travel for wales train pass

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Explore Wales Pass - Travel by Train around Wales and borders

Why not join the increasing numbers of travellers who are choosing to stay in the UK for their holidays and visit Wales - a country of breathtaking scenery, history and culture?

The Explore Wales Pass is designed to allow you the freedom to choose where you’d like to visit. Our trains provide access to beautiful towns, villages and countryside.

From the stunning beaches of Pembrokeshire, to the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia, the Explore Wales Pass is your ticket to discover all Wales has to offer. Visit the famous home of Welsh rugby at the Principality Stadium, explore many of our famous castles or enjoy an exhilarating day hiking along some of the 870 miles of Wales Coastal Path.

The Explore Wales Pass is your ticket to enjoy the freedom to discover Wales by train. From only £69 (valid until 19/05/2018), enjoy great value train travel to help you discover attractions and accommodation providers throughout the Arriva Trains Wales rail network. It’s the bargain you cannot afford to miss!

We also have a range of Rover and Rangers Day Tickets available if you would like to explore a specific area of the Arriva Trains Wales network.

Explore Wales Pass Options

There are three types of Explore Wales Pass, which all offer unlimited travel on all mainline rail services in Wales, plus the routes between Newport, Shrewsbury and Crewe, Crewe to Chester and Newport to Gloucester. 

How long can I use my Explore Wales Pass?

Each Explore Wales Pass allows four days train travel.

How much does the Explore Wales Pass cost?

*Railcard: You can get a discount on an Explore Wales Pass if you have a 16-25, Two Together, Disabled Persons or a Senior Railcard holder.

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway offers holders of ‘Explore Wales’ and the ‘North & Mid Wales Explorer’ tickets a 50% discount off third-class single or return tickets.

Where can I buy an Explore Wales Pass?

Tickets can be purchased at most staffed railway stations in Wales,larger stations such as London Paddington, Shrewsbury, Chester, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads and Manchester; and National Rail Appointed Travel Agents throughout Britain.

Use our Station Search to locate the most convenient staff station to purchase your Explore Wales Pass.  

Before you buy your Explore Wales Pass, you will need to let us know what day you would like your pass to start. We cannot issue open-dated Explore Wales passes.

Explore Wales Pass can only be purchased at a staffed railway station. Explore Wales Pass are NOT available to buy online, by telephone OR on board a train.

Things you need to know

• Explore Wales Terms & Conditions: Please read the Terms & Conditions before purchasing your Explore Wales Pass.
• Changes to Timetables: At times it is unavoidable that Network Rail infrastructure improvement works may affect some of our services, meaning alterations to the scheduled timetables. We advise passengers to check before starting their journey for full details of altered trains, onward connections and additional road transport. Details of alterations can be obtained by visiting our Planned Service Alterations page or from your  local staffed booking office .
• Live Service Information: Live service information for Arriva Trains Wales can be viewed on our Journey Check website www.journeycheck.com/arrivatrainswales.

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BritRail Passes

BritRail provides international visitors to the UK with the freedom to keep to a flexible schedule while traveling throughout British rail’s extensive national network. BritRail’s range of rail passes offers unlimited train trips on each travel day as you journey across England, Scotland and Wales. Choose the BritRail pass that best suits your itinerary and hop on and off the train at exciting destinations like Edinburgh, London and Cardiff! What better way to visit Britain’s historic castles and countless landmarks than by train?

Discover the M-Passes

As the digital answer to rail travel, the M-Pass facilitates seamless travel by downloading your pass to your phone. With flexible and consecutive options to choose from, the M-Pass is easily scanned at the train station to start your journey. Once your purchase has been completed, an email will be sent with your activation code. For consecutive M-Passes you must select your first day of use and flexible M-Passes will select their intended dates of use. Flexible M-Pass holders get the added bonus of one free seat reservation for their trip!

Select your pass

Britrail pass, britrail england pass.

BritRail London Plus Pass

BritRail South West Pass

BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass

Popular Passes

The best way to explore England, Scotland and Wales is with a BritRail pass, allowing for unlimited train travel on Britain’s National Rail Network! Journey to popular cities throughout Britain while enjoying scenic views of England’s rolling hills, Scottish highlands and Welsh National Parks.

If you’re visiting England, your best bet to travel around the nine distinct regions of this beautiful country is by train. Enjoy coastal destinations like Brighton and vibrant cities including London, Manchester, Liverpool & beyond!

The BritRail South West Pass will bring you to cities in England such as London, Bath, Oxford, and popular destinations along the coast from Plymouth to Penzance! You can also visit Swansea and Cardiff in Wales making this the perfect pass to discover the southwestern region of Britain today!

Travelling the UK with a BritRail Pass

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

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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.

50% Advance Ticket Sale

TfW have 50% off their Advance tickets for journeys between 1st and 16th October 2023 when you book your ticket between 17th and 30th September !

Visit Transport for Wales for more information and book a sale ticket!

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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Newton House, Dinefwr Estate, Llandeilo

Travel Trade friendly tourist passes and discount cards

A listing of Travel Trade friendly attraction, transport, accommodation and restaurant passes or discount cards available throughout Wales to help you package programmes for your clients.

Attractions

• a Cadw Explorer Pass  is available for either three or seven days. They provide great value to explore the many historical attractions in Wales. Both can be used in a limited flexible period which makes them suitable for use during a seven or 14 day visit. They can be purchased on-line and are significantly discounted. Please contact [email protected] ;
• register with the  Cadw Tour Operator Scheme  (CTOS) to become a member of Cadw’s online group booking scheme. Members benefit from preferential trade rates and discounts; complimentary admission for the tour leader and coach driver; complimentary introductions to Cadw monuments; enhanced information for existing tours; rates are beneficial to both FIT and groups ; invoicing following your visit and a Travel Trade e-newsletter. Bookings will be confirmed on-line and Cadw staff will check in your customers on-line on arrival. This will mean a much quicker and more efficient system; 

Tony Payne - Cadw

Raglan Castle, Blaenavon Ironworks, Denbigh Castle

• National Trust Touring Pass  must be bought on-line prior to visits which will allow your clients to enter most National Trust properties and gardens for free. They can be purchased for either 7 or 14 days. Please note the passes are only available for non UK residents;

Luke Potter - National Trust

• City Sightseeing – Clients can book a 24 hour pass for hop on and hop off tours of either Cardiff or Llandudno (which also includes Conwy). The website features the main stops and highlights of things to see and do.

Sightseeing bus outside National Museum Cardiff; and Great Orme, Llandudno

• Explore Wales Pass  allows client to travel for four days during an eight day period on selected bus and train operators. A north and Mid Wales pass and a South Wales pass is also available;
• Great Little Trains of Wales Discount Card  entitles clients to 20 per cent discount on a full paying round trip and is valid for one year from the date of the first journey. A selection of accommodation will also provide a discount;  

Great Western Railway (GWR) operate trains to South Wales from destinations including London Paddington, Bristol and Bath. They have a range of specialised rates for groups of ten or more  and can offer a discount up to 26%.  There is a dedicated booking team to help with the booking;

• Brit Rail UK Pass  enables visitors to travel across the National Rail network of Great Britain. Its flexibility allows the user to not only choose from consecutive and flexible durations but to hop on and off all mainline trains to sightsee around Wales.

Welsh Highland Railway Snowdonia steam locomotive and a train by Barmouth bridge

©  Cambrian Railway Partnership

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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.

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Apply for a bus pass

You may be able to get free travel on buses if you are:

• aged 60 or over
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Apply for a bus pass from Transport for Wales .

Youth discounted bus travel

If you’re aged 16 to 21 and live in Wales you can apply for a MyTravelPass . This means you could get about a third off the cost of bus travel.

Use on trains

Concessionary travel passes are also valid on some train services. For more information visit Transport for Wales .

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How to Travel Through Europe by Train Like a Pro

Last Updated on June 8, 2023

Traveling through Europe by train is a wonderful experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. It is a cost-effective and sustainable way to travel that gives you a chance to see the breathtaking scenery of Europe. 

However, train travel can also be overwhelming for first-timers. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on traveling through Europe by train like a pro.

Make an Itinerary

The first step to traveling through Europe by train like a pro is to plan ahead. Research your destinations and create a rough itinerary of the places you want to visit, as well as the duration of your stay. You can use websites such as Rail Europe or Eurail to plan your train journeys and book tickets in advance. This can save you money, time, and heartache on your adventure!

Buy a Rail Pass

If you plan to take multiple train journeys during your trip, buying a rail pass is worth considering. A rail pass allows you to travel on most trains in Europe without purchasing individual tickets for each journey. Different types of rail passes are available, depending on the length of your trip and the countries you want to visit.

Utilize Nearby Luggage Storage

When traveling through Europe by train, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to store your luggage temporarily. This can happen if you arrive at your destination before your hotel check-in time or want to explore a city without carrying heavy bags.

Fortunately, many train stations in Europe offer luggage storage facilities. For example, if you’re spending the day in St. Pancras, simply look for luggage storage in St. Pancras . Now, you can explore the city with peace of mind — and no heavy bags weighing you down.

Choose Your Train

When traveling through Europe by train , you can take high-speed trains, regional trains, or overnight trains. High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar or TGV, are faster and more expensive than regional trains. However, they are a smart option for longer journeys or days you want to travel between two distant cities in a short amount of time.

Regional trains, on the other hand, are slower but cheaper. They are an option if you want to explore smaller towns and villages along your route. Overnight trains, such as the Nightjet, allow you to save time and money by combining transportation and accommodation.

One of the advantages of traveling through Europe by train is the ability to easily move from one place to another. However, this can be difficult if you are carrying a heavy suitcase. Therefore, it is important to pack light and only bring the essentials. A backpack or a small suitcase is ideal for train travel.

Arrive Early

You should arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time. This allows you to find your platform, check the train timetable, and board the train stress-free. After all, when a train says it leaves at 10:00, you best believe it’ll be on the move promptly at 10:00.

Additionally, arriving early can give you time to grab a coffee or a snack from one of the many cafes at the train station.

Validate Your Ticket

If you have purchased individual train tickets, don’t forget to validate them before boarding the train. You can do this at the yellow validation machines located at the train station. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine if you are caught by a ticket inspector on the train.

Keep Your Ticket Handy

Once you have boarded the train, it is important to keep your ticket handy. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your ticket any time during the journey, so it is best to have it easily accessible. Additionally, some trains have a designated area for luggage storage, so be sure to keep your bags in the appropriate area.

Bring Your Own Food

While some trains have dining cars or food carts, it is always a good idea to bring your own food and snacks for the journey. This can save you money and ensure that you have something to eat if the train has no food options or limited options.

Enjoy the Scenery

Last but not least, one of the most important things to remember when traveling through Europe by train is to take the time to enjoy the scenery. Europe is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and architecture, and traveling by train allows you to see it all from a unique perspective.

Happy Travels!

Traveling through Europe by train is a fantastic experience that offers a unique and authentic way to explore the continent. With these tips, you can travel like a pro and make the most of your journey. Remember to plan ahead, pack light, and most importantly, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Related posts:

• Why you should travel by train in Europe (and how to book tickets)
• Exploring France by train: Our top five train rides in France
• How to Travel around Europe on the Cheap
• Things to Know Before You Board a Train from Vienna to Prague

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Breaking news, work starts on america’s first high-speed train between la, las vegas that could cut travel time in half.

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The much-anticipated construction of the first high-speed passenger train between Los Angeles and Las Vegas got underway Monday — promising to ferry passengers between the two cities in half the the time it now takes to drive through the desert.

The $12 billion project is being spearheaded by Brightline West, which will lay 218 miles of track between a new terminal in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and another station just south of the Las Vegas Strip by 2028, according to Fortune .

In a statement, Brightline Holdings founder and chair Wes Edens said that breaking ground on the rail on Monday — thanks to $6.5 billion in backing from Joe Biden’s administration, plus $2.5 billion in tax-exempt bonds — was laying “the foundation for a new industry.”

Brightline also won federal authorization in 2020 to sell $1 billion in similar bonds, Fortune reported.

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will reportedly participate in the rail’s Monday groundbreaking.

Upon its completion, Brightline West is expecting to welcome millions of passengers aboard the high-speed train, which will travel up to 200 miles per hour between the two major US cities in just over two hours — about half the time it takes to drive between LA and Vegas.

The high speeds are comparable to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, whose network includes nearly 2,000 miles of lines on the country’s four major islands.

Brightline’s estimates are that 11 million passengers will take the electric-powered train one way per year, meaning there will be 30,000 travelers per day. The trains will also have restrooms, Wi-Fi, and food and beverage.

There will also be the option to check luggage — with ticket fares with or without large bags anticipated to be well below the cost of flying across the Mojave Desert.

It wasn’t immedately clear what a ticket aboard Brightline West will cost, though airline costs range between $80 and $230 depending on the time of the year.

Passenger traffic at Sin City’s Harry Reid International Airport set a record of 57.6 million people in 2023, Fortune reported.

Meanwhile, an average of more than 44,000 automobiles per day crossed the California-Nevada state line on Interstate 15 in 2023, according to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority data — perhaps because of the Super Bowl and Formula 1 Grand Prix race that both took place in Las Vegas last year.

Las Vegas — which has nearly 3 million residents — draws more than 40 million visitors per year.

Brightline CEO Mike Reininger has said the goal is to have high-speed trains operating in time for the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Almost the full distance of the forthcoming train will be along the median of I-15, according to Fortune, which begins in San Diego and runs through Los Angeles before passing through Nevada and into parts of Arizona, Utah, Idaho and Montana.

At this point, only one station stop along the route will take place in San Bernardino County’s Victorville area, per Fortune.

At a later date, Brightline West has said it may add more stops in Palmdale, Calif., and other US metros that are too close to fly between but too far to drive to, though details have yet to be finalized.

The goal is to relieve congestion on I-15, where motorists often get caught in slow-moving traffic.

Representatives for Brightline West did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Florida-based Brightline already operates a Miami-to-Orlando high-speed line, where trains reach speeds of up to 125 miles per hour.

The service launched in 2018 and expanded to include service to the Orlando International Airport in September 2022, Fortune reported. It now offers 16 round trips daily, with one-way tickets to travel the 235-mile-long track going for about $80.

Another fast train in the US include Amtrack’s Acels, which can reach 150 miles per hour while transporting passengers between Boston and Washington, DC — but rails aren’t considered “high speed” unless they top at least 160 miles per hour.

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