Arriva Trains Wales: Tickets, Timetables and Facilities

Arriva Trains Wales is a British train operating company owned by Arriva, operating the Wales & Borders franchise. Arriva is owned by Deutsche Bahn, the German state-owned railway. The Arriva Group’s history goes back to 1938 when the Cowie family opened a second-hand motorcycle shop in Sunderland. In March 2000 the UK government announced plans to create a separate Wales & Borders franchise. Arriva was awarded with it in August 2003, and took over the services operated by Wales & Borders December of the same year.

Arriva operates services on five routes: between the Midlands and North/Mid Wales, between South Wales and North Wales/Manchester, along the South Wales Coast Line to Cardiff and Swansea, along the North Wales Coast Line to Crewe and Manchester and route five is a network of commuter lines operating in and around Cardiff. The majority of Arriva Wales trains are for short distances, but they also have some high speed trains designated for longer distances on mainline routes.

Every train except the one connecting Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay has accommodations for wheelchair users, standard toilets, boarding ramps, and audible information. Arriva Trains Wales offers a Premier Service on selected trains between Holyhead and Cardiff. This service includes a meal cooked by a chef on board while hot and cold snacks are available for purchase from the buffet for standard class passengers.

Passengers may choose between ‘anytime’, ‘off-peak’ or ‘super off peak’ fares and large groups of travellers may benefit from cheaper group tickets for up nine people. Special scenic tickets are also available.