Wales

About Rail Travel in Wales

Welsh trains operate similarly to those in the UK, and are easy to navigate. The language is the same, and trains are frequent, comfortable, and require no reservations.

Of course, if you’re traveling with a pass at peak times, it’s always a good idea to book your seat in advance. Rail Europe can do this for you, or you can do so locally, depending on when you finalize your travel plans. If you choose to go with a ticket, remember that all tickets sold by Rail Europe include a pre-assigned seat whenever the carrier offers this option. (It’s always nice to start your journey in a comfortable, pre-selected seat.)

You can access Wales from the south, in castle-rich Cardiff, or from the north, an impressive wildlife paradise. Cardiff connects to London in a little over two hours, with frequent service. Chester (located in the north at the border between England and Wales) is the gateway to northern Wales, and connects to London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

Essentially, train travel in Wales is comprised of these routes: a north-south line, connecting Cardiff and Chester, and two east-west lines which connect Cardiff or Chester to Fishguard and Holyhead, two ports on the Irish Sea with additional ferry connections in Ireland. Good to know: if you’re heading to Ireland and hold an Ireland or Eurail Pass, you’ll receive a money-saving 30% discount on the ferry line linking Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire (just a few miles away from Dublin, connected by train).

And, if you plan to travel with a pass, you have lots of possibilities. British passes offer a variety of geographical choices perfect for your particular travel—and budget—needs.

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