Welsh Highland Railway
Caernarfon to Porthmadog, Snowdonia
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
What to expect
The Welsh Highland Railway is a 25-mile narrow-gauge line that runs from Caernarfon through the heart of Snowdonia to Porthmadog, one of the longest heritage railways in Britain. It passes the foot of Snowdon at Rhyd Ddu, runs through the Aberglaslyn Pass and stops at Beddgelert, a pretty village on the river. The scenery is spectacular, from mountains to coast.
Tips before you go
- Book ahead in the summer, as seats sell out.
- Combine the trip with a stop at Beddgelert or a walk up Snowdon.
- Check timetables, which vary by season.
Book or plan it
Prices and availability change, so compare. These are affiliate links.
Where to base yourself
What to pack
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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.
Ffestiniog RailwayPorthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, SnowdoniaThe 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.
Snowdon walkSnowdonia (Eryri), WalesSnowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the whole Welsh Highland Railway in a day?
Yes. A return trip from Caernarfon to Porthmadog takes about five hours, plus time in Porthmadog.
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.