- Must visit
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
Museum of the Great Western Railway with locomotives, carriages, and hands-on displays in a restored railway building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Swindon
Showing times and prices for 22 Aug
Cheapest price
£23
Average price
£29
Fastest journey
57 m
Average duration
59 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
97 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Swindon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Swindon will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
Fast trains
Of the 12 trains that leave Cardiff for Swindon every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 97 km distance in an average of 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
C422899:191h00Cardiff Central (CDF)10:19Swindon station (SWI)£231One-way0 changes- W351728:230h58Cardiff Central (CDF)9:21Swindon station (SWI)£231One-way0 changes
- W351748:511h00Cardiff Central (CDF)9:51Swindon station (SWI)£231One-way0 changes
- C4229010:200h59Cardiff Central (CDF)11:19Swindon station (SWI)£231One-way0 changes
- C42258 · C421499:301h39Cardiff Central (CDF)11:09Swindon station (SWI)£241One-way1 change
- W3518412:200h57Cardiff Central (CDF)13:17Swindon station (SWI)£351One-way0 changes
- W351728:230h58Cardiff Central (CDF)9:21Swindon station (SWI)£231One-way0 changes
- C4229010:200h59Cardiff Central (CDF)11:19Swindon station (SWI)£231One-way0 changes
- C4229213:200h59Cardiff Central (CDF)14:19Swindon station (SWI)£351One-way0 changes
- C422899:191h00Cardiff Central (CDF)10:19Swindon station (SWI)£231One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Swindon
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swindon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 97 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£34 Average Price | £9 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 53m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Swindon train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swindon trains for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:18 Cardiff | 1h00 | 9:18 Swindon | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:37 Cardiff | 1h01 | 9:38 Swindon | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:19 Cardiff | 1h00 | 10:19 Swindon | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:50 Cardiff | 1h00 | 10:50 Swindon | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:21 Cardiff | 0h57 | 17:18 Swindon | 0 changesdirect | |
 | 19:45 Cardiff | 2h28 | 22:13 Swindon | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 22 August | |||||
| W35172 | 8:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h58 | 9:21 Swindon station (SWI) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35174 | 8:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h00 | 9:51 Swindon station (SWI) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Swindon 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.
Sat
22 Aug
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Why should you book Cardiff to Swindon trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Swindon.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Swindon.
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 CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Swindon.
- 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 Cardiff to Swindon.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Swindon.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Swindon.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Swindon
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Swindon run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 but you can travel from only £7 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 97 km distance in 57m.
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 £7
Distance 97 km |
Average train duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 57m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:42 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 £7
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Swindon trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Swindon from £7. 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 Duration
57m
Cheapest Price
£14
Great Western Railway frequency
7 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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
£34
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Price
£95
Cross Country frequency
3 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
56m
Cheapest Price
£63
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
18 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 30m
Cheapest Price
£58
Transport for Wales frequency
7 a day
Complete guide to Swindon
Things to do in Swindon
Discover the best of Swindon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swindon trip today.
- Recommended
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
Museum and art gallery exploring Swindon’s history, archaeology, and changing exhibitions near the town centre.
Richard Jefferies Museum
Volunteer-run transport museum with buses, cars, motorcycles, and local motoring history displays.
- Must visit
Lydiard Park
Large country park with woodland, lakes, trails, and family activities on the edge of west Swindon.
- Recommended
Railway Village and Swindon Designer Outlet area
Restored railway shopping district with heritage buildings, outlet stores, and easy access to STEAM Museum.
- Recommended
Coate Water Country Park
Popular waterside park with a reservoir, circular walks, play areas, and links to local literary heritage.
- Gluten-free
Wiltshire Ham
A Wiltshire cured ham, usually sliced for sandwiches or salads. It is a long-standing county speciality prized for its mild cure and local heritage.
Wiltshire Pork Sausages
Small sausages traditionally made with pork from local farms. They are a classic Wiltshire butcher’s product, often served at breakfasts and pub meals.
- Gluten-free
Liddington Cheese
A firm, crumbly cow’s milk cheese made in Wiltshire. It is one of the county’s best-known foods and is often eaten with bread, apples or pickles.
Fabio's
Well-regarded Italian restaurant serving pasta, pizza and seafood in a polished, family-friendly dining room.
Ruchi
Stylish modern Indian restaurant known for refined curries, grills and cocktails in a smart but relaxed setting near the town centre.
Los Gatos
Established steakhouse and grill serving steaks, burgers and hearty British favourites in a lively, informal setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than in London, but dining and rail fares can still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Swindon Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.20
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Swindon Railway Station -> Swindon Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Adult single bus fares are either £2.20, £2.80 or £3.00 depending on the journey, and contactless tap on/tap off is accepted on Swindon's Bus Company buses.
- A TravelPass Dayrider gives unlimited travel in the urban zone for £5.20. Use the Swindon Bus app for tickets, live times and journey planning.
FAQs: Cardiff to Swindon train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swindon 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 Swindon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Swindon can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £34.
The train journey from Cardiff to Swindon covers a distance of 97 km and takes approximately 57m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Swindon is 97 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Swindon leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Cardiff to Swindon departs at 23:42.
Trains from Cardiff to Swindon run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Swindon.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Swindon. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Cardiff to Swindon, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Swindon.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Swindon is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Swindon station (SWI).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Swindon is by coach, costing approximately £7.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Swindon in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Swindon offers glimpses of the picturesque Welsh countryside, with views of rolling hills and charming villages, particularly in the initial stretches. However, much of the route is more urban and less scenic as you approach Swindon.
Yes, a day trip from Cardiff to Swindon is possible with a travel time of 57m each way and a distance of 97 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
In Swindon, you can visit the Richard Jefferies Museum to learn about the Victorian nature writer, enjoy performances at the Wyvern Theatre, and explore the Swindon and Cricklade Railway for scenic rides. For a relaxing day, take a stroll through Queens Park or experience the local art scene at the Swindon Arts Centre. Notable sights include the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, Lydiard Park, Coate Water Country Park, and the Swindon Designer Outlet for shopping. The Museum of Computing offers a look into the history of computing.
Swindon typically requires 1 to 2 days to explore its key attractions such as the Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway, Lydiard Park, and the Swindon Designer Outlet.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Swindon.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Swindon
Most Cardiff to Swindon trains use the Cardiff Central to Swindon station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Swindon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Swindon
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Swindon station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Swindon arrive at Swindon. Swindon is 1 km from Swindon city centre.
SwindonSwindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon from Swindon city centre
Bus82, 49 · 6m · £4 · every ~6 min
Swindon train station facilities and services
Swindon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swindon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via subway and the lifts via the main entrance subway, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Swindon
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Swindon and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Swindon
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