Getting to Eryri by Train: Car-Free Travel to Snowdonia

Direct services take you to the popular North Wales coastal destinations from most parts of Britain. Make inland connections via the Conwy Valley Line which runs through the Eryri National Park to Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Services from the Midlands through Shrewsbury and Machynlleth link up with the Cambrian Line.

Betws-y-Coed Station: The Conwy Valley Line

The Conwy Valley Line runs through the Eryri National Park to Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog. You can travel to Betws-y-Coed from Llandudno, Bangor and Corwen; once there, you’ll be right in the heart of the national park beside Gwydir Forest Park and a short distance from attractions like Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant and Snowdonia Glamping Holidays. Get from Shrewsbury to Snowdonia in 2 hours 30 minutes on Transport for Wales services with one change.

Bangor Station: For Snowdon Climbers

The nearest station to Snowdon is Bangor (Gwynedd), a well-connected station with direct links to Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, London, and Aberystwyth. Take the train from Cardiff to Bangor in 4 hours, direct with Transport for Wales. From Crewe to Bangor takes under 2 hours, with just one change in Chester.

Attractions for the whole family

Packed full of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages, Snowdonia offers an exciting break for the whole family. Whether you want to try cycling, climbing, caving or golf, there are so many attractions to keep everyone entertained. Once you’re all tired out from active fun, there are beautiful arts and crafts stalls to browse, narrow gauge railways to experience, and castles to explore.

Climb Snowdon

At the north of Eryri National Park, Snowdon is Wales’ highest summit, with some of the UK’s most majestic natural views. Standing at 1,085 metres, this beautiful mountain is one of the main draws for people visiting Eryri. Hikers of all levels can choose from a range of paths to reach the summit, as well as exploring cwms, ridges, and llyns on the way. Alternatively, hop on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a lifetime heritage railway that will take you straight to the summit.

Get closer to nature

As well as Snowdon, the national park boasts an impressive set of mountain ranges including Y Carneddau, Y Glyderau, and Cader Idris. Or follow the scenic North Wales Path along the coast and lower mountain slopes between Prestatyn and Bangor, taking in sights such as Aber Falls and the Druid’s Circle. Visit Pen Llŷn, a perfect peninsula and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that juts into the Irish Sea and is one of the most dramatic and unspoilt places in the UK. While in the great outdoors, don’t forget to look out for wildlife everywhere you go!

Taking the train to Snowdonia National Park gives you access to miles of natural scenery to explore. When you disembark at the train station, you can continue your journey by cycling, taking the bus, or walking. 

If you’re making a beeline for Snowdon, consider boarding the Sherpa'r Wyddfa service, which takes you to the base of Snowdon, stopping at various locations, each a short distance from walking paths to the summit. Other local bus services run throughout Eryri, including the Llŷn fflecsi, which operates Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, an electric shuttle bus service from Bethesda to Llyn Ogwen (doesn’t run on Wednesdays), and 1Bws Services in North Wales.

Cycle paths are frequent in Eryri National Park, from mountain trails to wide country lanes perfect for family cycle rides. If you’re in Snowdonia to walk, then you’ll have no trouble finding a vast range of delightful footpaths around the national park, including the North Wales Path.

In Snowdonia, you’ll find so many great places to stay, from grand country house hotels to small cosy rural Inns. If you’re looking for self-catered options, there are tons of characterful cottages, or if you want food included, don’t miss award-winning bed and breakfasts. For budget travel, look for caravan parks, hostels, and campsites. Wherever you stay in Eryri, you may never want to leave!

Seasonal Travel Advice

Late Summer is sometimes said to be the best time of year to visit Eryri National Park. At the end of the busiest season, with smaller crowds and slightly cooler conditions, you’ll have the perfect chance to explore this natural landscape in all its peace and tranquility.

Make the Most of Your Car-Free Adventure

Visiting Snowdonia by train is a great way to enjoy a true outdoors experience in one of Wales’ most wild areas. Whether you’re undertaking a mountain hike, or strolling along a coastal path, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring waterproofs for the changeable Welsh weather!

Sustainable travel to Eryri

Make your visit to Snowdonia sustainable as well as enjoyable by bringing a water bottle, reusable cup and cutlery: that way you won’t produce single-use waste. Protect this unique landscape and local biodiversity by sticking to trails and paths and, if you do have any packets or wrappers, make sure to take your litter home with you.

Local Information and Visitor Centres

Friendly staff are always happy to advise on activities and days out at visitor centres around Snowdonia. Find everything you need in Betws-y-Coed Information Centre, Aberdyfi Information Centre, Llandudno Tourist Information Centre, and Conwy Tourist Information Centre, as well as a host of smaller information points.

Buy Cheap Train Tickets

Travelling to Eryri National Park by train is an environmentally friendly way to visit one of the UK’s most impressive natural settings. Better still, taking the train to Snowdonia can be affordable when you buy advance tickets from TrainPal. Add Railcard discounts, Group Saver prices, and split tickets, and you’ll save even more on your journey. Get started today to buy cheap train tickets for your visit to Snowdonia on TrainPal!

• Ultimate Guide to UK National Parks by Train
• What You Need to Know about Visiting The Broads by Train
• Visit the Brecon Beacons by train: What you need to know
• Visiting the Lake District by Train: What You Need to Know
• Visiting Exmoor by Train: The Best UK National Parks