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—including Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales.

What's in this guide?

• Train companies in Wales
• Ticket types
• Bikes on trains
• Welsh train routes
• How to buy and collect train tickets
• Cheap train travel in Wales
• Wales by train
• Traveling from Wales to the rest of the UK
• Scenic train rides in Wales
• Good to know (FAQs)

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 center, 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 center.

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 traveling 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 travelers, 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.

Peak vs. Off-Peak travel

If you've got flexible travel plans, then traveling 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 traveling 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 traveling with and are sometimes subject to availability.

Discover additional benefits of traveling 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.