North Wales trains
Whether you’re researching North Wales for your next getaway, or you’re ready to book your tickets, we’ve got all the need-to-know information right here. North Wales is the perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and families, from scaling Mount Snowdon, to relaxing on one of the country’s stunning beaches, there’s plenty to do.
Our guide to North Wales trains can help you plan your journey from start to finish, so keep reading for all the inspiration you’ll need, plus tips for booking cheap train tickets to North Wales.
Who operates trains in North Wales?
There are two train companies operating trains in and around North Wales:
Transport for Wales
Transport for Wales are the main train company in North Wales (and of trains in Wales in general), and have been operating trains here since October 2018, when they took over from Arriva Trains Wales.
Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast have been operating since December 2019, and mainly connect places like Liverpool and Shrewsbury in England to North Wales.
North Wales train map
Check out our interactive Wales train map to see some of the most popular routes in and around North Wales, or head straight to our timetable to get more details on each journey.
North Wales train timetables
We’ve highlighted some of the most popular trains routes in North Wales below, if you want to find out a bit more about each one, tap the link to find extra journey details, FAQs and book your tickets.
| Route | Fastest journey time | First train | Last train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holyhead to Shrewsbury | 2h 49m | 04:25 | 19:22 |
| Bangor to Holyhead | 35m | 07:26 | 01:52 |
| Llandudno to Bangor | 49m | 07:08 | 21:51 |
| Rhyl to Llandudno | 31m | 07:27 | 20:06 |
| Blaenau Ffestiniog to Betws-y-Coed | 27m | 06:24 | 20:24 |
Train stations in North Wales
There are a number of train stations in North Wales that can take you to some amazing locations, including the mountains of Snowdonia to historic castles and breath-taking beaches.
Blaenau Ffestiniog train station
Best for: the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway (the world's oldest narrow-gauge railway) Best for: Conwy Castle and Bodysgallen Hall Best for: Rhyl East Beach and Rhyl Miniature Railway Best for: Llanfairfechan beach Best for: the Talyllyn Railway (the world's first preserved railway)How to buy cheap train tickets to North Wales
There are a number of ways you can book cheap train tickets to North Wales, without paying over the odds. Don’t forget to check out our train deals and discounts hub as well to find the latest offers on UK train travel. Our top tips for saving money on train tickets are:
Book in advance
Train companies like Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast release tickets up to 12 weeks in advance, usually at their cheapest price.
Sign up for Ticket Alert.
Travel Off-Peak
If you’re not strict on travel times, try to book an Off-Peak train ticket, as prices are usually cheaper (and quieter) during these times.
Find out about Off-Peak train times.
Get a Railcard
Did you know you can save up to 1/3 on eligible train tickets across the UK with a Railcard? Plus, they cost just £30 for one whole year.
Find and buy Railcards.
Split your train tickets
‘Splitting’ your journey into sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Luckily, our app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.
Learn about split tickets.
Best places to visit in North Wales
There are some amazing places you can visit by train in North Wales, and many of the popular destinations are well connected by rail, making travelling between them easy. To find some inspiration on where to go, check out these highlights below.
North Wales steam trains
North Wales is well known for its connection with steam and heritage railways. What’s more, you can reach many of the heritage railways in North Wales via mainline trains. Tap on any of the links below to find out more about these fantastic steam trains and heritage railways in North Wales.
Learn more about train travel in Great Britain
Want to learn more about the Welsh and UK rail network? Tap one of our train travel guides – we’ll provide you with all the information you need about days out, which trains go where and ticket types.
Travel around Great Britain
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to North Wales by train?
Depending on where you’re travelling from, you can either take a Transport for Wales or Avanti West Coast train to several destinations in North Wales.
How much is a train ticket to North Wales?
Ticket prices to North Wales can vary depending on when you want to travel, how far in advance you book and whether you can use a Railcard or special deal.
Who operates the trains in North Wales?
Transport for Wales are the main train operator for all domestic Welsh trains. You can also travel into North Wales from England with Avanti West Coast.