Transport for Wales (TfW) has confirmed the launch date for its new TaithCymru coach service linking north and south Wales. The service will begin running between Bangor and Carmarthen from Sunday, October 25, with tickets now on sale.
Tickets went on sale at 10am on Tuesday, October 6, and passengers can book journeys through TfW’s online booking system.
Service details and route
The service will operate nine return journeys each day between Bangor and Carmarthen, calling at Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth Bus Station and Aberaeron. One late-night journey each day will also extend to Holyhead railway station and Port.
Journeys between Bangor and Carmarthen are expected to take between four hours and 45 minutes and five hours, with the service designed to cut more than an hour from some existing public transport journeys.
Promotional fares
TfW has introduced promotional adult single fares to encourage use of the new service. These include £7 between Bangor and Aberystwyth, £10 between Bangor and Carmarthen, £4 between Holyhead and Bangor and £12.50 between Holyhead and Carmarthen. The promotional fares will be available until January 2027, before the standard fare structure is introduced.
TaithCymru is being operated by Edwards Coaches in partnership with Llew Jones and is intended to provide a direct link between communities in the north and south of Wales.
Passenger amenities and impact
The coaches will be wheelchair accessible and will have Wi-Fi, USB charging, air conditioning, onboard toilets and dedicated luggage space. Transport for Wales said the service will also improve access to tourist destinations including Eryri National Park, the Llyn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay, while providing a lower-carbon alternative to travelling by car.
Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at Transport for Wales, said: “TaithCymru gives customers a new, direct way to travel across Wales, with quicker journey times, comfortable coaches and fares designed to encourage people to give the service a try.
“Whether you’re travelling to university, for work, to see family and friends or for a day out, you can now book ahead and enjoy a simpler journey with fewer changes.”
As the service is a pre-booked long-distance coach service with its own fares and ticketing system, concessionary bus passes are not currently accepted. Passengers are also advised to check the latest timetable information before travelling as services may be subject to change.
