Ffestiniog Railway
Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, Snowdonia
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
What to expect
The Ffestiniog Railway is one of the oldest narrow-gauge railways in the world, running 13 and a half miles from the harbour at Porthmadog up through Snowdonia to the old slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The trains are small steam locomotives, and the line climbs through woodland, over viaducts and through a tunnel, with views of mountains and the sea. It was built to carry slate to the coast.
Tips before you go
- Book seats ahead in summer, as services sell out.
- Combine with the Welsh Highland Railway for a longer journey.
- Check the timetable, as it varies by season.
Book or plan it
Prices and availability change, so compare. These are affiliate links.
Where to base yourself
Wales's mountain heartland, with Snowdon at its centre
A weekend in HarlechGwyneddA castle on a cliff above a golden beach and the Snowdonia mountains
What to pack
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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Related activities
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a rack and pinion railway that climbs from Llanberis for nearly five miles toward the summit of Snowdon.
Snowdon walkSnowdonia (Eryri), WalesSnowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres.
Mountain biking at Coed y BreninNear Dolgellau, Snowdonia, WalesCoed y Brenin forest is widely known as one of the UK's first purpose-built mountain bike trail centres, with graded trails from gentle family loops to hard technical descents.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ffestiniog Railway?
The route is about 13.5 miles, and the journey takes roughly an hour each way.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.