Trains in Wales
Trains in Wales run similarly to the way they do in the rest of the UK. Despite this, trains in Wales can be confusing to navigate especially if you're coming from abroad. The UK proudly boasts the oldest railway network in the world, however, it's also one of the most modern and efficient.
That's great news if you're planning on exploring this great nation by rail. At Trainline, we use our expertise to help you understand the way trains in Wales, and indeed, the UK work. Simply tell us where you're going, and we'll help you connect the dots. Check our Wales route map below to see some of the great places we can take you by train.
Who runs trains in Wales?
There are currently four main train companies operating in Wales. They include:
- Avanti West Coast, who run their services between London Euston, West Midlands and North Wales
- CrossCountry, who mainly operate their services from Cardiff Central and Newport to Central and North East England
- Great Western Railway (GWR), who connect London to South Wales
- Transport for Wales, who run almost all train services in Wales, as well as connect Wales to some of the most popular hubs in England, including Manchester and Chester
To find out more about the different train companies who keep all the wheels on track in all of Great Britain, visit our train companies page. If you want to view the most popular routes in Wales, check out our interactive Wales Rail Map.
Airport transfers by train
If you're arriving into Wales, chances are you're going to land at either Cardiff or Swansea Airport. To get from Cardiff Airport to the city centre, for example, you'd have to take a shuttle bus service to Rhoose Cardiff Airport train station. From there, a Transport for Wales train can take you to Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central, which are both close to the city centre.
To see the full list of UK airports with train transfer services and to book online, check out our UK airports page.
On a budget? Travel by coach
If time isn't a factor, or you’re a penny pincher travelling on a budget, we can take you where you want to go by bus instead. There's an extensive bus and coach network in Wales which makes reaching the most remote and unique locations possible, and we’ve partnered with the UK’s largest bus/coach operator National Express to take you there.
Buses in the UK are usually cheaper than trains, but the journey time can be a little longer. As well as being an affordable option for travellers, most bus companies in the UK come equipped with all the modern onboard facilities that make bus journeys comfortable and hassle-free.
If you’re keen to explore your options, search for UK bus tickets.
Welsh train tickets explained
Now you've seen the possibilities, it's time to get to grips with train tickets in Wales. When booking your train tickets, you'll see a range of pricing options and ticket types available to you. Our table below explains what each ticket type means and when you can use them.
Wales train tickets
| Ticket type | Description |
| Advance tickets |
If you know your exact travel dates, book Advance tickets ahead of schedule to reserve your seat. Find out more about Advance train tickets. |
| Anytime tickets |
Offers complete flexibility. Catch any applicable train at a time that suits you, although seats cannot be reserved and are not guaranteed. Find out more about Anytime train tickets. |
| Off-Peak tickets |
Travel at less busy times and benefit from reduced fares. Discover more on Off-Peak train tickets. |
| Super Off-Peak tickets | Like Off-Peak tickets but only available at the very quietest times of the day. Prices tend to be cheaper too. |
Peak vs. Off-Peak travel
If you've got flexible travel plans, then travelling by train in Off-Peak times may save you some money. The main difference between Peak and Off-Peak tickets are all about what time(s) during the day you travel. Peak times vary from train operator to train operator but generally, they tend to be in the mornings and late afternoon times during busy commuting times on weekdays. Off-Peak tickets can usually be found outside of these times, such as in the middle of the day or later at night on weekdays, and on weekends and public holidays (known as bank holidays in Wales).
For more information, check out our Off-Peak train times and tickets page.
Flexible tickets
If you're a nomad who doesn't like to be tied down by exact travel dates and times, you can purchase flexible tickets to allow you to travel at any point of the day. In Wales they are normally called Anytime tickets (either Anytime Day or standard Anytime). You can get flexible tickets for travel on a certain date or ones that cover travel for multiple dates. They're usually a tad more expensive than fixed time tickets because they allow you to travel during Peak periods.
Note that if you book a flexible ticket and travel on a train without a reserved seat, you can only sit in a seat if it hasn’t been reserved by another passenger (as noted by a digital display above the window, or a printed paper reserved ticket attached to the chair).
For more details, visit our dedicated page to flexible train tickets.
Need flexibility when commuting to work? Check out our top tips for finding the best-value commuter train tickets.
One-way or return options
Like with airline travel, you have the option to book either one-way or a return ticket. If you're travelling out of town for a day trip, or you're returning to the same destination within a month by train, you can usually buy a ticket that is cheaper than two single one-way trips by selecting the return option. Selecting the Day Return (Anytime Day Return, Off-Peak Day Return etc.) option will allow you to take a trip to and from the same destinations in the same day, or a standard Return (Anytime Return, Off-Peak Return etc.) will normally allow you to travel back on your return journey within one calendar month of the date shown on your ticket.
Find out more about Return train tickets.
Standard or First Class
If you're looking for the most affordable train travel options, a standard ticket could be what you're after. Alternatively, if you're coming to Wales for a well-earned break, you can treat yourself and upgrade to a First Class ticket. Most train companies in Wales offer First Class tickets that come with bigger tables and extra legroom, with some including a meal and free WiFi access. First Class facilities depend on the route and the train company you're travelling with and are sometimes subject to availability.
Discover additional benefits of travelling First Class.
Connections to inner-city public transport
In train stations in the many big cities in Wales, you'll find convenient bus, tram and subway connections to get you to your hotel or to catch another train if you're only passing through.
Bikes on trains in Wales
Transport for Wales services
Cycle spaces are available on most of Transport for Wales trains but space is limited. Please note that some of the Valleys and Cardiff local routes don’t have any space for bicycles during peak hours.
Bike reservations are recommended on some services
On some services, you may be asked to reserve a cycle space as far in advance as possible and at least 24 hours before you travel. To reserve a space in advance, simply call the Transport for Wales customer service team on 0333 3211 202 (from 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Saturday and from 11:00 to 20:00 Sunday).
On services where reservations are not mandatory, cycle spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you book your space in advance.
Where to store your bike
Look out for the bike symbol on the outside of the train. Get on the train and put your bike in the designated fold-down seat area. Please bear in mind that fold-down seat areas are also shared by wheelchair users and parents with young children in pushchairs, so you may need to offer them to these passengers.
Other train companies in Wales
Here’s a summary of the bike storage policies on other train companies operating in Wales. For a full breakdown, visit our Bikes on Trains information page.
| Train company | On-board cycle storage? | Reservations |
|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 4 bike spaces | Encouraged |
| CrossCountry | 3 bike spaces | Encouraged |
| GWR | 2 bikes spaces | Encouraged |
These policies apply to non-folding bikes. Folding bikes are generally treated like luggage, provided they have wheels of no more than 20 inches in diameter.
Train routes in Wales
Whether you're going from Bangor to Swansea or Liverpool to Wales by train or you're trying to get to one of Wales' airports from a city centre, we'll show you live train times and schedules weeks in advance for any National Rail journey in Wales, all in real time.
Get live train times in our app
By downloading our app, not only do you have your tickets in the palm of your hand, you also get access to live train times. If everything is running smoothly with your train, or it's delayed for some reason, you'll be the first to know. What's more – app users get platform information before those waiting by the departure boards.
Live updates at the station
If you don't have our app, you'll find electronic departure boards in most stations' entrance halls, showing live updates, train times and platform information. All travel information will also be announced on a tannoy (loudspeaker) system in English.
How to buy train tickets in Wales
Buying your Welsh train tickets online or on our app is the quickest way to get onboard. To speed up the process we've also got Mobile Ticket and eTicket options, or have a look at the other collection methods below.
1
How to book your ticket
If you've decided where and when you're going, it's time to make your purchase. There are four different ways available for you to book train tickets in Wales.
Buy online
If you already know where you're going, you're only a few steps away from securing your ticket. Buying online with us is a great way of looking at Advance ticket options and train times picking up travel tips along the way. Start your search.
In our app
Using our app to book your tickets means you've got more control over your train travel. Signing up is simple and we highlight the best prices for train tickets as well as platform information, quicker than at the station.
At the station
In Wales you still have the choice of buying printed "paper tickets" from a machine at the station. You'll have to queue, pay on-the-day prices (in many cases more expensive), and you won't be able to see or purchase Advance tickets.
On the train
In some rural and quiet areas of Wales, there won't be ticket machines. Trains in these parts of the country will travel with a conductor who'll be able to sell you a ticket as well as answer any questions you may have about your journey.
2
How to collect your tickets
Booked your tickets? Well, you're nearly good to go. There are several options for you to pick up them and they're all quick and easy.
eticket
Carry your tickets around with you. etickets are fast and secure – simply store the PDF (portable document format) on your phone and portable device or print at home.
Discover etickets.
Mobile Ticket
Skip the queues at the machine and get your ticket straight in Trainline app. Simply scan the barcode at the gates and you're good to go. (Not available at all stations)
Discover Mobile Tickets.
Collect at the station
Print a paper ticket at the ticket machine at the station using a unique collection code. You'll need to bring the credit or debit card you used to pay with you to collect the tickets.
By post
If you fancy a souvenir to hold on to, get your printed tickets posted to you. No matter where you are in the world, they'll be delivered straight to your door. (Additional postage fees apply)
Cheap train travel in Wales
If you're after cheap train tickets in Wales, check out the hints below and see how you could bag yourself discounted train tickets. We'll even highlight the cheapest prices!
Book in advance
Train tickets in Wales usually go on sale 3 months before the date of travel. Look out for Advance tickets, as these tend to be cheaper when they're first released. Be quick though, as they sell out on busier routes.
Find out more about our Advance ticket alert tool.
Travel Off-Peak
When travelling by train in Wales, you can benefit from reduced fares by choosing times of day that are less busy. When searching for tickets with us, we'll display all available tickets and options, highlighting the cheapest ones.
Learn more about Off-Peak train times.
Consider a Railcard
They're types of train discount cards you can buy for £30 for unlimited use. You can get up to a 1/3 off the price of Off-Peak train tickets when using a Railcard. From kids to elderly people, there are great discounts out there to be had.
Find out more about Railcards.
GroupSave
GroupSave is a concession that allows any group of 3 - 9 passengers travelling together up to a 34% discount on Off-Peak tickets on selected routes.
Great for families and groups of friends, you can find this option in the Railcards drop-down menu when booking your train tickets.
Travel Wales by train
There are loads of amazing places you can visit by train in Wales, and the interconnected rail network makes getting from one city to another quick and easy. To find some inspiration on where to go, check out these highlights below.
Cardiff
The Hayes / Mermaid Quay / Tiger Bay
No longer does Cardiff live in the shadows of other major cities in the UK. It's cosmopolitan feel and burgeoning arts and entertainment scene make it an attractive destination for international sports events and major music acts. Jump on a train to Wales' capital to find out what all the hype is about.
Discover trains to Cardiff.
Swansea
East Side / Mount Pleasant / Maritime Quarter
Swansea has the perfect mix of big-city entertainment and small-town vibes. Whether it's warming up with some freshly caught cockles, going to a traditional choir performance or just lazing about in Swansea Bay, Wales' second city is definitely on an upward curve.
Discover trains to Swansea.
Bangor
Garth Pier / Bangor Cathedral / River Adda
Wales has more castles (per capita) than any other country in the world, and some of the best are located in Bangor, namely Penrhyn and Beaumaris Castles. After that, there's plenty more to do including a day out at the National Slate Museum and Zip World - for those who dream about flying in between trees in the forest.
Discover trains to Bangor.
Newport
High Cross / Cat's Ash / Christchurch
Newport has a tradition deep-rooted in the docks and evidence of the era can still be seen today. Thanks to the University located here, Newport is a hub for students, weekend tourists and like-minded people too. Being so compact in size, no trip to Newport would be complete without taking one of the town's famous guided walking tours.
Discover trains to Newport.
Travelling from Wales to the rest of the UK
If you're travelling from abroad, you could seize the opportunity to explore other places in Great Britain from your base in Wales. Check out these incredible UK destinations you can reach by train.
Scenic train rides in Wales
Wales boasts an incredible amount of natural scenery and miles of splendid coastlines that has to be seen to be believed. Luckily there are a number of heritage railways and steam trains in operation that make reaching these locations a breeze. From the Dean Forest Railway to the Conwy Valley Line, there are plenty of once in a lifetime trips you should hop onboard for.
Heart of Wales Line
Shrewsbury to Swansea
Sit back and take in over 100 miles of outstanding natural beauty from Shrewsbury all the way down to South Wales. Cross the viaducts at Cynghordy and Knucklas and glide past the Welsh Marches, stunning castles and storybook-like towns and villages. It’s a beautiful journey with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Book your Heart of Wales trip by checking out trains from Shrewsbury to Swansea.
Conwy Valley Line
Llandudno - Blaenau Ffestiniog
Starting off in the bay in Llandudno, explore the Conwy and Lledrs Valleys on this picturesque stroll through the Welsh countryside. During this journey, the train climbs to over 200 meters above sea level and eventually reveals Snowdonia National Park – an area known for its wildlife, mountain ranges, camping and hiking spots.
Book your Conwy Valley Line tickets by looking at our trains from Llandudno - Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Good to know
If you haven't already learnt enough, we've added these extra handy tips and FAQ's to make your life just that little bit sweeter.