Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Harbour Station,
Porthmadog,
LL49 9NF
Tel: 01766 516000
Fax: 01766 516005
Email: info@festrail.co.uk
Web: http://www.festrail.co.uk
Customer Reviews: Click HERE!

Ffestiniog Railway
The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the world - being founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832. It introduced the world's first narrow gauge steam locomotives in 1863 and four of the original locos still remain.

The railway was built as a gravity and horse drawn line to transport slate from the quarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. As the slate industry flourished, so did the railway and the town of Porthmadog. Slates from Blaenau Ffestiniog were exported to ports all over the globe - many in ships built in Porthmadog.

The line is perhaps best-known for its fleet of unique Double Fairlie locomotives, built by the railway's own engineers in the oldest railway workshops in use anywhere in the world.

Over the last fifty years, the Ffestiniog Railway has become one of Wales' top tourist attractions. Visitors to the railway can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of Snowdonia as they pass through areas inaccessible by road and undisturbed by the sights and sounds of modern life. At Porthmadog, the line connects with the Welsh Highland Railway and trains to Beddgelert and Caernarfon.

Welsh Highland Railway
Starting from the historic town of Caernarfon, the Welsh Highland Railway is North Wales' newest narrow-gauge railway and the UK's longest heritage line, operating the world's most powerful narrow gauge steam locomotives.

The magnificent scenery of the Snowdonia National Park is best experienced from one of these trains as you sit back and enjoy the view during the 25 mile journey. The railway runs past the foot of Snowdon, to the picture postcard village of Beddgelert, through the beautiful Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog.

Trains operate daily during July and August and most days of the week from April to June and in September and October. A full return trip takes around five hours, but shorter journeys to other stations are also available. Leave the car behind and experience a comfortable ride in high-quality carriages with on-train refreshments and freshly-cooked food served at your seat. All trains also offer luxury first class travel in Pullman carriages at a small supplement.

At Porthmadog, the railway shares its station with the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway with trains to Tan y Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog, where connections can be made with the Conwy Valley line for onward travel to the North Wales coast.

Opening Times 2012
Welsh Highland: Services begin on Sunday 11th February.
Ffestiniog: Services begin on Wednesday 22nd February.
For full details, visit our website HERE

Sample Fares:
Porthmadog - Blaenau Ffestiniog. Adult 3rd. class return: £19.60.
Porthmadog - Caernarfon. Adult 3rd. class return: £33.00.
For full details, visit our website HERE

Disabled Passengers:
Carriages on some trains have extra wide doors for standard width wheelchairs. Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu Stations have ramped access routes and specially adapted toilet facilities (for further details please see our access statement ). To enable us to help you make the most of your visit, please let us know when you are coming by telephoning 01766 516024. NOTE: Guide / Assistance dogs travel free.

Directions

By Road:
Porthmadog has several large public car parks, as well as a small one at our station. The town becomes very congested in the summer, so we recommend that you use the car parks in, and start your journey from, Blaenau Ffestiniog or - better still - leave your car behind and make use of the excellent public transport in the area. Take advantage of the Combined Rail / Bus Rover tickets that are available, some of which give discounts on the Ffestiniog Railway.

Blaenau Ffestiniog has two public car parks adjacent to our station.

Caernarfon is just 20 minutes from the main A55 Expressway, giving easy access from Anglesey and the North Wales Coast. There are three large public car parks within 10 minutes walk of the station in addition to a small car park at the station itself. Follow the brown signs through the town.

Bus:
Porthmadog is well served by bus and coach services which stop in the main street near the station. Blaenau Ffestiniog station is also on some bus routes.
Caernarfon is well served by bus and coach services. From the main bus stops, walk towards the Castle Square. Cross the square, heading towards the castle. Turn left down the hill in front of the castle, then left again. The station is approximately 200 yards along this road.
For further information on local bus and train services in Wales contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.traveline-cymru.info or the Bws Gwynedd website . For further information on coach services contact National Express on 0870 580 8080.

Train:
Porthmadog’s main railway station, served by trains from Pwllheli, Harlech, Barmouth, Machynlleth and Birmingham New Street.
Phone 08457 484950

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