From cycling, buses and trains, there are many ways of getting to and travelling around Eryri without a car.
Getting to Eryri without a car
Eryri is well-connected by public transport. To the north, Bangor and Llandudno train stations are the best way to arrive. Both stations have direct links to major cities such as Manchester and London. To the south, Dyfi Junction station has a direct link to the Cambrian line—one of Wales’ most picturesque train lines. Dyfi Junction is accessible from Shrewsbury station.
If you’d like to visit the Betws y Coed area, you can take a direct service from Llandudno Junction to Betws y Coed train station. If you’re planning a visit to Dolgellau, Y Bala or Aberdyfi, Machynlleth is the best place to start. This small town to the south of the National Park’s border is accessible by train from Shrewsbury. Dolgellau itself is only a short 30-minute bus ride from Machynlleth. There are bus link to Y Bala from Dolgellau. Aberdyfi is a few train stops away from Machynlleth.
If you’re looking to visit Yr Wyddfa area, Bangor has the best bus links including the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service. The service will take you to any of the six routes to the summit from areas such as Betws y Coed, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Llanberis and Bangor.
Getting around Eryri without a car
Once you’ve arrived, there are a wealth of transport options available. The Cambrian line runs along the west shoreline of the National Park from Dyfi Junction station as far as Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula. The Conwy Valley line runs from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog stopping at Betws y Coed along the way.
Explore the Cambrian Line (Visit Wales website)
Conwy Valley Railway website
Eryri also has a wealth of heritage railway options. The Welsh Highland Railway is a picturesque line running from Caernarfon, past the western foothills of Yr Wyddfa, through the village of Beddgelert before arriving at Porthmadog. From Porthmadog, you can take the Ffestiniog Railway to reach Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Ffestiniog and Highland Railway website
There are also a number of other small heritage railways including Talyllyn Railway which runs between Tywyn and Dysynni, as well as the Padarn Railway and Llyn Tegid Railway.
Another popular way to explore the National Park is on two wheels. Cycling is a popular activity in Eryri and eBikes are becoming ever more accessible which is good news for those who aren’t overly keen on tackling the steep hills of Eryri without the assistance of an electric motor!
Public transportation is another option for getting around Eryri. Local buses run throughout the park, with routes connecting major towns and villages. The Snowdon Sherpa is a popular bus service that travels around the base of Snowdon, stopping at all the trailheads to the summit. At the Conwy Valley, you can make use of the new fflecsi bus service which takes you to various locations across the valley.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options in Eryri for travellers without a car. Hostels and campsites are available for budget-conscious travellers, while hotels and guesthouses offer more amenities. When choosing accommodation, consider its proximity to public transportation. You can plan most of your trips on public transport using the Traveline Cymru website.
Traveline Cymru
Accommodation in Eryri (Eryri Mountains and Coast website)
Visiting Eryri without a car can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it reduce your carbon footprint, but it also allows you to experience the park at a slower pace and experience the natural environment in a different way. With a little planning and flexibility, you can undoubtedly have a memorable car-less trip to Eryri.