Bedford to Swansea train with Great Western Railway

Sun 20 Sept
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Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
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2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bedford to Swansea

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£210

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£210

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

4 h 11 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

4 h 12 m

Trains on 20 Sept

14

Distance

245 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bedford to Swansea will cost around £210 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £210.

Fast trains

To travel from Bedford to Swansea you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Thameslink
    9:164h13
    Bedford
    13:29Swansea
    £2101One-way
    2 changes
  • Thameslink
    10:164h12
    Bedford
    14:28Swansea
    £2101One-way
    2 changes
  • Thameslink
    11:164h13
    Bedford
    15:29Swansea
    £2101One-way
    2 changes
  • Thameslink
    12:164h16
    Bedford
    16:32Swansea
    £2101One-way
    2 changes
  • Thameslink
    13:164h15
    Bedford
    17:31Swansea
    £2101One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bedford to Swansea

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 9m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £86.

Distance: 245 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£86

Average Price

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£49

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 12m

Average total duration

6h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 1m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Swansea is a coach with an average price of £29.

This is compared to other travel options from Bedford to Swansea:

A coach is £57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bedford to Swansea costing on average £86.

The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Swansea is by train with an average journey time of 3h 39m.

Other travel options to Swansea take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 42m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bedford and Swansea including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 22m sooner (3h 39m by train vs 4h 1m by car). Tickets start at around £86 compared to roughly £49 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Bedford to Swansea train times

The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Swansea trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Thameslink9:16 Bedford
4h13
13:29 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink10:16 Bedford
4h12
14:28 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink11:16 Bedford
4h13
15:29 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink12:16 Bedford
4h16
16:32 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink13:16 Bedford
4h15
17:31 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink14:16 Bedford
4h18
18:34 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink15:16 Bedford
4h13
19:29 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink16:16 Bedford
4h13
20:29 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink17:16 Bedford
4h11
21:27 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink18:16 Bedford
4h11
22:27 Swansea2 changes
Thameslink19:16 Bedford
4h13
23:29 Swansea2 changes
East Midlands Railways19:55 Bedford
11h35
7:30 Swansea4 changes
Thameslink20:16 Bedford
4h14
0:30 Swansea2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Swansea by coach or train

Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept

Why should you book Bedford to Swansea trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as east_midlands_trains or Thameslink offer trains services from Bedford to Swansea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Swansea.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of east_midlands_trains or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Swansea.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bedford to Swansea.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of east_midlands_trains or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Swansea.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bedford to Swansea.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bedford to Swansea

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bedford to Swansea run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £75 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:38, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 245 km distance in 3h 37m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29
Distance
245 km
Average train duration
3h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
£75
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 37m
First train
3:38
Last train
21:10
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £29

Train companies: Great Western Railway, east_midlands_trains, Thameslink from Bedford to Swansea trainsGreat Western Railway, east_midlands_trains, Thameslink trains will get you between Bedford and Swansea from £29. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£62
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£210
Thameslink frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
11h 35m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£220
east_midlands_trains frequency
1 a day

Complete guide to Swansea

Things to do in Swansea

Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.

  • Must visit

Swansea Museum

Swansea's main museum covers local history, Egyptology, natural history and maritime displays in a historic waterfront building.

  • Must visit

National Waterfront Museum

A modern museum in the Maritime Quarter exploring the city's copper, coal, industry and waterfront heritage with interactive exhibits.

  • Recommended

Dylan Thomas Centre

A compact museum inside Dylan Thomas Square focusing on the writer's life, works and links to Swansea through exhibitions and events.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals and local transport are often cheaper than in London, though summer stays and seafront dining can raise daily costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Bedford to Swansea train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford to Swansea by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Swansea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bedford to Swansea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £75, while the average price tends to be around £86.
The train journey from Bedford to Swansea covers a distance of 245 km and takes approximately 3h 37m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Swansea is 245 km.
The first train from Bedford to Swansea leaves at 3:38.
The last train from Bedford to Swansea departs at 21:10.
Trains from Bedford to Swansea run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bedford to Swansea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Swansea.
To get from Bedford to Swansea, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Swansea.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Swansea is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Swansea station (SWA).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Swansea is by coach, costing approximately £29.
Booking trains from Bedford to Swansea in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bedford to Swansea offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes as the train travels through areas like the Cotswolds and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
A day trip from Bedford to Swansea is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 37m. However, trains run 6 times per day.
To fully experience Swansea, including its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions like the National Waterfront Museum, and nearby natural landscapes such as the Gower Peninsula, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Bedford to Swansea.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Swansea

Most Bedford to Swansea trains use the Bedford to Swansea station pair. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Swansea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Swansea

Which Bedford station do trains to Swansea leave from?

Trains from Bedford to Swansea leave from Bedford. The station is 1 km from Bedford city centre at Bedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DS.
BedfordBedford station, Ashburnham Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 1DSWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking

Bedford train station facilities and services

Bedford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bedford.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bedford. ATMs are available at Bedford.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bedford.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bedford: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bedford: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is adjacent to the taxi rank at the front of the station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Bedford to Swansea

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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