When people think of Welsh travel, it’s often winding roads through mountain passes or coastal drives past sandy bays. But some of the most spectacular journeys in Wales can be made by rail with none of the hassle of traffic or parking. From clifftop tracks overlooking the Irish Sea to quiet rural lines where sheep outnumber stations, train travel here isn’t just practical, it’s part of the adventure.
And the best part? With our journey planner, you don’t have to spend hours working out the cheapest way to get there. We automatically search for the best fares - including off-peak tickets, split fares, and Railcard discounts, so you can sit back and enjoy the view.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
Download the app
The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!
Image credit: Lisa from Pexels | Pexels
North Wales Coast Line: Castles, Seaside Towns & the Irish Sea
Stretching from Chester to Holyhead, the North Wales Coast Line is one of the UK’s most underrated train routes. Hugging the shoreline, it offers views across to Anglesey and, on a clear day, even the mountains of Snowdonia.
You’ll pass through seaside towns like Rhyl and Llandudno Junction, with their classic Victorian promenades and family-friendly beaches. Then there are the castles, Conwy Castle is practically on the station’s doorstep, and it’s hard not to be impressed when you see its towers rising above the train tracks.
For travellers heading to Ireland, Holyhead is the ferry link to Dublin, making this line not only scenic but also incredibly practical.
Travel tip: Off-peak fares on this line are excellent value, especially if you book in advance. Our journey planner does the legwork for you, showing you the cheapest options without the faff of comparing multiple sites.
The Cambrian Line: Seaside Views & Wild Horizons
Running west from Shrewsbury, the Cambrian Line splits into two - one branch heading to Aberystwyth, the other to Pwllheli. Both are unforgettable.
The Aberystwyth route takes you along the Dyfi Estuary and into Ceredigion, finishing in a university town that’s equal parts seaside resort and cultural hub. Meanwhile, the Pwllheli branch is pure drama — the train hugs the Cambrian coastline, weaving between sea and mountains with views across Cardigan Bay. It’s one of those journeys where you’ll want your camera ready for almost every stretch.
Aberystwyth is also a gateway to heritage rail experiences, like the Vale of Rheidol Railway, which climbs into the Cambrian Mountains. (We’ll come back to heritage lines later in this guide.)
Travel tip: If you’re making a longer trip, a Family & Friends Railcard can make a huge difference. It gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ fares, covering up to four adults and four children travelling together. See how much you could save on your Welsh adventure.
The Heart of Wales Line: A Journey Back in Time
If you’ve ever wanted to experience train travel at its most peaceful, the Heart of Wales Line is for you. Officially running between Craven Arms and Llanelli, most services extend from Shrewsbury all the way to Swansea. The full trip takes around four hours - but this is one journey where the slower pace is part of the charm.
The line meanders through rolling hills, deep valleys, and tiny stations where time seems to have stood still. You’ll cross viaducts with sweeping views, pass through market towns like Llandrindod Wells, and glimpse sheep-dotted farmland as far as the eye can see.
This isn’t a commuter route, it’s a journey for those who want to sit back and soak up rural Wales. And because it’s less travelled, you often get the joy of quieter carriages, perfect for reading, writing, or just daydreaming out of the window.
Travel tip: Use our journey planner to check off-peak times, travelling a little later in the day or avoiding busy weekends can make tickets significantly cheaper.
The South Wales Mainline: Castles, Cities & Coast
For those heading to South Wales, the South Wales Mainline is the backbone of the region. Starting in London Paddington, it runs through Cardiff, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Swansea, and beyond.
Cardiff makes a brilliant base. The capital is packed with museums, the Principality Stadium, and Cardiff Castle right in the city centre. From there, the line stretches west to Swansea, with connections that open up Pembrokeshire’s beaches and Tenby’s colourful harbour.
Not only is this route practical, it’s also scenic in places, you’ll get glimpses of the Severn Estuary, rolling countryside, and the approach to Swansea Bay. And with regular fast trains from London and Bristol, it’s one of the easiest ways to reach Wales without a car.
Travel tip: Advance tickets can make longer journeys (like London → Cardiff or Bristol → Tenby) surprisingly affordable. Our planner automatically finds the cheapest combinations, no need to manually hunt for split tickets, because we build them in for you.
Image credit: Callum Blacoe | Unsplash
Why Rail is the Best Way to See Wales
Driving in Wales can be beautiful, but it also means navigating narrow country lanes, battling tourist traffic in summer, and finding parking in small towns. Travelling by train takes that stress away leaving you free to watch the scenery roll past.
Better still, rail is the eco-friendly choice. A train journey emits far less CO₂ than driving, making it a greener way to explore Wales’ national parks, coastlines, and historic towns.
And with savings from off-peak tickets, Railcards, and our built-in split ticketing, travelling by train can also be one of the most cost-effective ways to explore the country.
Wales’ Famous Heritage Railways
While Wales’ mainline routes showcase sweeping coastlines and valleys, the country is also home to some of the UK’s most beloved heritage railways. These lines, many of which were saved and restored by passionate volunteers, take you back in time with steam trains, narrow-gauge tracks, and journeys through landscapes untouched by modern motorways.
Image credit: Tony | Raileasy
If the mainline routes are the arteries of Welsh rail, heritage lines are the soul, perfect for slow travel, family days out, and connecting with history.
Ffestiniog Railway: The World’s Oldest Narrow-Gauge Line
Deep in the heart of Snowdonia, the Ffestiniog Railway is more than just a train journey, it’s a living piece of industrial history. Founded in 1832, it was built to carry slate from the quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog down to the coast at Porthmadog. Today, it carries tourists instead of slate, but the magic remains the same.
The line winds its way through mountains, woodlands, and lakes, with jaw-dropping views at every turn. Travelling in a restored steam carriage feels like stepping into a different era, you can almost imagine Victorian travellers doing the same trip, marvelling at the same views.
Travel tip: The Ffestiniog often connects neatly with mainline services at Porthmadog or Blaenau Ffestiniog. Our journey planner makes it easy to find cheap fares into Snowdonia, just plug in your starting station and we’ll do the rest.
Welsh Highland Railway: Through the Heart of Snowdonia
Linked to the Ffestiniog, the Welsh Highland Railway runs all the way from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, making it the longest heritage railway in the UK.
This route is a feast for the senses you’ll pass the foot of Snowdon, skirt mountain rivers, and travel through Beddgelert, one of Wales’ prettiest villages. It’s a slow ride, but that’s the point: heritage rail is about savouring the journey, not rushing to the destination.
For families, it’s a perfect day out - the carriages are spacious, the staff are welcoming, and there are plenty of spots to hop off and explore.
Travel tip: Pair this journey with a Family & Friends Railcard on your mainline connections. The savings stack up quickly, and you can put the extra cash towards a slice of bara brith or a souvenir at the station shop.
Talyllyn Railway: A Pioneer of Preservation
The Talyllyn Railway, running from Tywyn into the Snowdonia hills, holds a special place in railway history. In 1951, it became the first railway in the world to be preserved by volunteers. That pioneering spirit still runs through the line today.
Image credit: Sebastian Hermann | Unsplash
The journey is short, just seven miles but it’s packed with character. Steam engines puff past waterfalls, forests, and little halt stations where you can hop off for a walk. The intimacy of the line makes it particularly appealing for families or anyone who wants a taste of heritage rail without a long commitment.
Travel tip: Mainline services to Tywyn run along the Cambrian Line another of Wales’ great scenic routes. Use our planner to grab cheap tickets in advance, then switch to the Talyllyn for a step back in time.
Vale of Rheidol Railway: From Seaside to Mountains
In Aberystwyth, the Vale of Rheidol Railway is one of the best introductions to heritage steam. The train starts by the sea before winding its way up into the Cambrian Mountains, finishing near Devil’s Bridge famous for its waterfalls and legends.
It’s a classic excursion for families or day-trippers, combining coastal charm with mountain drama. The steam engines here are over a century old, lovingly restored and still working hard on steep gradients.
Travel tip: Devil’s Bridge has walking trails, waterfalls, and even a quirky café, perfect for a half-day trip. Trains to Aberystwyth on the Cambrian Line often have good advance fares, and with off-peak discounts built in by our planner, you’ll save without even trying.
Image credit: Tony | Raileasy
Snowdon Mountain Railway: To the Summit of Wales
Perhaps the most famous of all Welsh heritage lines, the Snowdon Mountain Railway climbs from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime ride the only rack-and-pinion railway in the UK, tackling gradients most trains could never manage.
The journey is only about five miles, but it feels epic rising from the foothills, passing rugged outcrops, and finally reaching the summit station, just below the 1,085m peak. On a clear day, the views stretch across the whole of North Wales, into England, and even over to Ireland.
Travel tip: Seats sell out fast, especially in summer. Book your mainline journey to Bangor or Caernarfon via our planner, then secure Snowdon tickets well in advance.
Brecon Mountain Railway: Into the Beacons
In South Wales, the Brecon Mountain Railway offers a steam-powered adventure into the Brecon Beacons. The line runs alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir, framed by rolling hills and wild moorland. It’s a family favourite with restored carriages, a working workshop you can visit, and plenty of photo-worthy stops.
It’s not as long or famous as some of the northern lines, but that makes it all the more appealing for a relaxed half-day trip.
Travel tip: Pair this with a city break in Cardiff or Swansea. Our journey planner makes it simple to find cheap train tickets into South Wales, then all you need is a quick bus or car hire to reach the heritage station.
Why Heritage Rail Still Matters
You might wonder in a world of high-speed trains and instant travel, why do heritage railways still draw so many visitors?
The answer is simple: they’re not just about getting from A to B. They’re about experience. Steam, smoke, the smell of coal, the slower pace, the history it’s all part of a journey that connects you to the past.
And in Wales, these lines also connect you to landscapes you might otherwise miss. Mountain valleys without roads, forests untouched by traffic, rivers that only a narrow track can follow. Heritage rail isn’t just nostalgia it’s a different way of seeing the country.
Suggested Rail Itineraries Across Wales
It’s one thing to read about Wales’ railways, but another to piece them together into a real trip. Whether you’re after a long weekend of steam engines and castles or a week exploring coast and mountains, Wales is perfect for rail-based itineraries. Below are three suggested routes, North, Mid, and South Wales that mix mainline journeys with heritage highlights.
North Wales: Castles, Coasts & Steam
Day 1: Chester → Llandudno
Start in Chester, one of the best-connected gateways to Wales. A short hop brings you to Llandudno, the “Queen of Welsh Resorts”, with its Victorian pier, sweeping promenade, and Great Orme tramway (itself a unique rail experience!).
Day 2: Llandudno → Caernarfon & Welsh Highland Railway
From Llandudno, it’s easy to connect westwards by bus to Caernarfon. After exploring the mighty Caernarfon Castle, hop on the Welsh Highland Railway, winding through Snowdonia all the way to Porthmadog. This is one of the most scenic heritage journeys in Europe.
Day 3: Ffestiniog Railway & Blaenau Ffestiniog
Spend your final day on the Ffestiniog Railway, tracing the historic slate route from Porthmadog into the mountains. Blaenau Ffestiniog is full of slate-mining heritage and underground tours, a fascinating add-on to your railway adventure.
Journey planner tip: Advance tickets to Chester or Llandudno can be surprisingly cheap if booked early. Our planner does the hard work for you, so you can focus on steam engines instead of spreadsheets.
Mid Wales: Coastlines, Steam & Waterfalls
Day 1: Shrewsbury → Aberystwyth (Cambrian Line)
Begin in Shrewsbury, a hub with good mainline links. The Cambrian Line to Aberystwyth is one of Britain’s great coastal routes, skimming sandy beaches and estuaries. Check into town and stroll the seafront before dinner.
Day 2: Vale of Rheidol Railway & Devil’s Bridge
Ride the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth up into the Cambrian Mountains. At Devil’s Bridge, explore the waterfalls, woodland walks, and legends, then return by steam to Aberystwyth.
Day 3: Aberystwyth → Tywyn & Talyllyn Railway
Continue along the Cambrian Coast to Tywyn and hop aboard the Talyllyn Railway, the world’s first preserved line. Its short, charming ride is perfect for a relaxed afternoon. In the evening, walk Tywyn’s beach or enjoy fresh seafood at a local pub.
Journey planner tip: If you’re travelling with kids, pair this itinerary with a Family & Friends Railcard. The discounts add up quickly, leaving more in your pocket for ice creams and postcards.
South Wales: Valleys, Mountains & History
Day 1: Cardiff & Brecon Mountain Railway
Kick off in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. After exploring Cardiff Castle and the Bay, head to the Brecon Mountain Railway for a steam ride through the Brecon Beacons. It’s a perfect half-day trip from the city.
Day 2: Cardiff → Swansea → Pembrokeshire
Ride westwards along the South Wales mainline to Swansea, then onwards towards Tenby or Pembroke Dock. These colourful harbour towns are full of history and seaside charm.
Day 3: Castles & Coastal Walks
Spend your final day exploring Pembroke Castle or walking a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. If time allows, the short rail link to Fishguard offers dramatic coastal scenery, and a sense of being right at the edge of Britain.
Journey planner tip: Travelling off-peak in South Wales can make journeys dramatically cheaper and our planner automatically picks out the best fares for you.
Why Plan Rail Itineraries in Wales?
Rail-based itineraries let you experience both the journey and the destination. In Wales, that means:
- Views you can’t get by car (mountain passes, coastal curves, remote valleys).
- The joy of mixing fast mainline links with slow, nostalgic steam rides.
- The ease of letting someone else do the driving while you sit back and take in the scenery.
Most importantly, rail itineraries in Wales allow you to slow down, to travel at the right pace for the landscapes you’re passing through.
Travel Tips & Hacks for Exploring Wales by Train
Image credit: Eivaisla from Getty Images Signature
One of the joys of exploring Wales by rail is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable trip. With a few smart choices and the right tools you can make your journeys cheaper, smoother, and even more fun. Here are our best insider tips:
Book in Advance (But Not Too Far)
Mainline services in Wales such as the Cardiff–Swansea route or the Cambrian Line, often release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks before travel. These are significantly cheaper than buying on the day. However, don’t panic if you’ve left it late: even a few days before travel, our journey planner will still highlight the lowest available fares.
Travel Off-Peak for Cheaper Fares
Off-peak trains in Wales are usually quieter, cheaper, and much more relaxed especially handy if you’re carrying luggage, wrangling kids, or just want a more peaceful journey. Look out for off-peak times in our planner; we automatically highlight them so you don’t need to second-guess the timetable.
Use a Railcard to Maximise Savings
Railcards are one of the simplest ways to slash ticket costs:
- Family & Friends Railcard → 1/3 off adult fares + 60% off kids.
- 16–25, 26–30, Senior & Disabled Persons Railcards → All give 1/3 off standard fares.
- Two Together Railcard → Perfect for couples or best mates travelling regularly.
With just a couple of trips, most Railcards pay for themselves. You can grab one directly through us, making it simple to link savings to your ticket purchase.
Image credit: Adam Makara from Getty Images
Combine Mainline & Heritage Journeys
One of Wales’ biggest appeals is the blend of fast modern trains with charming heritage lines. For example:
- Cardiff → Brecon Mountain Railway (steam trip into the Beacons).
- Aberystwyth → Vale of Rheidol Railway (up to Devil’s Bridge).
- Porthmadog → Ffestiniog Railway (into Snowdonia).
Our planner helps you sort out the mainline bit of your trip, and most heritage operators sell tickets separately online. Pair them together and you’ve got a seamless adventure without the car.
Sit on the Right Side of the Train
Here’s a classic traveller’s tip: on the Cambrian Line, the right-hand side has the best sea views as you head west. On the Conwy Valley Line, the left side gives the best mountain vistas. It’s a small detail, but it makes all the difference when you want those window-seat photos.
Pack Snacks & Drinks
Many services in Wales are rural and can run for long stretches without catering. A flask of tea or a sandwich from the station café makes the journey more pleasant especially on longer routes like Shrewsbury–Pwllheli.
Use Our Journey Planner for Hidden Savings
This is where we can really help. Our journey planner automatically:
- Picks out off-peak options.
- Builds in split-ticket savings (so you don’t have to figure them out).
- Highlights where Railcards make a difference.
In other words, it’s the easiest way to travel Wales by train without overspending, so you can put your money towards castle entry tickets, coastal walks, or maybe just an extra round at the local pub.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
Download the app
The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!
Discover Wales by Rail
Image credit: Kalulu from Getty Images
From the bustling streets of Cardiff to the steam-filled valleys of Snowdonia, Wales is a country best experienced through its railways. Modern mainlines make it easy to hop between cities and coastlines, while heritage railways offer a slower, more romantic way to see the landscape. Together, they create a travel experience that’s as much about the journey as the destination.
Whether you’re a history buff, a family on holiday, or simply someone who loves watching the world roll by through a train window, Welsh rail travel has something to offer. And with the right tickets, Railcards, and a little planning, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Need a Hand Planning Your Trip?
Not sure which train gets you closest to a castle? Wondering how to link your mainline journey with a steam railway? Or just trying to make sense of off-peak vs. anytime fares? We’ve got you covered.
Use our journey planner to find the cheapest fares - Railcard discounts, off-peak options, and split tickets built in automatically.
And if you’re still scratching your head, drop us a message. We’re here to help, whether you’re heading for the mountains, the seaside, or just chasing steam through the valleys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is train travel in Wales cheaper than driving?
Often yes. With Railcards, off-peak fares, and TrainSplit’s built-in split ticketing, rail can be cheaper than driving once you factor in fuel and parking.
What are the most scenic train routes in Wales?
The North Wales Coast Line, the Cambrian Line, the Heart of Wales Line, and the Conwy Valley Line are among the most beautiful rail routes in Wales.
Do I need to book Welsh trains in advance?
Advance booking is recommended for longer trips like Cardiff–Swansea or London–Cardiff. You’ll usually find cheaper fares compared to buying on the day.
Can I use a Railcard on Welsh trains?
Yes. Most UK Railcards, including 16–25, 26–30, Senior, and Family & Friends, are valid on Welsh services and can save you a third on fares.
What is split ticketing and does it work in Wales?
Split ticketing means buying multiple tickets for one journey instead of a single through fare. TrainSplit finds these automatically, often saving you money.
Are heritage railways included in normal tickets?
No. Heritage railways like Ffestiniog or Talyllyn sell their own tickets, but you can connect to them easily from mainline stations using TrainSplit.
How do I reach Snowdonia by train?
Take mainline trains to Porthmadog or Blaenau Ffestiniog, then transfer to the Ffestiniog or Welsh Highland heritage railways for scenic journeys into Snowdonia.
