Trains to Aberystwyth

Passengers arriving in Aberystwyth by train

Direct trains normally run every two hours between Birmingham and Aberystwyth via Shrewsbury and Mid Wales along what is known as the 'Cambrian Line'.

Trains to Aberystwyth are busy, but generally good value and reliable; during 2012, 94% of Cambrian Line trains arrived within 10 minutes of their scheduled time.

From the Midlands

Direct Arriva Trains Wales services are available from Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Smethwick Galton Bridge, Telford Central, Wellington and Shrewsbury.

From Greater London

Depart from London Euston or Watford Junction using Virgin Trains, then change trains at Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street or Wolverhampton.

From South Wales

Direct trains operate to Shrewsbury, where you can connect with the train on to Aberystwyth. From Swansea, Carmarthen and west Wales it is usually quicker to make use of the direct buses from Carmarthen to Aberystwyth.

From the rest of the UK

Direct services from most parts of the country connect with the Aberystwyth trains at Birmingham New Street or Shrewsbury. See also: airport links.

Times and Fares

For the best value book your tickets ahead at a station, or online through retailers including Virgin Trains, MyTrainTicket or the Arriva Trains Wales website. By committing to travel at a specific time using 'Advance' tickets you can often make significant savings.

Travelling from	Typical time	Standard Class Fares (March 2013)
Birmingham New Street	3 hours, direct	£50.80 return, bought on day of travel Book ahead from £14 single.
Cardiff Central	4 hours, 1 change	£57.20 return, bought on day of travel Book ahead from £18 single.
London Euston	5 hours, 1 change	£72.00 return, bought on day of travel Book ahead from £11.50 single.
Manchester Piccadilly	4 hours, 1 change	£58.70 return, bought on day of travel Book ahead from £14 single.
Newcastle upon Tyne	6¾ hours, 1 change	£129.80 return, bought on day of travel Book ahead from £19 single.
Southampton Central	6¼ hours, 1 change	£99.80 return, bought on day of travel Book ahead from £21 single.

Cheap same-day return tickets are available for day trips from many towns in Wales and the Midlands, such as the £28.60 fare from Birmingham to Aberystwyth.

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Travel Tips

If you have the choice, it's usually easier to change trains at Wolverhampton than at Birmingham New Street.
Trains to Aberystwyth often run combined with trains to Pwllheli, with the two halves dividing at Machynlleth. Make sure you travel in the right carriage.
Travelling from London to Aberystwyth, there is no restriction on using flexible 'Off Peak Return' tickets in the evening rush hour. Staff at London Euston are sometimes unaware of this and it is useful to reserve a seat or print a copy of your itinerary to prove that you are not subject to the same restrictions as shorter-distance commuters using this route.
Non-amendable 'Advance' tickets are often cheaper for longer journeys. They're issued for specific trains and available only in limited quantities so book early. Note, though, that the earliest such tickets will go on sale is 12 weeks ahead of travel (the national list of booking dates is useful).

Discounts with Railcards

People who make regular use of trains between Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth and Pwllheli may benefit from a Cambrian Railcard. For £5 a year, it gives local residents a third off most rail fares along the route.

National Railcards are also available for people aged over 60, under 26, disabled, in full-time education or travelling with children.