Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wear a face covering/mask?

It is no longer a requirement to wear a face covering when travelling on public transport in Wales, including Heritage Railways. However Covid-19 is still in circulation and you should consider wearing a face covering by personal choice, and in consideration of others, when near other passengers.

How far ahead can we book tickets?

Tickets for normal service trains are available to pre-book for the whole of the 2023 season. Tickets for special events will be released a few weeks prior to each event.

When will my tickets arrive?

If you pre-book your journey with us online you will receive an e-ticket. You do not need to print this out but bring a copy on your mobile device or just keep a note of your order number. You can then check in at the station or with the guard before travelling.

If you purchase your ticket from a member of staff at the station you will be given a reference number by the guard or booking clerk.

Do I need to book tickets for my under 3 year old?

No, under 3’s don’t need a ticket, but they travel free on the basis that they are not allocated a seat and may have to sit on an adults lap. However, if you want to make sure that they have their own seat you can purchase a normal child ticket for them.

Can dogs travel on your trains?

Yes, dogs are welcome on our trains, provided their owners are well-behaved!

Dogs should be always kept under control and are not allowed to sit on the seats. It is your responsibility to make sure that your dog(s) do not cause a nuisance to other travellers.

A flat fare of £1.00 applies to dogs (except Assistance Dogs who travel for free).

Can we join the train at any station?

Yes, you can start and finish your journey at any of our stations or halts.

  • Llanuwchllyn (LL23 7DD - what3words location ///lake.union.node) is our main station with toilets, café and free parking.
  • Bala (LL23 7BS - what3words location ///symphony.tracking.lifeboats) has very limited roadside parking
  • Llangower (what3words location ///quote.title.river) is the mid-way station along our line where there is a small public car park with toilets.
  • Pentrepiod (what3words location ///everyone.ferrying.dolly) is a small wayside halt normally used by walkers or nearby campers.

Please note: a break of journey is only allowed at the destination to which you have booked. For example, if you have booked a return journey from Llanuwchllyn to Bala you can choose to book a later train back from Bala but you cannot break your journey at Llangower and continue on a later train. To do this you will need to book two separate return tickets, ensuring the return legs correspond.

Please check carefully which station you want to use before booking your tickets.

Most people book a return journey from our main station at Llanuwchllyn, or alternatively at Bala.

Can we do single journeys?

Yes, you can purchase tickets for a single journey.

Are you honouring discount tickets?

Yes, holders of HRA cards, GLTW cards, ATOC cards, Rail Riders members, Talyllyn Railway Society Members, Bala Lake Railway Society Members etc, should be issued with a discount code from your organisation. This will enable you to obtain tickets online. If you have not been given the discount code please telephone the railway.

Note: you will be required to show your cards when checking in to prove your eligibility.

Can I come back on any train?

No, your tickets are booked for specific departures and you must travel back on your booked train.

Do we have reserved seats?

Your booking guarantees you a set of seats on the train(s) that you have booked on although we do not reserve a specific set of seats for you.

On arrival you can choose your seats in either an enclosed or open carriage according to availability on a first come first served basis.

I arrived late at the station and missed my train, can I get the next one?

No, unfortunately not.

Please allow plenty of time to get to your departure station. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early and check that you are heading for the correct station for the start of your journey.

Do not rely on Google searches as Google will generally direct you to our main station at Llanuwchllyn. The information you need is on your e-ticket.

Can I purchase tickets at the station?

Yes, from one of our staff at Llanuwchllyn or Bala stations if there is still space available on the train(s) that you wish to travel on. Please note you can only purchase full fare tickets from our staff at the railway. There are discounts on most fares when purchased online.

You can still purchase our reduced priced tickets online at our stations via your mobile device until a few minutes before the train departs.

You must book tickets online if you are starting your journey at Llangower or Pentrepiod.

To avoid disappointment please book your tickets in advance. If you arrive at the station without tickets, we will ask you to book your tickets online if you can. There are discounts for most tickets when you book them yourself.

Can we bring a pushchair or a bike with us on the train?

No, unfortunately due to the limited capacity on our trains we are currently unable to accommodate bikes, prams or pushchairs.

Is your café open?

Yes, our café at Llanuwchllyn station is open every day when trains are running.

Are your toilets open?

Yes, our toilets at Llanuwchllyn station are open.

Note: There are no toilets at Bala station

If the weather is poor, can I cancel or change my booking?

Unfortunately not, our trains run in all weather and your booking is only valid for the specific trains that you have booked. If the weather is an important factor in your decision you can always make your booking closer to your planned date of travel provided we still have availability.

Please note that to maintain seating capacity our open carriages will be in use in all weathers, and as seats are filled on a first come basis you may be seated in an open carriage even in inclement weather and you should dress appropriately. Refunds will not be given should you choose not to travel in these circumstances.