848 the line was fully open with regular trains linking the major towns and ports.

The line soon became popular with holiday makers who could now explore the shores and mountains of North Wales more easily. The towns along the coast grew massively to take advantage of the tourism boom. You can still enjoy the elegant Victorian and Edwardian promenades, piers and gardens today, as well as more exciting things to do like amusement arcades, funfairs and dry ski-slopes.

It can take you around two hours to travel the whole of the North Wales Coast Railway line between Shotton (the first station in Wales) or Chester and Holyhead. The line mainly follows the meandering coastline, running roughly parallel with The North Wales Way along the A55.

At Llandudno Junction, the scenic Conwy Valley Line links the coastal railway to Deganwy and Llandudno in the north, and down to Blaenau Ffestiniog further south. 

Llandudno Junction railway station, North Wales

What to do and see

From the train, sit back and enjoy views of spectacular beaches, seaside towns, magnificent castles and the rugged mountains of North Wales. As you head towards the Menai Strait, the iconic Britannia Bridge comes into view, waiting to take the train over to the Isle of Anglesey. Watch out for fighter planes zooming overhead near RAF Valley - it's one of the UK's fast jet flying training schools and a Search and Rescue base. If you want more than just a train ride, read on for more tips about some of the different places you can visit.

We have castles. Flint and Conwy  castles are walkable from their respective railway stations - great for exploring as a family. Or you could build your own magnificent fortification on one of our sandy beaches . Family friendly Pensarn, Colwyn Bay and Penmaenmawr beaches are just over the tracks from their stations.

Flint Castle (Cadw)

Conwy Castle (Cadw)

Flint Castle and Conwy Castle, North Wales

© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

Go traditional with the full-on Victorian resort experience at Rhyl or Llandudno (change at Llandudno Junction). As well as tasty fish and chips by the seaside, there are museums, galleries, tramways, miniature railways and amusement arcades to keep all ages happy. Nearby, Deganwy and Conwy have marinas to wander round, championship links golf courses to play, and National Trust properties to explore.

There's plenty to see for nature lovers too.  RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve  is close to Conwy station, or you can scale the heights at the  Great Orme Country Park  in Llandudno, see the famous goats and take in some brilliant views in all directions. 

RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve

Great Orme Country Park

The traditional seaside experience - Rhyl and Llandudno, North Wales

Heading further west, enjoy a cultural day out in the university town of Bangor . Find out the history of the area at  Storiel Museum and Art Gallery  then enjoy a day mooching around the galleries, independent shops and cafes.  Bangor Cathedral is very impressive.

If you want to explore further afield, catch a bus to Menai Bridge and take in the Menai Bridge Heritage Centre , the woodlands and waterfalls of  Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens or book an exhilarating Rib Ride boat trip along the Menai Strait.

Storiel Museum and Art Gallery

Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

RibRide Adventure Boats

Menai Bridge with the Britannia Bridge in the background, North Wales

Another bus journey can take you to  Penrhyn Castle , where you can absorb the history of this National Trust owned neo-Norman castle in all its splendour.

Once you're on Anglesey, stopping off at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (or Llanfair PG for short!) for a selfie next to the legendary station name is a 'must do'!

Rhosneigr is a lovely seaside village known for award-winning sandy beaches and watersports. It makes a great base to explore the area, and maybe tick off more sections of the Wales Coast Path around the island.  Anglesey Golf Club is nearby, and it's not far from RAF Valley to watch the planes overhead. Llyn Maelog is wonderful for bird spotting and wildlife walks. 

Penrhyn Castle

Anglesey Golf Club

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, North Wales

The end of the line is Holyhead , on the western-most tip of Anglesey. As well as the busy port, Holyhead is home to a wonderful  Maritime Museum  based in the old lifeboat station. If you want to explore further, check bus times and head over to  RSPB South Stack Cliffs Reserve with its famous lighthouse.

Holyhead Maritime Museum

RSPB South Stack Cliffs Reserve

Holyhead railway station, Anglesey, North Wales

Walking and cycling

The Wales Coast Path follows the railway line most of the way to Bangor. You can complete many of the sections using the train service and / or buses. Rhyl to Pensarn is a family-friendly 5 mile (8km) flat walk along the sea shore. Colwyn Bay to Llandudno (5.5miles/9km) takes you round the Great Orme with fabulous views over the coast. Conwy to Llanfairfechan offers two routes – along the coast (7.5m/12km) or a longer, tougher upland route over Penmaen Mawr which rewards you with stunning views across North Wales.

The  Wales Coast Path website  and the Rail to Trail website  have a handy list of walking itineraries along the North Wales coast for more inspiration. Before you head out walking, make sure you're prepared.  Adventure Smart UK  has plenty of advice on how to ‘make a good day better’, and we recommend you read it before planning your day out. 

Pensarn, North Wales

There's also the Sustrans  North Wales Coastal Route for cyclists - a designated trail between Holyhead and Chester. It shares a route with the Wales Coast Path for much of the way. You can take your bike on the train, although we recommend you book in advance to be sure there's space. Head to the Transport for Wales website for info on taking bikes on trains .

There are loads of bike trails to explore around Anglesey including Lôn Lâs Cefni and Lôn Lâs Copr (the Copper Trail). These are circular routes you can join following routes 5 or 8 from Llanfairpwll, Valley or Holyhead railway stations.

Further information

Find out train times, fares and attraction discount offers on the Transport for Wales website. For bus times,  Traveline Cymru is a really useful public transport journey planner.

You can also do a circular tour of the Cambrian and North Wales Coast lines via the Shrewsbury to Chester line, the Conwy Valley Line and the Ffestiniog Railway. The Ffestiniog Round Robin  rover ticket allows you to do it all in a day. Please plan and check train times carefully before you set out as it’s usually only doable during the summer timetable.

There are various rover ticket options to explore the railway over one or more days. Some include bus travel as well to really help you explore North Wales by public transport.

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Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railway, Porthmadog

Rail journeys in Wales - steam trains and mainline train services

Information on how your clients can discover Wales by train including scenic steam trains and mainline rail services.  Lots of our steam trains are part of Great Little Trains of Wales and many offer private charter and driver experiences.  

There are lots of small steam railways in Wales. It’s a great way to see our country – relax and enjoy the scenery. Several offer an insight into the industries that built them and provide a great snapshot of Wales long ago. Twelve narrow gauge steam railways are part of the  Great Little Trains of Wales . They offer a discount card entitling individuals 20 per cent off one adult full round trip fare on participating railways. Cardholders can also take advantage of discounts with selected accommodation providers close to the railways. Please note that this discount is for individuals and not groups.  There are also offers for groups and group organisers. The International Gold Card is designed for groups from other countries which must be applied for.   All have an events programme, some offer driver experiences and private charters. Please check their websites for details.  

Bala Lake Railway

The nine mile (14.4 km) return journey on the Bala Lake Railway  takes around one hour and runs alongside Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) through Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park). Opened as a narrow gauge railway in 1972, it is one of the youngest of the narrow gauge railways, although the steam locomotives normally used are over 100 years old. The railways base is just off the A494 in the village of Llanuwchllyn, where there is adequate car parking, and a café and gift shop. From Llanuwchllyn the line descends to almost lake level and is never far from the lakeside. There are many short walks along the foreshore providing stunning views over and along the lake. The Bala terminus is a short walk into the town for the shops and cafes. Driver experience packages are available and group rates for parties 10+. Limited coach parking is available. 

Brecon Mountain Railway

The return journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway  takes just over an hour in all-weather observation coaches behind a vintage steam locomotive. It runs through beautiful scenery into the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir to Dol-y-Gaer. At Pontsticill you can alight from the train and visit the café , with views across the water to the peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) , and go for a ramble alongside the reservoir. There is a play area for children. At Pant station the railway also has a workshop where old steam locomotives are repaired – with a new footpath to a picnic site which has a panoramic view of the valley. There is also a licenced tea room and souvenir shop. Reduced rates are available for groups 20+. There is room for up to four wheelchairs per train – advanced booking required.

Brecon Mountain Railway, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

Corris Railway

Corris Railway is situated between Dolgellau and Machynlleth and travels down the Dulas Valley. The journey takes approximately 50mins and all journeys must start and end at Corris Station. There is a shop and free museum to explore. Experience days are available when normal services are not operating. Projects are underway to extend the line towards Tan y Coed Forest amenity site, redevelop Corris station and build a second steam locomotive. 

© Corris Railway Society

Fairbourne Steam Railway

The railway line for Fairbourne Steam Railway was rebuilt in 1984 having carried passengers for most of the 20th century from Fairbourne village to the Mawddach Estuary. It connects with the Barmouth ferry which takes guests over the estuary to Penrhyn Point. The return journey takes 60mins.  Reduced rates are available for groups 12+. A wheelchair carriage is available on request. A cafe is available.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway   was established by an Act of Parliament way back in 1832. It is truly a 'Great Little Railway' and is the oldest independent railway company in the World today. It takes you on a 13½ mile (21.7 km) journey from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, the slate-quarrying town and home to  Zip World Llechwedd .  Tan-y-Bwlch Station, half way along the line, is situated just off the main valley in the Merionydd Oakwoods with many nature trails starting at the station.   The Welsh Highland Railway is North Wales' newest and the UK's longest heritage railway and is now open throughout from Caernarfon to the Ffestiniog Railway's Harbour Station in Porthmadog. The two lines (Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway) offer visitors a journey across Eryri (Snowdonia) more than 40 miles (64 km) in length. Waunfawr station, approximately halfway along the line, has a friendly pub and campsite beside it and there is a craft village a few minutes walk away. Discounted rates are offered for parties 20+ (10+ if disabled). Carriages on some trains have extra wide doors for standard width wheelchairs. Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu Stations have ramped access routes and specially adapted toilet facilities. Refreshments are available at Spooner's Cafe and CAMRA award winning bar at Harbour Station, Porthmadog and at Tan y Bwlch station cafe, also licenced for civil services. Large groups may be able to charter a train - booking well in advance is essential.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Llanberis Lake Railway

The 5 mile (8 km) return journey on the Llanberis Lake Railway takes up to one hour starting at Gilfach Ddu. It passes the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, birthplace of the Welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great, and across Afon y Bala, possibly Britain's shortest river, before entering Padarn Country Park and joining the original slate railway route alongside lake Padarn, the largest of the two lakes in Llanberis. The train continues to Gilfach Ddu, originally where slate was transhipped from the quarry system to the slate railway.    The  National S late Museum   is located next to Gilfach Ddu Station. It is one of the National Museums of Wales and is free admission. The story of slate and the men who worked it comes to life through displays and demonstrations. A discount is available for groups of 20+. There is a shop and café at Gilfach Ddu station.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Since 1896 visitors from around the world have travelled on  Snowdon Mountain Railway . The journey begins at Llanberis station and travels to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which at 1,085 metres (3,560 ft) is the highest mountain in England and Wales. The journey takes two and a half hours which includes a 30 minute stop at the peak. Visitors can opt to walk up or down and purchase a single ticket. This unique railway is one of the most popular visitor attractions in North Wales. 

Hybrid diesel locomotives have joined the fleet which will run alongside the traditional diesel and steam trains to reduce the carbon footprint. They are driven by free electric motors powered by a traction battery and diesel generator.   Hafod Eryri (Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre) , has been sympathetically designed to complement the landscape and features spectacular panoramic windows giving travellers to unimpaired views across the mighty Eryri (Snowdonia) range and the Irish Sea.    Weather conditions on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)  are very unpredictable and can change quickly. If weather conditions become severe and trains cannot proceed to the summit, they will terminate at Clogwyn Station (three quarter distance to the summit) or Rocky Valley (five eighths to the summit). A reduced fare is offered for such journeys. Coaches can drop off just 30 metres from the ticket office and there is coach parking in Llanberis. Groups have a free visit to the film theatre for a 13min presentation explaining the history of the railway. Group discounts are offered .

Refreshments are available at the Station Buffet, the Platform Grill and Hafod Eryri. A range of quality gifts can be purchased from the Copa Siop. The railway is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance. Advance notification is essential.

The views from Clogwyn Station 😍 We’ll be open again from the 23rd of March. Book in advance at www.snowdonrailway.co.uk Posted by Snowdon Mountain Railway / Rheilffordd yr Wyddfa on  Thursday, February 22, 2024

Talyllyn Railway

Award winning  Talyllyn Railway runs for 7 ¼ ​​​miles  (11.8 km) from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol. The world's first preserved railway passes Dolgoch Falls and visitors can enjoy forest walks at Nant Gwernol. The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at Tywyn Wharf terminus illustrates the development of narrow gauge railways over 200 years. Note that only Tywyn Wharf and Abergynolwyn stations have easy access for coaches. Full provision is made for disabled passengers. Reduced rates are available for groups 15+. Refreshments are offered at King’s Licensed Café & Bistro at Tywyn Wharf and Quarryman's Tea Room at Abergynolwyn. 'Steam and Cream' teas are a feature for parties of up to 30 with a typical Welsh cream tea. Drive a Steam Train experience, private charter trains and evening excursions combining catering services can all be booked.

Take a virtual ride on one of Talyllyn Railway's steam trains

Vale of Rheidol Railway

The  Vale of Rheidol Railway runs for 11 ¾  miles (19 km) from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge and journey time is approximately one hour in each direction. Trains normally wait for one hour at Devil’s Bridge but visitors can choose to return on a later train. The terminus is adjacent to the national network station at Aberystwyth, and passengers have spectacular views of the wooded Rheidol Valley. At  Devil's Bridge , there are walks to Mynach Falls, Devil's Punchbowl and Jacob's Ladder.

The original carriages used on the railway were not designed to carry wheelchairs and therefore access at present is only possible if wheelchair users can climb two steps from the platform into the carriage. The railway shop at Aberystwyth sell refreshments and The Two Hoots café  at Devil’s Bridge station offers a wider variety of snacks including freshly prepared sandwiches, jacket potatoes, cakes etc. 

Group rates 15+ are available and coach drivers have one free entry per party.

Vale of Rheidol Railway takes you on a nostalgic journey through some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway station is situated in Porthmadog, close to the mainline railway station. The journey takes around one hour including a stop at the sheds, where there are guided, hands-on tours. The trains are pulled by vintage steam locomotives, or by heritage diesel engines. It is possible to travel in the coach that used to carry bombs, or see where the Prime Minister sat when he visited the railway in 1892! At the end of the 1 mile (1.6 km) demonstration line at Pen-y-Mount Junction, you can watch the guard changing the points and signals so that the locomotive can run round, and enjoy the ambience of a typical 1920s-style WHR rural station. The Russell Tea Room offer refreshments including home-cooked meals. Special rates are offered for groups 12+ and wheelchair users travel free. There is a wheelchair accessible carriage on every train. Special arrangements can be made and they’ll even run a special train just for you. Full day and evening driver experiences are also available.

Welsh Highland Railway, Eryri (Snowdonia)

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

The 16 mile (25.7 km) return journey with Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway runs from the edge of the old market town of Welshpool and travels up the notoriously steep Golfa Bank, which makes a great echo of the locomotive’s engine. The track then runs out into the rolling scenery of the Banwy valley. All this is viewed from the unique open balcony coaches. The journey provides an opportunity to see deer, hawks and even otters. The train is hauled by one of the historic steam locomotives from around the world including the latest acquisition from Romania which arrived and began duties during 2007. At Llanfair Caereinion station, there is a shop and a tea room serving home made snacks.

Group rates for 10+ are available and special trains can be hired to suit your requirements. Driver experience courses are also offered.

Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, Powys

Other Steam Railways

Gwili Railway A standard gauge steam railway which travels on an 8 mile (12.9 km) round trip of picturesque landscapes alongside the River Gwili. There is dedicated coach parking at Bronwydd Arms Station where groups can see a fully working signal box and visit the gift shop. Special rates are offered to coach parties with discounts for 10+ and the driver will receive a complimentary meal, drink and railway ticket.

Llangollen Railway A 10 mile (16 km) journey upstream on North Wales' only standard gauge heritage railway takes visitors from Llangollen town centre through the Dee Valley to Corwen town. Discounts are available for groups of 15+ with a further discount given if the party is larger than 35. Booking is essential and reserved seating will be given with the booking. On board catering can be offered to groups on request, or alternatively, at Llangollen station's tea room. Tour guides and coach drivers will receive free travel with all pre-booked visits. There are dedicated coach bays at Market Street car park.

Teifi Valley Railway A narrow gauge railway which offers a train ride in the countryside of West Wales, situated near Llandysul. Miniature railway, small museum and cafe available. 

Wales on Rails

Wales on Rails promotes sustainable tourism in Wales by encouraging the use of public transport, including use of the national rail network, bus services and heritage railways . The website includes a range of itineraries for up to seven days, and downloadable   route cards for t hemed attractions including adventure, food, heritage, gardens and outdoors.

Transport for Wales

Transport for Wales operate train services around Wales, including the scenic routes such as the Cambrian, Conwy Valley, North Wales Coast and the Heart of Wales line.

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From Rail to Trail - many stations are only a short walk from hundreds of paths including the Wales Coast Path, which runs along the entire Wales coastline. 

Take in the scenery of the Cambrian Coast  with a day pass which allows passengers to hop on and off from Pwllheli to Aberystwyth and Machynlleth.

Cambrian Line  takes you through 120 miles (193 km) of beauty which is natural and unspoilt. The main line stops at market and historical towns before reaching the coastal town of Aberystwyth. Alternatively, the main line merges with the coastal line which travels along the coast line of Gwynedd. Visitors travelling on this line can benefit from using the Window Seater app which is an audio guide for rail travel providing local stories about  history, geography, art and culture.

Conwy Valley Railway  travels from the North Wales coast to Eryri (Snowdonia) with breathtaking views of the Conwy and Lledr rivers.

The North Wales Coast line travels from Chester across the North Wales coast including the seaside towns and resorts - Rhyl, Prestatyn, Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor and stations across Anglesey to Holyhead. 

Heart of Wales Line  runs between Swansea and Shrewsbury through the dramatic landscape of Mid Wales

Traveline Cymru  has lots of useful information on planning your journey.  They provide simple timetable enquiries, a comprehensive journey planner and links to operators.

The  Explore Wales Pass  is valid for four days and gives unlimited access to Wales' rail and selected bus networks. Alternative tickets include the North and Mid Wales pass, the South Wales Pass and Rovers and Rangers tickets.

Cynghordy Viaduct, Llandovery on the Heart of Wales Line

Great Western Railway (GWR)

GWR  runs intercity train services along the South Wales mainline to Carmarthen, Swansea, Bridgend, Cardiff and Newport from London Paddington, Bristol and the rail network across southern England.

Your clients can enjoy GWR Pullman Dining on board whilst enjoying the views, where a modern twist on classic dishes brings something special to the table, prepared with care by their on-board chefs. 

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast  run from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool with connecting services to Holyhead.

They also run services from London Euston to Holyhead in North Wales stopping along the North Wales coast, Bangor and Holyhead.

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Getting the Train to Wales | Stations, Routes & FAQs

April 30, 2024

All aboard for an unforgettable journey by train to Wales. Discover the land of ancient castles, stunning coastlines, and captivating culture via rail with ease. In this guide, we'll explore why Wales is a must-visit destination, its top train stations, popular routes, key attractions, and more.

Why visit Wales?

Wales has always enchanted visitors with its diverse and picturesque landscapes, from the soaring peaks of Snowdonia to the serene beauty of its coastal paths. Now you can immerse yourself in Welsh history, where legends like King Arthur and the tales of the Mabinogion come alive, explore charming villages, encounter the Welsh language, and savor traditional delights like Welsh cakes and bara brith.

Wales boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture, evident in its impressive castles, medieval ruins, and ancient landmarks. Explore Caernarfon Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Prince Charles, with its imposing walls and commanding views over the Menai Strait .

Step back in time at Harlech Castle , perched dramatically on a cliff and offering breathtaking vistas of Snowdonia; discover the mighty Conwy Castle , one of the finest examples of medieval fortification in Europe; or visit the romantic ruins of Tintern Abbey nestled in the Wye Valley. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a scenic escape, Wales always promises an unforgettable experience.

Popular train stations in Wales

Cardiff central.

This historic station dates back to 1850 and boasts stunning Victorian architecture. It's conveniently located in the heart of Cardiff's city centre s a hub for both local commuter trains and long-distance services to cities like London, Bristol, and Manchester, making it ideal for arriving at and exploring various notable attractions.

Ideal for people visiting: Cardiff Castle , Principality Stadium , Cardiff Bay .

Situated near the picturesque Swansea Bay, this station offers easy access to the Gower Peninsula, Britain's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Designed by renowned architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the station reflects the Victorian era's architectural style and is another key hub to access Wales.

Ideal for people visiting: Rhossili Bay , Mumbles , Oystermouth Castle .

Located beside the awe-inspiring Conwy Castle along the scenic North West Coast Line, this station provides a gateway to medieval Wales. You can explore the well-preserved town walls, visit Plas Mawr (a Tudor merchant's house), or venture into Snowdonia National Park. Expect friendly staff and modern amenities.

Ideal for people visiting: Conwy Castle , Snowdonia National Park , Llandudno .

Just across the border from Wales, Chester's station is a charming starting point for exploring North Wales. A station that’s notable for its Gothic Revival style, including pointed arches, decorative stonework and a large clock tower. It’s also a Grade II listed structure, recognized for its architectural significance and historical importance.

Ideal for people visiting: Llangollen , Pontcysyllte Aqueduct , Wrexham .

Aberystwyth

Nestled on the Welsh coast and offering stunning views of Cardigan Bay upon arrival, this station offers stunning sea views and access to the beautiful Cambrian Mountains. Explore the Victorian seaside town, visit the National Library of Wales, or simply take in the beauty of this station, with its origins dating back to the 1920s.

Ideal for people visiting: Vale of Rheidol Railway , Aberystwyth Castle , Devil's Bridge .

Popular routes to Wales

London to cardiff.

Enjoy a direct journey from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, passing through picturesque English countryside before arriving in Wales' vibrant capital.

Manchester to Llandudno

Traverse the stunning landscapes of North Wales, passing through historic towns like Chester and reaching the scenic coastal resort of Llandudno.

Birmingham to Aberystwyth

Wind through the heart of Wales, passing charming villages and rolling hills before arriving at the picturesque seaside town of Aberystwyth.

Shrewsbury to Machynlleth

Journey through the beautiful Welsh countryside, crossing over into Snowdonia National Park and reaching the historic town of Machynlleth.

Cardiff to Pembroke Dock

Travel through South Wales' charming countryside to reach the picturesque Pembrokeshire coast.

What to do in Wales

Explore Castles: Wales is renowned for its castles, with over 600 dotted across the landscape. Don't miss Caernarfon Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Harlech Castle , perched dramatically on a cliff; Conwy Castle , one of Edward I's "Iron Ring" of fortresses; and Raglan Castle , famous for its towering Great Tower.

Hike Snowdon: Embark on an adventure to summit Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Choose from various hiking trails offering stunning views of Snowdonia National Park , such as the popular Pyg Track or the challenging Crib Goch ridge .

Visit St. David's Cathedral: Discover the serene beauty of St. David's Cathedral in Britain's smallest city. Marvel at its stunning architecture and tranquil surroundings and explore the charming streets of St. David's with its artisan shops and cafes.

Enjoy Coastal Walks: Wales boasts incredible coastal paths, such as the Wales Coast Path which spans 870 miles. Walk along rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque harbors. Don't miss the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast Path, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and wildlife.

Experience Welsh Culture: Immerse yourself in Welsh traditions by attending a local Eisteddfod (a cultural festival) or enjoying a traditional Welsh choir performance. Visit the National Eisteddfod site or explore Wales' rich literary heritage at the Dylan Thomas Birthplace in Swansea or learn a few phrases of the Welsh language ('Cymraeg') and sample traditional Welsh dishes like cawl (a hearty soup) and Welsh rarebit.

Trains to Wales FAQs

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All Aboard the Most Beautiful Rail Routes in Europe

Posted: November 21, 2023 | Last updated: November 22, 2023

Terrific trains

With so many countries to explore – each offering vastly different landscapes and scenery – Europe almost seems custom-built for train travel. So it’s little wonder that the continent is covered in a huge network of brilliant railways, most of which are affordable and easy to navigate. From routes along the alpine slopes of Switzerland to Italian coastal villages and dramatic Nordic fjords, here are our favorites. (Ticket prices are correct at the time of writing, but do check individual operators for the most up-to-date information.)

Trenino Verde, Sardinia, Italy

Translating to 'little green train', the Trenino Verde is a sublime – and surprisingly little-known – way to see the Sardinian countryside. This 130-year-old vintage railway has five different routes across the country, totaling 272 miles (438km) of track, which pass through a treasure trove of landscapes, including olive groves, quaint villages, glittering seas, craggy coastlines and steep peaks. 

West Highland Line, Scotland, UK

It’s little wonder that ScotRail's  West Highland Line is often dubbed Britain's most scenic train route, with rugged Highland landscapes, rolling hills and windswept moorlands galore. But the most picture-perfect (and famous) section of the rail line, which runs between the cities of Glasgow and Mallaig, is the part where the train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Recognize it? That’s because it’s the same bridge the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter films.

For an even more authentic Harry Potter experience, you can travel across the famous viaduct on the Jacobite steam train , which is used in the films. The seasonal service typically runs between early April and late October each year, covering the 84-mile (135km) round trip between Fort William and Mallaig in leisurely style. It’s a little more expensive than the ScotRail line, with an adult return costing $61. The ScotRail service line starts at around $19 for an off-peak day return.

Belgrade, Serbia to Bar, Montenegro

There aren’t a whole lot of options for exploring the famously bus-heavy Balkans by rail, but this legendary 10-hour journey takes in some of the best scenery Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro have to offer. That includes this eye-wateringly high bridge, which teeters 656 feet (200m) above the Mala Rijeka viaduct (until 2001 it was the highest railway bridge in the world). But it’s one of just 435 bridges along the route – necessary to cross all the mountains and gorges. 

Beginning at the Serbian capital, the train rattles past wide, flat fields and distant mountains, before stopping at Užice in the country’s southwest. Next, it hurtles towards Podgorica in Montenegro, skimming along the shores of Lake Skadar before finishing up at the coastal town of Bar. There's a daytime departure and a night train too, and tickets are reported to cost just $21, although you can’t book online. 

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The Glacier Express, Switzerland

Connecting the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St Moritz, the Glacier Express is a brilliant way of seeing some of the most beautiful views in the Swiss Alps. The scenic route takes in sights including the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey, and the Landwasser Viaduct (pictured) – a six-arch bridge which stands at 213 feet (65m) and plunges straight into a tunnel that leads through the mountain. 

The day-long trip covers 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, and offers the chance to take in alpine meadows, mountain lakes and chalets. You might expect such a stunning train ride to cost huge sums of money, but the journey will only set you back around $156 for a one-way, second-class ticket. Now the only decision is whether to travel in summer, when you’ll get to see the region covered in vibrant green trees and colorful wildflowers, or winter, when the alpine landscapes are blanketed in frost and snow. 

Barcelona to Montserrat, Spain

The storied mountaintop monastery of Montserrat is one of the most gorgeous parts of Catalonia – but did you know you can reach it by train? The ToT Montserrat is an ultra-scenic route which runs between Barcelona and the foothills of the peak, at which point you can choose between taking the cable car (Aeri) or the rack railway (Cremallera) up to the Montserrat Monastery. Whichever option you go for, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas across the rugged valley.

A round-trip ticket, which includes either the Aeri or Cremallera option, costs $65 and takes around an hour and a half in total. If you want to go even higher, hitch a ride on the Saint Joan funicular (pictured) which is included in the price of your ticket and takes you from the monastery right up to the top of the mountain.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, UK to Italy

For a no-expense-spared, once-in-a-lifetime trip, look no further than this route between London and Verona. With an aim to evoke the romance and grandeur of old-school railway journeys, the stunning Art Deco  Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a chance to see rolling Italian countryside and iconic European cities in style. The new European ‘Grand Tour’ routes also include stops in Rome and Florence, and stretches to Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands too, with options to add hotel stays.

There are six Grand Suites on the train and each one is uniquely decorated to reflect a different city (Vienna, Prague, Paris, Istanbul, Venice and Budapest). Expect plenty of period features, delicate light fixtures, polished cherrywood marquetry and marble en suite bathrooms. Michelin-starred food (including Brittany lobsters and salt marsh lamb from Mont St Michel) is served from three dining cars. As if all that wasn’t decadent enough, there’s also a 24-hour butler onboard.

Discover more of the world's most luxurious train journeys

Flåm Railway, Norway

Traveling between Myrdal and Flåm in western Norway, the Flåm Railway is among the most historic and beautiful journeys in Europe. The route was built between 1923 and 1940 to serve villages along the Sognefjord. In fact, it’s one of the steepest rail journeys on the planet, dropping 2,844 feet (867m) during its 12-mile (20km) route, with 20 tunnels traveling through the steep mountains. Along the way, you’ll get to see everything from waterfalls to mighty lakes and mountains.

Mariazell Railway, Austria

Captured here in the golden-tinged glory of early fall, Austria’s Mariazell Railway is a fine way to see the picturesque Pielach Valley. The journey begins at St Pölten, the capital of the Lower Austria region, snaking its way southwards through 21 tunnels and across 19 viaducts before arriving at Mariazell. The so-called ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is Austria’s longest narrow-gauge railway, covering a distance of around 56 miles (91km) in just over two hours.

There are three options for those wishing to experience the storied route. Either take the modern Himelstreppe (pictured), which departs daily and starts from just $19. Or book a ticket on the first-class panorama carriage, which runs April to October and over Christmas, boasting 360-degree views and a first-class catering service. Alternatively, for a historic experience check out the historic Ötscherbär adventure train, powered by a century-old electric locomotive, with themed journeys for families.

Rauma Line, Norway

Few places on Earth have as much dramatic scenery as Norway and the Rauma Line is a great way to experience it. The one hour and 40-minute journey begins in the village of  Dombås, taking in the historic towns and mountain farms of the Gudbrandsdalen valley before entering the steep and rugged Romsdalen valley. It then passes over the famous Kylling Bridge and cruises past Trollveggen mountain before arriving at its final destination, Åndalsnes.

If you’re ending your journey in Åndalsnes, there’s no shortage of things to do in the fjord town. Hop on the Romsdalen Gondola for more epic views across the valley, enjoy a bite to eat at the panoramic Eggen Restaurant or lace up your hiking boots and explore one of the region’s many walking trails. Tickets can be purchased from SJ NORD and start from around $20 each way.

Mountain Spirit, Wales, UK

 Dating back more than 150 years, North Wales’  Mountain Spirit  service was rejuvenated in 1982, following a three decade-long restoration. The nostalgic steam train journey begins in the charming village of Blaenau Ffestiniog, crossing over the Cob embankment and climbing up the valley past woodlands and fields, before stopping at pretty Tan-y-Bwlch. The scenic 13.5-mile (21.7km)  journey ends in Porthmadog, a port town and narrow-gauge railway hub.

Those who board the historic train will be rewarded with its gorgeous vintage interiors, complete with comfortable seats and huge windows for admiring the scenery. Tickets start at $93 for a return ticket for two adults, with a there-and-back journey taking around three hours. 

Marvel at incredible images that capture the history of train travel

La Rhune, France

You’d be hard-pressed to find a much more adorable train journey than this. Located in France’s captivating Basque Country, the Rhune Railway (or Le Petit Train de la Rhune) is a fabulous cog railway which takes passengers on a 35-minute ascent up to the 2,969-foot (905m) summit of its namesake mountain. The picture-perfect chestnut-wood carriages have been navigating this steep section of track since 1924.

Odontotos Rack Railway, Greece

Operating on the world’s narrowest gauge track – just a hair-raising two-and-a-half feet (0.75m) wide – southern Greece’s Odontotos Rack Railway is a stunning and historic way to experience the Peloponnese Gorge. Starting in the coastal town of Diakopto, it runs alongside the Vouraikos River, through rock-hewn tunnels and next to adrenalin-pumping sheer drops before arriving at the mountain town of Kalavrita. 

The leisurely one-hour journey covers a total distance of 14 miles (22.5km) but there are an impressive 49 bridges in total, plus six tunnels which have been carved directly into the rock. As well as being jaw-droppingly scenic and historic (the train has been in operation for over 120 years), Odontos Rack Railway is also a total bargain, costing just over $9.50 for a single or $19 for a return trip. 

Here are more stunning train journeys that don't cost a fortune

Inlandsbanan, Sweden

Slicing through Sweden from top to bottom, the Inlandsbanan should be top of all rail buffs’ wish lists. This epic 807-mile (1,200km) track stretches between Kristinehamn in the south and Gällivare in the north, passing from relatively flat green fields through alpine forests and the perennially snowy mountains of Lapland. Naturally, such a monumental journey takes a while to complete, with the typical itinerary taking nine days to cover the full route.

North York Moors Railway, England, UK

Whisking you back to the golden era of train travel, the 24-mile (39km), 1h 45min journey between Whitby and Pickering in the north of England promises to be a trip to remember. This steam-powered railway has been around since the 1830s and received a new lease of life in 1967, when a group of local volunteers took on the task of restoring it. 

For the ultimate luxury experience, hop aboard the Pullman dining carriage, where you can enjoy either a four-course dinner service or three-course lunch as the train ambles through the countryside. Unmissable attractions along the way include the 1930s-era Pickering station, Goathland, which served as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , as well as the historic port of Whitby where the journey ends. The train runs from April to October every year and tickets on the dining car start at $84. 

The Brocken, Germany

Named after the 3,747-foot (1,142m) mountain which it traverses, central Germany’s Brocken Railway is all sweeping panoramas and serpentine bends. This 11-mile (19km) branch of track, connecting the mountain to the Harz railway, is still operated by historic steam locomotives, since this part of Germany was behind the Iron Curtain for decades and its trains were never modernized. But that’s good news for rail buffs, who come here to experience the decades-old carriages in all their glory.

The 50-minute ascent packs in plenty of mesmerizing views, across towering forests, vibrant green meadows and distant peaks, traveling at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40km/h). Inside, carriages have back-to-back seats with large windows for gazing out of – or you can head to one of the open-air viewing platforms for optimum vistas. The journey between Drei Annen Hohne and Brocken starts at $50 for an adult return. 

Now take a look at beautiful images of the world's train stations

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26 Memorial Day Weekend Travel Deals, From Half-Price Cruises to Discounted Island Villas

By Kyler Alvord

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

It's that time of year again—spring is finally turning into summer and travelers are excitedly planning their next great vacation. As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, the last hurrah before the official beginning of the summer season, we can't forget about the many great travel deals that are popping up this week. From PLAY's Memorial Day flash sale to Cruise Croatia 's 20 percent off savings for active and retired military, there is no shortage of great deals.

This season, rental car companies are doling out major savings, airlines are beefing up their getaway deals, and countless hotels and resorts are slashing room rates to compete for your attention. Think 25 percent off an upgraded Avis or Budget rental car and flights starting at just $14. Plus, Holland America Line has extended its anniversary sale of nearly half-price cruise fares to the end of May, Rocky Mountaineer is offering couples $1,000 off its scenic train expeditions, and some of Bermuda's best island properties and resorts are going for 30 percent off . Jump on these deals while they’re hot.

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All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Jamie Spain.

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Cut costs big time with Frontier Airlines’ shockingly cheap one-way flight sales

Spring sales are in full swing at Frontier Airlines , where travelers can currently snag one-way flights as cheap as $14 between select locations on select dates. This option works best if you’re flexible with dates and destinations—you won’t have a lot of wiggle room with these deals. If you’re feeling restless, on a budget, or are eager to get out of town, consider Frontier for an affordable start to your getaway.

Icelandic airline Play taking flight

Get fares as low as $99 during PLAY's flash sale

Icelandic airline Play serves up regular specials to entice Americans to explore the other side of the Atlantic. Right now is an extra-great time to book that spur-of-the-moment trip you’ve been dying to take thanks to the Memorial Day sale. From now until May 27, fares at PLAY are as low as $99 from the US to Iceland, and start at just $129 to Copenhagen, Berlin, Dublin, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg. The deal is valid for flights taken between August 2024 and December 2024. You can also take advantage of the Weekend Break flight specials which include a number of dual-continent itineraries at unbeatable prices—some clocking below $150 each way—departing from cities like New York , Baltimore, Toronto, Washington, DC, and Boston, and ending at all the major hotspots from London to Amsterdam .

Save up to 30 percent on vacation packages with Spirit Airlines

The budget airline is making it a cinch to save big not just on airfare, but hotels and more with its vacation packages , which are currently up to 30 percent off when travelers book a combination of flights, hotels, or rental cars together. Several of the top deals offer trips to Las Vegas and Cancun from cities like Chicago , Houston , and Atlanta , starting at surprisingly low prices that include flights and a hotel.

Save up to 40 percent on hotel stays with Etihad Airways’ Stopover Package

Stopover packages are a great way to add another destination to your journey without spending too much extra cash. Travelers who want to experience Abu Dhabi can take advantage of Etihad Airways’ discounted Stopover Packages , which currently include up to two free nights in select three- or four-star hotels, or 40 percent off two- or four-night hotel stays at premium properties. The offer also comes with discounts on restaurants and other experiences, as well as amenities like 24-hour check-in and complimentary Wi-Fi. Travelers must make bookings at least three days in advance before arriving in Abu Dhabi.

Rocky Mountaineer is famous for its incredible views of the North American West

Ride out Amtrak’s range of ongoing sales

Amtrak is always offering some good longer-lasting deals. Students aged 17–24 can enjoy up to 15 percent in savings on train rides booked at least a day in advance, trimming costs on a variety of routes that range from coast to coast with no change fees. Plus, on most journeys, seniors save 10 percent on ticket costs—that means travelers 65 and over for qualifying domestic trips and ages 60 and up on cross-border expeditions. And, Amtrak has sweetened the savings on its children’s discount , so little ones between two and 12 years old may travel for 50 percent off with an accompanying adult.

Save 10 percent on Grand Canyon Railway getaway packages

The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, home to one of the most scenic train routes in the US , will cover all the bases with its two- and three-night getaway packages that include lodging, meals, and—of course—a train ride through the Southwest’s most-visited national park. The bundles are currently 10 percent off the usual price for an undetermined amount of time, meaning if there was ever a moment to jump on the full canyon experience, it’s now.

Plan a large group outing and earn the seventh spot free

Looking to take your next family reunion to a new level? Get the ol’ college friends back together? Go on a quadruple date? Whatever the occasion, EF Go Ahead Tours’ Group Travel Program caters to large groups, allowing you to handcraft your next experience and save some money along the way. For every six people who sign up, you’ll get a seventh tour spot for free. You can view this as buy six tickets, get one free; or buy 12, get two free; or buy 18, get three free—you get the point. There’s no cap to the number of free spots you can earn. Why not go all out?

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Save on select Ace Hotel properties, including its Brooklyn location

Get up to 20 percent off at Ace Hotels when you pay early

Ace Hotel’s Greetings From the Future deal rewards guests who book—and pay—at least two weeks in advance by trimming up to 20 percent off the reservation price. The discount, cleverly branded as “paying it forward for future you,” applies at multiple Ace locations and can be secured by booking through the deal webpage.

Book a suite with Loews Hotels and get extra on-site perks

Loews Hotels is sweetening its suite experience by giving travelers up to $125 daily for food and drink—the credit amount varies by location—plus free Premium Plus Wi-Fi. Currently, the hotels offering the largest dining credits are Loews Miami Beach and Loews Regency New York , but other properties still put up a good fight. Check out the offer page to find out what you can expect at your dream Loews destination.

Bundle flights with an Atlantis Bahamas resort stay and save up to $300

Guests can save up to 40 percent when booking flights and rooms at the same time through Atlantis Paradise Islands’ website, plus up to $300 in resort credit based on the length of the stay. All five of Atlantis’ Bahamas resorts are honoring the special, and the only conditions are that guests stay a minimum of two nights at the resort and pay the flight and hotel costs in full at the time of booking. You can also take advantage of the summer sale and see savings of up to 25 percent off and up to $400 in resort credits when you book now through June 19. Sales are valid on stays of four nights or more at The Coral, The Royal, The Reef, and The Cove.

The Davenport Hotel Collection

Take up to 40 percent off at The Davenport Hotel Collection

If you’re heading up to the Pacific Northwest this summer, consider taking a trip to Spokane, Washington, where you can stay in one of the five Davenport Hotel Collection properties for up to 40 percent off. The city has over 76 lakes nearby, making it the perfect summer destination to enjoy a variety of lakeside water activities.

Get a sweet, suite deal at Mondrian Los Angeles

Level up your LA vacay with discounted suites at Mondrian Los Angeles—they’re currently 20 percent off and also come with a $25 daily in-room dining credit and guaranteed late check out of 1 p.m. (early check-in is based upon availability; the deal also is subject to availability, and blackout dates may apply). The suites offer travelers a spiffy home base right in the heart of West Hollywood, and the property’s dreamy rooftop pool is a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing and celeb spotting.

Hop on a free catamaran cruise in Jamaica with Beaches Resort

If you’re looking for a dreamy island getaway, look no further. Those who book a Jamaican trip with Beaches to either Beaches Negril or Beaches Ocho Rios can expect a free catamaran cruise on bookings of five nights or more. Stay seven nights or more to also get $250 in resort credit. Use the code JJAM2024 to secure the deal.

Save 15 percent or more on spontaneous bookings with Booking.com

Booking.com loves a getaway deal , which comes in handy if you’re still not sure where you’re staying for that last-second trip you’re trying to pull together. The site promises at least—not “up to”—15 percent off qualifying hotels of all price ranges, which are sorted by destination on the site to help guide you to a decision.

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

Unlock up to two free nights at thousands of Wyndham properties worldwide

From now until August 31, Wyndham rewards members have the chance to earn up to 15,000 bonus points (worth two free nights). Stay two consecutive nights at a Wyndham property to earn 7,500 bonus points, three consecutive nights to earn 12,500 bonus points, and four or more consecutive nights to earn 15,000 bonus points. Rewards members can also expect savings of up to 20 percent off or more when they book a stay for three or more consecutive nights between May 22 and July 15, 2024. Stays must be redeemed by September 30. You can join Wyndham’s rewards program for free here .

Save 20 percent at Omni Hotels on three-night stays

Omni’s Spring Savings offer is crystal clear: At the chain’s participating hotels and resorts, guests can now save 20 percent on bookings of three nights or longer. Book directly through the offer page and the deal is done, no additional effort required.

Take up to 15 percent off properties at Extra Holidays

Whether you’re looking for a sunny summer destination like Daytona Beach or the US Virgin Islands , or want to experience city life in Atlanta or Las Vegas , Extra Holidays has tons of great hotels to choose from. Guests will see savings of up to 15 percent off at properties from Club Wyndham, WorldMark by Wyndham, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and more, as long as they book between now and July 8. There is also a flash Memorial Day sale running through May 30 where guests can book a three-night stay and get the fourth night free.

Take up to 30 percent off hotels and resorts in Bermuda

Take a much-deserved trip to Bermuda this summer and get up to 30 percent off select properties like the Coco Reef Resort and Rosewood Bermuda through the HellOOO Summer Sale . Remember to book by June 15 to secure your savings and enjoy Bermuda’s pink sand beaches.

Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises

Take 45 percent off Holland America Line cruise fares

Holland America Line is extending its Anniversary Sale through May 31 in honor of Memorial Day. The highlight of the deal is snagging up to 45 percent off fares for cruises between May 2024 and April 2025, but you can also get up to $300 in onboard credit, a 50 percent reduced deposit, and—on select cruises—you can bring third and fourth guests for free.

See up to 15 percent in savings and up to $2,200 in ship credit on select Seabourn voyages

Take to the waters with Seaborn to “sea” some really great savings on select 2024 and 2025 trips. Guests can save up to 15 percent on select voyages when they book between now and June 25, 2024, like an 18-day trip through Chile and Antarctica , or a cruise through the Panama Canal . Guests can also take advantage of the “More Moments on Us” promotion which offers up to $2,200 in ship credit per suite that can be applied to a variety of activities include shore excursions, spa services, and Wi-Fi packages. (The promotions must be used separately.)

Enjoy all-inclusive amenities on a yacht-style Windstar cruise for $89 per day

Windstar Cruises’ all-inclusive fares allow guests to upgrade to a luxury ocean experience for only $89 more per day per guest, if booked by June 30 and more than five days before departure. This means you’ll get Wi-Fi access plus unlimited alcoholic beverages with gratuities included. Windstar’s yacht-style cruises tour a variety of areas , from the Mediterranean and northern Europe to Tahiti and Central America.

Sail the seas with nearly half off Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises

It’s still wave season and you can expect deals on all of your favorite cruises to destinations around the world. For those that book their next Hurtigruten Expeditions trip between now and June 30, savings of up to 45 percent are in your future. You can expect to see these huge discounts on 2024 and 2025 expeditions to Antarctica , Alaska , Greenland , the Galapagos Islands , and plenty more.

If you miss the cutoff for the 45 percent offer, there’s hope for you yet. With some extra planning, travelers can still slash 40 percent off 2025-2026 cruises , and for a limited time, solo travelers can join select cruise itineraries without paying the single supplement fee .

A Cruise Croatia ship sailing the gorgeous Dalmatian Coast

Cruise Croatia is offering 20 percent off for active and retired military in honor of Memorial Day

If you’ve seen the photos of Dubrovnik and Split, you know that a visit to the Dalmatian Coast deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. With Cruise Croatia ’s current deal, active and retired military members can get 20 percent off on select departures this summer when they book between May 24–28. Those who aren’t military can still save when booking early for cruises departing in May 2025—expect to receive $80 of bar credit per cabin as well as a complimentary traditional village dinner on the Island of Korcula. You can also see savings of up to 40 percent off on last minute voyages .

See Greece in a new light with big savings on trips from Celestyal Cruises

For wave season this year, Celestyal Cruises is taking you on the trip of a lifetime to Greece. A seven-night Greece and Greek Island cruise is going for as low as $679 per person right now, and you’ll find other Greek cruise fares for as low as $279 per person. Your wallet will certainly thank you for taking advantage of Celestyal’s promotions.

Solo travelers get a room to themselves for cheap with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Traveling alone is a freeing experience, but can come at a steep price if you wind up paying double to secure a room to yourself. Fortunately, solo travelers can now book two-person rooms on select Uniworld river cruises for the price of just one guest, aiming to break down the financial barriers that often deter independent explorers from planning their dream getaway. Current itineraries eligible for the discounted rate last anywhere from 8 to 16 days and span all over Europe— Paris , Amsterdam , Venice , Lisbon —they’re all yours to see.

Holland America Line cruise

Take your family on a Disney cruise with a 25-percent-off special

Family-friendly Disney Cruise Line is offering between 20 and 25 percent savings on select cruises from ports like Civitavecchia, Italy; Barcelona, Spain ; Galveston, Texas; and Port Canaveral, Florida. The cruises on offer include routes all across the globe, on a variety of ships.

Even more travel deals

Earn one free day when you rent an electric vehicle through hertz.

Hertz is rewarding customers for conserving energy this spring, offering one free day for any electric vehicle bookings lasting three or more days. EV reservations that begin on or before June 1 are eligible for the promotion, which requires the code 211326 at checkout. Book at least 24 hours in advance to qualify.

Get 20 percent off all-inclusive resorts at Priceline when you bundle hotels and flights

Summer is in full swing for Priceline. See savings of 20 percent off or more for guests who bundle hotels and flights when booking top all-inclusive resorts. You can also save 20 percent off or more on trending city hotels, 40 percent off of Florida hotels with express deals, and up to 40 percent off theme park destinations when you bundle hotels and flights. From now through May 27, guests will also enjoy up to 10 percent off in extra savings when they use the code SUMMER10.

London home on onefinestay

Head to London with onefinestay and get a $635 voucher for your next trip

Book a two-bedroom home with vacation rental platform, onefinestay, by May 31 to get a $635 voucher that can be applied to your next stay with the company. The offer is only available to travelers who book two-bedrooms in London, and must be redeemed by the end of 2024.

Get up to 25 percent off a car rental—and a free upgrade—when you pay ahead

Avis and Budget’s spring sales mean drivers can get rewarded for paying up front when they book a car rental. The deal applies at the sister brands’ participating locations between now and the end of the year; travelers will get 25 percent off the time and mileage charges on their bill, and a free upgrade. To redeem, mention the coupon codes on the deals page and watch the perks pour in.

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