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Getting to and around Snowdonia National ParkLike the Peak District, Snowdonia has a strong public transport tradition. The high peaks and stunning landscape of Eryri are accessible thanks to a superb public transport network of buses, trains and narrow gauge railways. The best way to reach the National Park is undoubtedly the North Wales Coast line from Crewe and Manchester via Chester (through trains from London) to Llandudno Junction for the superbly scenic Conwy Valley Line to Bleanau Ffestiniog. From Bleaunau during the summer months there is full integration with the stunningly beautiful narrow gauge steam Festiniog Railway through the Vale of Ffestiniog down to Porthmadog, around the Ddualt spiral - one of the most spectacular short rail journeys in Europe. A network of Sherpa buses takes you into the northern core of the National Park around the Snowdon massif; starting from Llandudno, Betwys y Coed, Bangor, Caernarvon, Porthmadog and Llanberis. The buses stop at Pen-y-Pas, Llyn Ogwen and Capel Curig - the starting points for walks up Snowdon, Glyder and Carneddau ranges. In summer the S2 route runs from Llandudno. |
 
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Other places to see with a little help form a Sherpa bus are Beddgelert - a mountain village with a copper mine and Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed. The Sherpa Day Ticket costs £4.00, or £2 concessions, cheap single or return tickets are also available. The Bargain Red Rover ticket is also valid on these services.
Southern Snowdonia is best served by rail from Birmingham and
Shrewsbury, via the Cambrian Coast Line, via Machynlleth
to Barmouth, Harlech and Porthmadog. At Tywyn there
is interchange with the narrow gauge Talyllyn steam railway,
another of the Great Little Trains of Wales, and the world's oldest
preserved railway providing access to some spectacular countryside.
One of the loveliest bus routes in Snowdonia is in fact a rail replacement
service from Wrexham (Wrecsham) via
Llangollen to Barmouth via Bala and Dolgellau |
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Fares and Tickets : The Freedom of Wales Flexi pass is the ideal way of travelling to and getting around Snowdonia at a budget price. Options include the whole of Wales for 8 days, ) or a 7 day North and Mid Wales Flexi Rover (with further discounts for Railcards holders). You can travel by train from Crewe or Shrewsbury into Snowdonia and then enjoy unlimited travel on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland (Caernarfon) Railways, and on most local buses including the Snowdon Sherpa network, Arriva Cymru, Express Motors, KMP and all Gwynedd supported rural services. There are also generous discounts for ticket holders on attractions including Caernarfon, Harlech and Conwy castles, several National Trust properties and the Bala and Llanberis Lake railways, as well as £1 off Youth Hostel overnight rates in Wales. Red Rover tickets cover all bus services in northern Snowdonia, and all train and bus services in the Conwy Valley,including the entire 5/5X bus route between Llandudno, Bangor and Caernarfon. They also offer a discount of £1.00 on Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Useful Contacts: National Park Information tel: 01690 710426 or 01341 422888 Public Transport Information::0870 6082 608 (Gwynedd) 01286 679535 (Conwy) 01492 574000 Timetables: Gwynedd and Conwy Public Transport timetables contain all standard gauge rail and bus services to and within the National Park - free of charge from travel centres, TIC or by phoning the enquiry lines above: Best Places to stay without a car: Llanberis, Betws y Coed, Bedgellert, Llanwrst, Porthmadog, Barmouth, Llandudno |
 
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