Manchester Airport travel to get easier for holidaymakers in parts of North Wales
Holidaymakers in northwest Wales could find it easier to reach Manchester Airport from next year. 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.
Ms Finch-Saunders said there had been a possibility airport trains would not stop in Conwy town, which she described as 'one of the leading destinations and attractions of the whole of Wales'.
She said: 'Over a quarter of a million visit Conwy Castle every year. Clearly, it is common sense for Conwy town to have a direct service to Manchester Airport. It will provide one of our nation's most important destinations with an international gateway, and enable even more to visit the area on public transport.'
Transport for Wales (TfW) is seeking match funding for step-free access at Shotton and Ruabon stations. Residents in Penmaenmawr have pointed out there is also a need to improve access at the town's station if the new Manchester Airport service is to be a success.
Online, frustrated travellers say they struggle to cross over the station bridge to the platform opposite – especially those with wheelchairs and prams. It's feared holidaymakers with heavy suitcases may also struggle.
One mum said: 'I have to take my daughter out of her wheelchair, carry her round to the other side with my 3 year-old and leave them in the shelter unattended whilst I go back and get the wheelchair. Something needs to be done.'
Another agreed: 'It is ridiculous trying to get over with children. I have to take my baby over with my 8 year-old then go back for the pram and it is dangerous. I am currently pregnant too and God knows how I will manage getting the train without another adult to help me. It is 21st century, there should be access for disabled people and families.'
A man said this issue should be addressed so that 'people can get to work and hospital meetings before providing trains for people who can afford holidays'.
Ms Finch-Saunders fought unsuccessfully to retain Llandudno on the Manchester Airport route. However TfW is aiming to introduce a new service from the resort to Liverpool next year.
Other rail changes in the pipeline include a 50% increase in the number of services across the North Wales line from December 2026 to May 2026. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Train services between Wrexham and Chester will be doubled in May 2026. There will also be a through service between Wrexham and Liverpool, with the longer-term goal of running four trains per hour by 2035.
The aim is to create 'metro style' train services on the North Wales line and the Marches line from Chester to Wrexham.
TfW is also examining options to re-open stations and build new stations in employment growth areas. A 'test' station' at Deeside Industrial Park is being considered to gauge demand for permanent services there.
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