Buses
Local bus services in Snowdonia provide services to local areas and across the region, with a number of routes covering Betws-y-Coed, Llanrwst, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Penygwryd and more. Buses provide a good cost effective way of travelling around the region.
Details of local bus services and timetables can be found at Snowdon Sherpa
Arriva Bus run a number of local bus services in local towns in North Wales and around Snowdonia including in Bangor, Llandudno, Caernarfon, Parc Meni and Barmouth.
Trains
Trains in Snowdonia serve a number of routes across the region and to other areas. There are several mainline rail routes offering local and regional services. Bangor Station has services to London Euston station, the journey time is approx 3 hours 20 minutes. There are services to Birmingham New Street, Birmingham International stations, Holyhead, Shrewsbury, Llandudno Junction, Bangor and Cardiff Central.
There are services from London Euston to Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction and Holyhead in North Wales from Virgin Trains. The Conwy Valley Line runs from Llandudno in north Wales to Blaenau Ffestiniog via a number of stops including at Glan Conwy, Betws y Coed, Pont y Pant and Dolwyddelan in Snowdonia. The Conwy Valley Line runs through the Snowdonia National Park taking in some stunning natural scenery along the way.
Train services are provided by Arriva Trains Wales and Virgin Trains
For more information please see National Rail Enquiries
Public Transport Safety Tips
Most journeys on public transport go ahead without incident, in order to minimise the chances of any incidents, passengers may wish to consider the following safety tips:
- Be aware of your belongings at all times.
- Do not leave your bags and belongings unattended at any time.
- Stay alert and aware of your environment and those around you.
- Do not show valuables including money and jewellery in public.
- If you are carrying a bag/handbag, ensure you use a bag that has a strong good quality strap and wear it across your shoulder (not on your shoulder), with the pockets closed facing towards your waist. Carrying the bag on your shoulder makes it much easier for criminals to snatch the bag or cut the strap.
- Be careful and cautious in crowds and beware of pickpockets, do not leave anything valuable showing in public including wallets in back trouser pockets.
- Sit in carriages with other passengers do not sit in carriages with no/fewer passengers.
- Try not to use smaller/isolated stations especially at night.
- When waiting for buses, trains, boats and taxis stand with other passengers in an area that is well lit, do not stand/wait in isolated areas.
Car
There are a number of car hire firms in Snowdonia that offer car rental services for both short and longer term car hire offering a range of vehicles from small budget cars to family cars to larger mini-buses and luxury cars.
Snowdonia is connected to the road network via the A5, A55 and A494. London to Bangor by car via the M1, M6, A51 and A55 is a drive of approx 5 hours to 6 hours depending on traffic and time of day. Other major roads around the region include the A487, A489 and A4212.
Parking in Bangor city centre includes a number of pay and display and pay on exit car parks. Car parks in and around the city centre include James Street, Castle Hill, College Lane, Kyffin Square and Deiniol Shopping Centre car parks.
For more information please see: Gwynedd Parking
Drivers should note there may be driving restrictions in and around the city and town centres. It is recommended visitors ensure they fully understand the local parking rules before parking and help avoid unnecessary fines and worry.
Ferry
The ports of Holyhead in North Wales and Fishguard and Pembroke in South Wales offer ferry access to Wales. Holyhead is located 35 minutes drive from Bangor, there are also train services available between Holyhead and Bangor. There are ferry services to and from Ireland available with routes including Dublin in Ireland to Holyhead in Wales and Rosslare to Fishguard and Pembroke. Journey times vary between 2 hours and 4 hours. Ferry services are provided by Stena Line Ferries and Irish Ferries
Coach
Snowdonia is accessible by coach with regular coach services available to Snowdonia and North Wales from London Victoria coach station; the journey time from London to Bangor is approx 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours depending on the service, time of day & traffic. There are also services from London to Llandudno, Porthmadog, Pwllheli and Caernarfon. Coach services are provided by National Express.
Whilst travelling by coach to Snowdonia is usually more time consuming than using rail and road, it is usually more cost effective.
Air
Anglesey Airport is located 20 miles from the city of Bangor in North Wales, there are flights from Cardiff to Anglesey with a flight time of 1 hour.
Liverpool Airport and Manchester Airport are located approx 2 hours drive from most parts of Snowdonia, the airports both have domestic and international flights.
For more information on public transport in Snowdonia including information on public transport and timetables please see: Snowdonia Transport from Traveline Cymru.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.