Arriva Trains Wales

Most train services in Wales are operated by Arriva Trains Wales, particularly those whose origin and destination are within Wales. First Great Western operates services from Swansea, Cardiff and Newport to and from London, whilst those from North Wales (Holyhead, Bangor, Rhyl and Wrexham) to London are served by Avanti West Coast.

All Arriva Trains Wales routes, times and train tickets can be found on Assertis Rail.

Services and Routes

Arriva Trains Wales services operate on four main routes - the North Wales main line from Holyhead and Bangor to Chester; the South Wales main line from Newport via Cardiff and Swansea to Pembroke, Fishguard (for ferry services to Ireland) and Milford Haven; the Cardiff - Manchester and North Wales route via Hereford, Shrewsbury, Wrexham and Chester; and the Cambrian lines from Birmingham, Telford and Shrewsbury across central Wales to Aberystwyth, Barmouth and Pwhelli. Arriva Trains Wales also operate 'Valley Lines' services from Cardiff and the highly scenic 'Heart of Wales' line from Shrewsbury to Swansea, via Llandrindod Wells and Llanelli.

A new premier service is the daily Holyhead - Cardiff service via Bangor, Chester, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Hereford and Newport. Bangor to Cardiff now takes just under 4 hours, with First Class accommodation and restaurant service with travelling chef and full wine list.

Arriva Trains Wales otherwise operates with Standard Class accommodation only, though many of the longer-distance services convey at-seat catering.