Snowdon Mountain Railway
To the summit of Snowdon, since 1896. Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the most unique and wonderful railway journeys in the world.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Snowdon Mountain Railway has been welcoming visitors to Llanberis to experience the awe-inspiring journey by rack railway to the summit of Snowdon since 1896.
From the first views of the waterfall plunging into the gorge below at the start of the journey to the breathtaking sights over the sheer edge of Rocky Valley, every moment is memorable. One of the world’s greatest panoramas is revealed as the train reaches the Summit. From above the clouds, standing at the Summit of the highest mountain in Wales and England, both young and old can embrace the invigorating atmosphere of Eryri – Land of the Eagles.
Snowdon Summit’s visitor centre, Hafod Eryri, receives on average half a million visitors each year and it’s not hard to see why. On a clear day the views stretch as far as Ireland. The Summit café sells a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, making Hafod Eryri the highest refuelling station in Wales and England.
The Heritage Steam Experience on ‘The Snowdon Lily’ and ‘The Mountain Goat’.
Pushed by original Swiss steam locomotives from 1896, the heritage carriages are accurate reconstructions of the Snowdon Mountain Tramroad & Hotels Co.'s observation carriages. The Snowdon Lily and The Mountain Goat are built on the original chassis and bogies from the carriages of 1896. Travel the way our ancestors did as you journey through the clouds to Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon.
Passengers who prefer a little more room are advised to book their trip on the Heritage Steam Experience, seating 34 with a central isle. An average of three departures leave Llanberis from June to the end of October (weather permitting) and pre-booking is advisable to avoid disappointment. The return journey duration is approximately two and a half hours, which includes a 30-minute stop at the Summit.
The Traditional Diesel Service
New passenger carriages were built in 2013 for our Traditional Diesel Service to ensure that visitors to North Wales can continue to enjoy the Snowdon Mountain Railway experience for many years to come.
Pushed by Hunslet Engine Company diesel locomotives, the contemporary diesel carriages seat up to 60 passengers. Departures leave Llanberis (weather permitting) from March until the end of October.
The Early Season (March-May)
During the early season (March-May) trains will run to Clogwyn ¾ up the mountain, where the unsheltered viewing platform offers spectacular views to the valleys below. The railways exact opening and closing dates are dependent on weather conditions, please check the website for confirmation of operating dates.
Llanberis
Gwynedd
LL55 4TT
LL55 4TT
Find Us
By Train
The nearest BR station is Bangor.
By Bus
Caernarfon/Bangor and Snowdon Sherpa buses stop at Llanberis.
By Car
7.5 miles from Caernarfon, 10 miles from Bangor, 17 miles from Betws-y-Coed.
Parking
There is a pay and display car park behind Llanberis Station.
More great little trains
Stay
10% off with our Discount Card
*available at selected accommodation
Padarn Hotel Bistro Bar Rooms
Situated in the beautiful village of Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon, 100m from Padarn Lake and a 5-min walk to the Snowdon Mountain Railway and 20-min to Llanberis Lake Railway.
Glyn Afon Guest House
Glyn Afon Guest house is in the heart of Llanberis close to the shops, cafes and restaurants. It is a 10-min walk to the Snowdon Mountain Railway and 20-min to Llanberis Lake Railway.
The Royal Victoria Hotel
The Royal Victoria Hotel is set in 30 acres of gardens and woodland including the historic castle of Dolbadarn. It is a 1-min walk to the Snowdon Mountain Railway and 15-min to Llanberis Lake Railway.
Nearby
Ropeworks Active
Ropeworks Active is set in beautiful woodland in Llanberis, with breath-taking views of lakes and mountains, Ropeworks Active is a memorable experience for families, groups or individuals.
Electric Mountain
The Electric Mountain Visitor Centre is now closed for refurbishment. We hope to back in the new and improved Visitor Centre in 2020.
National Slate Museum
The National Slate Museum Llanberis offers free entry, with year round demonstrations and talks including slate splitting demonstrations from the friendly quarrymen.