Trains to Aberystwyth
Regular direct trains normally run every two hours between Birmingham and Aberystwyth via Shrewsbury and Mid Wales.
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, changing to the direct Aberystwyth train at 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 X40 bus 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.
Times and Fares
Typical times and fares, as published in January 2012:
| Travelling from | Typical time | Fares |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham New Street | 3 hours, direct |
£48.30 standard return Book ahead from £13 single. |
| Cardiff Central | 4 hours, 1 change |
£55.40 standard return Book ahead from £17 single. |
| London Euston | 5 hours, 1 change |
£69.10 standard return Book ahead from £11 single. |
| Manchester Piccadilly | 4 hours, 1 change |
£55.80 standard return Book ahead from £13 single. |
| Newcastle upon Tyne | 6¾ hours, 1 change |
£124.60 standard return Book ahead from £18 single. |
| Southampton Central | 6¼ hours, 1 change |
£95.80 standard return Book ahead from £20 single. |
Cheap same-day return tickets are available for day trips from many towns in Wales and the Midlands, such as the £26.20 fare from Birmingham New Street to Aberystwyth.
For the best deal, book your tickets ahead at a station through Virgin Trains or one of the other online ticket sellers. For example, by booking a few weeks before travelling and committing to travel at a specific time you could travel from London to Aberystwyth for as little as £22 return.
Some online ticket sites charge booking fees and credit card fees. You can avoid these by using the Virgin Trains or Arriva Trains Wales sites, which do not charge such fees.
Travel Tips
- If you have the choice, it's usually easier to change trains at Wolverhampton than at Birmingham New Street.
- Often, trains to Aberystwyth are combined with trains to Pwllheli for most of their journey. The two parts of the train are separated at Machynlleth, with only one half going to Aberystwyth. Make sure you travel in the right half of the train.
- From London, there are no restrictions on using cheaper 'Off Peak Return' tickets in the evening rush hour if travelling through to Aberystwyth. Staff at London Euston are sometimes unaware of this and it is useful to reserve a seat or print a copy of your journey itinerary to prove that you are not subject to the restrictions placed on shorter-distance journeys along this route.
- Trains are often very busy so consider reserving a seat and avoid carrying too much luggage.
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 or travelling with children.