You might be surprised to learn that despite the mountains, railways reach the heart of Snowdonia National Park, including the Snowdonia train station. Naturally, we think the train is the perfect way to explore it. Stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views beat staring at the back of a van any day!
Bangor is the nearest train station to Snowdon on the Avanti network. You can reach it by train using our Avanti West Coast services. Trains to Snowdonia leave from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London.
From Bangor, there’s public transportation to the mountain. Just hop on the bus to Llanberis Station if you’re taking the Mountain Railway or walking the Llanberis path. Alternatively, go to Pen-y-Pass for the most popular starting point for Snowdon walkers.
Below, we explore how to reach the Snowdonia train station and getting the train to Snowdonia, as well as what wonder await travellers when they get there.
What to do at Snowdon
Walking up one of the paths is a feat in itself. It will take you six to eight hours from the base to the summit and back. You’ll no doubt stop several times to admire the views of Snowdonia National Park and to have a rest and a snack.
You’ll still be treated to plenty of stunning views on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, without the need to stop for a breath. If you are taking the steam train to the top, book in advance. Advance bookings ensure you get places for your group.
If you catch a sunny day, expect spectacular views over Snowdonia, Anglesey, the Irish Sea, the Pennines and maybe even Scotland. It's worth every blister.
About Snowdon
Here are some facts about Snowdon that we thought you might enjoy on your train journey.
- Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, at 1,085 metres above sea level.
- The Welsh name for the mountain is Yr Wyddfa, which translates as a burial mound. Legend has it that a slayed giant was buried there.
- Geologists disagree with the whole giant thing. They say the rock was formed 500 million years ago, and the mountain itself was formed by glaciation in the last Ice Age, about 18,000 years ago.
- The UK's highest café is just below the summit. There have been various buildings here since the 1800s, but the current Visitor Centre was completed in 2009.
- Snowdon Mountain Railway was finished in 1896. Snowdon train station is the highest in the UK.
- More than half a million walkers tackle Snowdon every year.
Getting to Snowdonia from UK cities
Before you book your Snowdonia railway tickets, take a look at how to get there from some of Britain’s largest cities.
London
Trains go from London Euston to Bangor and Llandudno Junction, changing at Chester.
Birmingham
Express Avanti trains go from Birmingham New Street to Bangor and Llandudno Junction, changing at Chester. Transport for Wales runs stopping services directly from New Street to Bangor.
Chester
Avanti West Coast runs direct services from Chester Station to Bangor.
Liverpool
Local services run from Liverpool Lime Street to Bangor, changing at Chester.
Manchester
Avanti services from Manchester Piccadilly require two changes, at Crewe and Chester. Local services run to Chester, where you can change for Bangor.
Glasgow
Avanti West Coast services run from Glasgow Central to Warrington Bank Quay, where you change to local services.
Edinburgh
Avanti West Coast services run from Edinburgh Waverley to Warrington Bank Quay, where you change to local services.
If you’re planning Snowdonia train tickets rather than Snowdon itself, it might be better to change at Llandudno Junction. Then, you can head south towards Blaenau Ffestiniog (45 minutes) or Betws-y-Coed (30 minutes).
Why you should visit Snowdonia
Snowdon is just one mountain and there are hundreds of things to do in the region. For example, there’s mountain biking and wild camping among the mountains for those who love the outdoors.
The National Park is dotted with ex-working villages that are now beautiful, buzzing tourist towns.
Betws-y-Coed, Portmeirion and Beddgelert are must-visit towns where you can be fed and watered. You can even get your feet wet in the sea, with beach walks during a trip to a wonderful coastal resort.
Save money buying Snowdon train tickets
There are plenty of ways to reduce your Snowdonia train prices ahead of your journey. We'd recommend planning your return journey off-peak if you can to avoid the busiest train times and save money.
Second, if you’re touring with your family in North Wales, there are special group discounts to be had when you all book together.
And, as a final saving, invest in a Railcard as it grants you great discounts for all your off-peak travel. You can save up to 1/3 of your train travel using a Railcard.
Get the Avanti West Coast app
The Avanti West Coast app is your ideal travel companion. It’s usually cheaper than if you book online on a third-party site, as there are no additional fees.
You can get any single or return ticket via our app. That includes tickets for other providers such as LNER, GWR, and CrossCountry.
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