Talyllyn Railway
Steam through the charming Fathew valley in Snowdonia National Park. Enjoy glorious coastline, ancient woodlands, mountains, waterfalls and a viaduct.
Talyllyn Railway
Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Southern Snowdonia, stepping back in time to enjoy the 14.5-mile round trip, which has been running along the same route since 1865. TIMETABLE
As the world's first preserved steam railway, they know all about making journeys special: even a short trip on the Talyllyn will help you unwind – so much so, you will want to do it all over again.
The Talyllyn Railway starts from Tywyn on the Mid-Wales coast, halfway between Barmouth and Aberystwyth on the A493 road. Opened in 1865, the line, a narrow-gauge railway powered by steam locomotives, was built to carry slate from quarries in the hills. The quarries closed in 1946 but the daily passenger train carried on.
In 1951 the railway was taken over by the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society, the first such in the world, and it is the volunteer members of the Society together with a small dedicated full-time workforce who run the Railway today.
The original two Victorian steam locomotives and four passenger coaches are still in regular use, together with others which have been built or acquired over the years. The original Victorian train which opened the line runs on selected Thursdays, and this trip includes a personal tour guide.
The stations are at Tywyn Wharf (connecting to the Cambrian Coast Line), Pendre, Rhydyronen, Brynglas, Dolgoch Falls, Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol.
Refreshments are available at Abergynolwyn, and at Wharf station there is a licensed café, well-stocked gift shop and the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum (free entry to site).
Wharf Station
Tywyn
Gwynedd
LL36 9EY
LL36 9EY
Find Us
By Train
The nearest mainline railway station is Tywyn, on the Cambrian Coast line, operated by Transport for Wales.
By Bus
The following buses go to Tywyn:
28: Dolgellau – Fairbourne – Llwyngwril –Tywyn – Aberdyfi – Machynlleth
x29: Tywyn – Aberdyfi – Machynlleth
29: Tywyn local service
30: Dolgellau/Machynlleth – Talyllyn – Abergynolwyn – Tywyn
By Car
Tywyn, the Talyllyn’s main terminus, is located on the Cardigan Bay coast of Wales, between Aberdyfi and Barmouth, approximately 30 miles north of the university town of Aberystwyth.
Parking
Car parking is available across the bridge over the mainline railway.
(Please note this is a council operated car park and the costs is £1.00 for every 4 hours – coins only. Other charges apply for coaches).
Stay
Discounts off stays with our Card
*available at selected accommodation
Cross Foxes Bar Grill Rooms
A 5 Star award winning Bar, Grill and Rooms in a Grade 11 listed building. Nestled at the foot of Cadair Idris Mountain and 13 miles from village of Llanuwchllyn. *Accommodation Offer
Merton Villa
Situated in Tywyn the guest house in conveniently located just a short walk away from many of the local attractions and the blue flag awarded beach.
Hendy Farm
Enjoy Bed and Breakfast* on a working farm with its own halt on the Talyllyn Railway. Or book one of the five beautiful 5 star graded cottages. Sleeps from 2 to 6. *Accommodation Offer
Nearby
King Arthur’s Labyrinth
Situated at Corris Craft Centre, Machynlleth, a Dark Age Boatman guides you through immense caverns telling ancient Welsh stories.
St Cadfan’s Church
This church in Tywyn contains St Cadfan's Stone dating from the eighth or ninth century and inscribed with the oldest known written Welsh.
Photo © Chris Andrews (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Castell y Bere
At the foot of Cader Idris in the Dysynni Valley, Castell y Bere is a fine example of Wales’s native castles.