Transport for Wales
Here's all you need to know about Transport for Wales.
Transport for Wales has taken over all existing Arriva Trains Wales routes that serve train journeys within the country. Like Arriva Trains Wales, Transport for Wales will continue to link passengers in Wales to destinations in England including Crewe, Chester and Manchester Piccadilly.
While this is a change in train operators, customers who currently use the Arriva Trains Wales network will not be affected by the switch. All pre-booked and Season tickets, travel vouchers are still valid and train times will run as normal even if only part of your journey was booked with Arriva Trains Wales.
Family train tickets
The TfW Family ticket is a Return train ticket allowing up to two children under 16 to travel free on their network with every fare-paying adult.
- Children travel free any time of day, peak or off-peak.
- Buy your ticket online and store it on your phone - no queuing at ticket offices.
- Valid on services using TfW's network run by other train operators.
Perfect for school holidays, weekend getaways or family day trips.
Family ticket terms and conditions
Attraction discounts in South Wales
BBC Tours
Just moments from Cardiff Central station, BBC Cymru Wales invites you behind the scenes at its award-winning tours.
Discover how your favourite shows are made, explore cutting-edge technology and even try your hand at presenting the news or weather.
How to redeem: Use code BBC15 when booking at bbc.co.uk/tours.
Terms and conditions
Customers must present a valid ‘same day’ train ticket on arrival.
The offer is valid on standard tickets only.
Valid until April 2026.
Chester Zoo
Take the X1 bus from outside Chester station and arrive at the zoo in just 15 minutes.
Terms and conditions
One half price ticket for every full price ticket.
Under 12 months always go free.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Must show a valid same day TfW train ticket between Welsh origin station and Chester for each member of the visiting group.
Pre-booking not required, this offer is available on the day and redeemed from ticket sales at the zoo gates.
Offer excludes free carer tickets and is only valid with full paying adult or child tickets.
Chester Zoo have the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Explore a real rainforest with hundreds of animals, from crocodiles to meerkats.
How to redeem:
Rail passengers: Book online and enter code ‘DAYSOUT20’ at checkout.
Traws passengers: Book online and enter code ‘TRAWS20’ at checkout
Terms and conditions
Valid on General Admission and Special Events, excluding Dinomania, Halloween and Christmas.
Visitors must present a valid train or bus ticket for same-day travel upon check-in.
Valid for online bookings only.
Cadw Historic Sites
Get two entry tickets for the price of one when you visit some of the best known landmarks in Wales by train.
Find out more: 2-for-1 entry Historic Landmarks offer.
Brecon Mountain Railway
Travel through the breathtaking Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park aboard meticulously restored steam locomotives.
Built on part of the abandoned Brecon & Merthyr Railway, originally constructed in 1859, this historic steam railway runs from Pant near Merthyr Tydfil to Torpantau, following the path of the original route.
How to redeem: Show your TfW train ticket upon arrival.
Terms and conditions
Discount available on full line returns only, not valid for special events
or single tickets.
Booking in Advance is recommend.
Please present valid same day train ticket on arrival.
Talyllyn Railway
Explore the fascinating history of the Talyllyn Railway, steaming since 1865 and is the World’s first preserved railway. Discover the links to the slate quarry at Bryneglwys and the village of Abergynolwyn. A fantastic day out Rain or Shine.
How to redeem: Show your TfW train ticket upon arrival.
Terms and conditions
Offer valid until 31 March 2026.
Pembrokeshire Coastal Cottages
Get £50 off full price stays when you arrive by train with Transport for Wales.
Full terms and conditions and offer detail can be found here.
Transport for Wales map
Unsure about where to start your adventure? Use our Transport for Wales map to plan out where you want to go. Enjoy speedy services to locations in and around Wales such as Cardiff, Swansea, Holyhead to places in England like Shrewsbury, Crewe and Birmingham.
Let Transport for Wales show you the way around Wales. From the biggest cities in the country, connect to smaller regions and towns as well as popular hubs in England like Manchester and Chester and places further afield.
Want to learn more about the Welsh rail network? Head to our Wales Rail Map page for more information.
Popular Transport for Wales routes
Wales is a nation full of surprises and if you need a friendly nudge in the right direction, look at these awesome route ideas. And why not plan ahead by checking out our Transport for Wales train times page?
How to get cheap Transport for Wales tickets
If you're after cheap UK train tickets, check out the hints below and see how you could bag yourself a bargain. We'll even highlight the cheapest prices!
Book in advance
Transport for Wales tickets usually go on sale 3 months before the date of travel. Look out for Advance tickets, as these tend to be cheaper when they're first released. Be quick though, as they sell out on busier routes.
Find out more about our Advance ticket alert tool.
Travel Off-Peak
When travelling by train in the UK, you can benefit from reduced fares by choosing times of day that are less busy. When searching for Transport for Wales tickets with us, we'll display all available tickets and options, highlighting the cheapest ones.
Learn more about Off-Peak train times.
Price Prediction
Our clever little Price Prediction tool will peek into the future and let you know when Transport for Wales ticket prices are about to rise – meaning you'll never miss out on the best value fares. Beat the rush and save on price too. (Currently available in the UK app only)
Discover the magic of Price Prediction.
Season tickets
If you travel on the same route more than three times a week, then a Transport for Wales Season ticket could help you to save both valuable time and money. Not only that, they're available in a number of flexible options to suit different time frames.
Check out our Season ticket Calculator today to get started.
Consider a Railcard
They're types of train discount cards you can buy for £35 for unlimited use. You can get up to a 1/3 off the price of Off-Peak train tickets when using a Railcard. From kids to elderly people, there are great discounts out there to be had.
Find out more about Railcards or renewing a Railcard.
Discover digital tickets
Enjoy smoother Transport for Wales journeys – go straight to the train when you use tickets on your phone. 94% of our customers wouldn't use anything else! Mobile Tickets will get sent directly to your Trainline app and etickets can be opened on your phone as a PDF. Both let you skip the queues at the ticket machine and breeze straight through the gates using your phone. They’re available on most Transport for Wales journeys, so be sure to select this option when you book.
Learn more about Mobile Tickets and etickets.
Transport for Wales Business (First) Class
Whether you're travelling for work, leisure or a bit of both, Transport for Wales' Business Class option offers the best in comfort and style.
Travelling in Business Class with Transport for Wales is a great way of commuting in style and comfort in and around Wales. Business Class is Transport for Wales' First Class alternative that’s only available on journeys between Holyhead and Cardiff.
So, what do you get when you upgrade to a Business (First) Class ticket on Transport for Wales? On morning services, there’s a complimentary hot breakfast, freshly prepared onboard with locally-sourced ingredients.
For those taking evening trains, there’s a three-course meal available with delights such as Welsh black ribeye steaks, poached salmon and wild mushroom risotto on the menu to combat any hunger that strikes onboard.
Transport for Wales also offers an extensive wine list and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Couple this with more table space and extra legroom, choosing to travel on Business Class is a perfect complement to the business traveller and those who need the most luxurious surroundings.
Find out more about travelling First Class in the UK.
Taking your bike on a Transport for Wales train
Planning a day out on your bike? Or cycling as part of your commute to work? You’re in luck. Taking bikes on trains in the UK is completely free.
Transport for Wales recommends that you make a reservation for your full-sized bike wherever you’re given the option. During Peak hours Monday to Friday, bikes are not permitted on some of their Valleys and Cardiff local routes.
If you’re taking a fold-up bike on board there’s no need for a reservation, but you must be able to carry the bike and fit it in the luggage rack on the train.
Find out more about taking bikes on trains in the UK.
Trains from Cardiff to Swansea
The train route from Cardiff to Swansea is one of the most popular on the whole Transport for Wales network. They're an essential link between South Wales’ largest but strongly independent cities.
Transport for Wales run four trains per hour during peak times and the trip from Cardiff to Swansea by train takes under 60 minutes. This makes this Transport for Wales route a fantastic and convenient alternative to driving. Booking train tickets for this route in advance can also give a great opportunity to get cheap rail tickets for this journey, which is great for business travel or day trips.
Things to do in Cardiff range from fun days out seeing historical sights, catching a sporting event or concerts or even just a little retail therapy and a night out! The Principality Stadium hosts musical events and Welsh Rugby games, creating an atmosphere that is only seen to be believed. If it is the culture you want, Cardiff Bay or the Wales Millennium Centre provide a change of pace and let you take in some of the history of the local area and with things to learn and sights to see.
Swansea offers a welcome break for those looking for a relaxing weekend away. With a number of beaches and waterfronts to experience, including Gower Peninsula and Three Cliffs Bay, there is plenty of space to unwind as well as taking in the coastal sights.
Search for Cardiff to Swansea trains or check out our guide to South Wales trains for more information about the South Wales rail network.
Top Transport for Wales destinations
Need a bit of information ahead of your next trip? Check out these popular Transport for Wales destinations for travel details and nearby attractions.
Transport for Wales Delay Repay
Did you know you can claim Delay Repay if your Transport for Wales train was delayed by 15 minutes or more? Check out our dedicated page to Delay Repay for more details.
Good to know
Travelling with Transport for Wales? Find out everything you need to know about Transport for Wales onboard facilities here.
Can I bring a bike on a Transport for Wales service?
What are Transport for Wales peak hours?
Is there WiFi on board Transport for Wales services?
Contact information
Got a query about your Transport for Wales journey? Get in touch online.
Customer service enquiries
If you want to get in touch with our customer support team about a booking you've made with us, visit our help section.
Delays, lost property and onboard services
If you would like more information regarding Transport for Wales times, lost property or onboard facilities, then please call Transport for Wales on + (44) 333 321 1202.
*Tickets are subject to availability. Selected routes only. Tickets must be purchased at least 3 days before travel. Advance Sale prices and discount stated are valid only to purchase Standard. Advance tickets between the sale period of 2nd-8th September 2025, for journeys on selected Transport for Wales train services made between 5th and 25th September 2025. National Rail terms and conditions of travel apply.