Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
First Great Western
( 08457 000 125;
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
)
Operates the London (Padding-
ton)-Cardiff-Swansea route.
Virgin Trains
(
08719 774 222;
www.virgintrains.co.uk
) Operates the London (Euston)-Chester-Holyhead route.
Classes & Costs
There are two classes of rail travel in the UK: 1st class and 'standard' class. First class costs about 50% more than
standard and simply isn't worth the extra money.
You can roll up to a station and buy a standard single (one way) or return ticket, but this is often the dearest way to
go. Each train company sets its own fares and has its own discounts, and passengers can only use tickets on services op-
erated by the company that issued the ticket.
You might find that the same journey will have a different fare depending on whether you buy it at the station, over
the phone or online. The fare system is so bizarre that in some cases two singles are cheaper than a return ticket, and
even a one-way journey can be cheaper if you split it into two (ie if you're going from A to C, it can be cheaper to buy a
single from A to B, and another single from B to C; go figure). You can check your options at
The least expensive fares have advance-purchase and minimum-stay requirements, as well as limited availability.
Children under five years travel free; those aged between five and 15 pay half-price for most tickets. When travelling
with children, it is almost always worth buying a Family & Friends Railcard.
Main fare classifications:
Advance
Has limited availability so must be booked well in advance; can only be used on the specific trains booked.
Anytime
Buy any time, travel any time.
Off-peak
Buy any time, travel outside peak hours.
Railcards
Railcards are valid for one year and entitle the holder to discounts of up to 30% on most rail (and some ferry) fares in
the UK. You can buy a railcard at most train stations or at
www.railcard.co.uk
,
but it must be delivered to a UK address.
Railcards are accepted by all train companies.
16-25 Railcard
(£28) For those aged 16 to 25 years, or a full-time UK student of any age.
Disabled Persons Railcard
(£20) Applies to its holder and one person accompanying them.
Family & Friends Railcard
(£28) Allows discounts for up to four adults travelling together (only one needs to hold a
card and you'll need one child in tow), and a 60% discount on children's fares.
Senior Railcard
(£28) For anyone aged over 60.
Train Passes
BritRail passes (available only to non-Brits and bought overseas) are not cost effective for a holiday in Wales. The fol-
lowing local passes, both available through National Rail, will be more useful. They allow unlimited one-day rail travel
on weekdays after 9am and on all weekends and holidays.
Cambrian Coaster Day Ranger
(£10.50) Valid between Pwllheli and Machynlleth or Aberystwyth.
Heart of Wales Circular Day Rover
(£34) Circular trip in either direction on the Heart of Wales line from Cardiff to
Shrewsbury.
