- Recommended
Conwy Valley Railway Museum
Railway museum at Betws-y-Coed station with historic locomotives, signals and displays that explain local rail travel and engineering heritage.
Cheapest price
£66
Average price
£66
Fastest journey
5 h 33 m
Average duration
5 h 33 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
184 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Betws-y-Coed is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Betws-y-Coed will cost around £66 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Betws-y-Coed every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 184 km distance in an average of 5 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 33 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 33 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Betws-y-Coed trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:23 Cardiff | 4h32 | 13:55 Betws-y-Coed | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cardiff to Betws-y-Coed run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:19, the last at 19:03. The fastest train covers the 184 km distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 184 km |
Average train duration 4h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 30m |
First train 5:19 |
Last train 19:03 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Betws-y-Coed — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Betws-y-Coed trip today.
Railway museum at Betws-y-Coed station with historic locomotives, signals and displays that explain local rail travel and engineering heritage.
Gallery in a converted church showing Welsh and international artists, with changing exhibitions in an atmospheric Victorian interior.
Independent gallery featuring contemporary Welsh art and craft, a good stop for locally inspired paintings, prints and sculpture.
Popular riverside beauty spot where the Llugwy rushes through rocky pools and woodland, reached by easy paths from the village centre.
Wooded river gorge with dramatic cascades, suspension bridge views and scenic walking paths that showcase the area's rugged landscape.
Forestry-managed riverside woodland with accessible trails, lake views and mountain-bike links, ideal for a quieter escape near the village.
Traditional Welsh fruit loaf baked with tea-soaked dried fruit and spices, often served sliced with salted butter. A classic teatime treat across North Wales.
Rich lamb and root vegetable broth or stew long linked with Welsh farmhouse cooking. It is a comforting regional staple, especially in cooler weather.
Seaweed purée slow-cooked into a savoury paste, traditionally eaten at breakfast in Wales. It reflects the country’s coastal food heritage.
Popular casual bistro and café serving modern British dishes, brunch and coffee in a relaxed village setting near the station.
Traditional pub with a long history, known for hearty meals, local ales and a cosy atmosphere in the centre of Betws-y-Coed.
Smart restaurant and bar at The Royal Oak Hotel serving Welsh produce, grills and seasonal dishes in a polished but comfortable setting.
Moderate for a UK rural tourist village. Accommodation can be pricey in peak season, but pub meals, cafés and local transport are generally manageable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés may have a tip jar, but it is not expected.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Betws-y-Coed by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Betws-y-Coed, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Betws-y-Coed trains use the Cardiff Central to Betws-y-Coed station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Betws-y-Coed train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Betws-y-Coed has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food options include: The Log Cabin, Alpine Coffee Shop
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Betws-y-Coed: Parking.
Available at Betws-y-Coed: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Betws-y-Coed: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access is available to the station from Station Road, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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