Christmas breaks in Wales | Transport for Wales

Update: Incident due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge between Carmarthen (CMN) and Pembroke Dock (PMD) until 23:59.

Due to a road vehicle colliding with a bridge between Carmarthen (CMN) and Pembroke Dock (PMD):

Services will be cancelled in both directions between Carmarthen (CMN) and Pembroke Dock (PMD).

We expect the incident to last until 23:59 on 05/11/2026 and disruption to services is expected until 23:59 on 05/11/2026.

What's Happened?

A road vehicle has hit a railway bridge at Saundersfoot, meaning trains cannot run over the bridge until the line is repaired. As a result, Network Rail have closed the line between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

We expect the line to be closed until the end of the day on 5th November.

Alternative Travel Options:

We have organised buses to run between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock to assist customers to complete journeys where possible at no extra cost. Buses will replace all services on this line for the duration of this incident. These will arrive at approximately the same time as the previously scheduled trains and are provided by AC Jenkins, Davies, Francis and Gower.

These arrangements are in place on services until the end of the day on 5th November.

Road Transport will take longer than rail services. Please allow extra time to complete your journey.

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please visit National Rail’s https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/rail-replacement-services/

Calling points for road transport may be found on station information posters and https://tfw.wales/places/stations

We apologise for the disruption caused to your journey.

Alternative Travel Options

We have organised buses to run between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock to help you complete your journey, at no extra cost. These services will be provided by Gower, AC Jenkins and Teulu.

These arrangements are in place on services until 23:59.

Road Transport will take longer than rail services. Please allow extra time to complete your journey.

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please visit the National Rail website.

Calling points for road transport may be found on station information posters and https://tfw.wales/places/stations

Further Information

If one of our trains is delayed or cancelled and you arrive at your destination station more than 15 minutes later than scheduled, you can claim compensation through 'Delay Repay'. Delay Repay | TfW

For more information on what causes delays on the railway, visit Network Rail’s Delays Explained website.

Check services running in the area and other information such as Rail Replacement Stop Locations using the Transport for Wales Live Map or plan your journey and purchase tickets for any service, not just TfW at www.tfw.wales.

If you decide not to travel because of this disruption and your ticket is unused, you can obtain a fee free refund from wherever you purchased your ticket.

Pay as you go customers

If all or part of your journey requires a rail replacement bus, please tap in at your origin station and tap out at your destination. If you need to tap out at a gateline after travelling on a rail replacement bus, our station colleagues can assist. You can also add any missing taps using our app or website.

Pay as you go is only valid on Transport for Wales and CrossCountry services, even where we state you can use your original ticket at no extra cost with other train operators or local bus operators. If you travel with another operator or on a local bus service, you must first tap out at the same station within one hour of tapping in and buy an alternative ticket before boarding.

If you wish to abandon your journey, please tap out at the same station within one hour of tapping in.

Christmas is a great time to go away, especially in Wales. Whether you’re planning on going away for Christmas itself with friends and family or a pre- or post-Christmas trip away, here are some of TfW’s favourite locations to visit this festive period.

Best Christmas breaks in Wales

Whether you’re looking for a festive city break, seaside Christmas holiday or a secluded escape, we have an idea for you. Here are our favourite spots to choose from across Wales.

1. Cardiff

This is the ultimate location for a city break at Christmas. You can take in the Cardiff Christmas Market, go ice skating and sample some of the nation’s best food and drink. There are also the typical tourist spots to visit, including Cardiff Castle, the huge selection of shops and more, all with a lovely festive backdrop.

Closest station: Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street

2. Llandudno

Llandudno is a Victorian coastal town that’s the perfect spot for a Christmas getaway. It has a huge selection of hotels and apartments to stay in and plenty to see and do. You can enjoy everything from the Victorian pier and Christmas shopping to seaside walks.

Closest station: Llandudno and Llandudno Junction

3. Bannau Brycheiniog

If you’re on the hunt for a secluded spot in nature, Bannau Brycheiniog, known as Brecon Beacons, is perfect. Make the most of the dark nights with some stargazing or get out in nature with a countryside walk. Just be sure to try out the local cuisine in the pubs and restaurants.

Closest station: Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil

4. Hay-on-Wye

Known as the town of books, Hay-on-Wye is a perfect Christmas break spot for book lovers. It’s a market town serving up some great local cuisine plus plenty of bookshops to browse and enjoy.

Closest station: Builth Road

5. Barry Island

Another great seaside spot for a getaway is the incredible Barry Island. Made popular in the hit show Gavin and Stacey, the seaside resort has so much to offer, from family attractions to beautiful coastal walks and some great museums and attractions.

Closest station: Barry Island

Buy your train tickets for a Welsh Christmas break with convenient travel.