Jet-setters to get easier rail links to major airport

HOLIDAYMAKERS in northwest Wales could find it easier to reach Manchester Airport from next year.

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor [e-mail]

From May 2026 Transport for Wales is planning to extend its direct rail services from the airport to Holyhead via Bangor.

At present, the aim is to include stops in Penmaenmawr, Conwy and Llanfairfechan. Transport for Wales has said the plans are "subject to industry processes" with the May 2026 timetable yet to be validated.

While the extended rail connections are potentially good news for some passengers, the service will be re-routed away from Deganwy and Llandudno.

This was confirmed last month by transport minister Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport & North Wales, at Wales' first Public Transport Summit in Wrexham.

Existing stations on the route include Shotton, Flint, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Abergele & Pensarn, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno Junction.

Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders lobbied Transport for Wales to ensure the three new stops were included in Conwy.

She argued it would have been "extremely frustrating" for local residents to have to travel to Bangor or Llandudno Junction to catch a direct train when they have stations on their doorsteps.