- Must visit
Swanage Railway
Working steam railway linking Swanage with Corfe Castle and Norden. Heritage stations and carriages make it a memorable museum experience.
Cheapest price on 25 Sept
£21
Average ticket price on 25 Sept
£47
Fastest journey on 25 Sept
2 h 14 m
Average journey duration on 25 Sept
2 h 16 m
Trains on 25 Sept
27
Distance
163 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Swanage is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Swanage will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
On Fri 25 Sept, we found 27 trains from London to Swanage, including 16 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 163 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 18 m 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.
L80213
L80083
L80221
L80091
L80359
L80091
L80307
L80173
L80083
L80323The table below shows live departures for London to Swanage trains for tomorrow, Friday 25 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80351 · L84937 | 6:30 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h56 | 9:26 Holton Heath (HOL) | 1 change | |
L80351 | 6:30 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h46 | 9:16 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80359 | 7:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h27 | 10:02 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80359 | 7:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h23 | 9:58 Holton Heath (HOL) | 0 changesdirect | |
G27821+ L80213 | 7:36 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h57 | 10:33 Wareham station (WRM) | 1 change | |
C93049+ L80059 · L80213 | 7:38 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h55 | 10:33 Wareham station (WRM) | 2 changes | |
G26383+ L80213 | 7:46 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h47 | 10:33 Wareham station (WRM) | 1 change | |
G26383+ L80213 · L80083 | 7:46 London Victoria (VIC) | 3h06 | 10:52 Holton Heath (HOL) | 2 changes | |
L80213 | 8:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h25 | 10:30 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80213 | 8:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h28 | 10:33 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80083 | 8:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h17 | 10:52 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80083 | 8:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h21 | 10:56 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80221 | 9:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h25 | 11:30 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80221 | 9:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h28 | 11:33 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80091 | 9:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 11:49 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80091 | 9:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h20 | 11:55 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
G27405+ L80233 | 9:50 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h43 | 12:33 Wareham station (WRM) | 1 change | |
G01003+ L80101+ Y15399 | 9:52 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h03 | 12:55 Wareham station (WRM) | 2 changes | |
L80233 | 10:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h25 | 12:30 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01003+ L80101+ W34617 | 10:16 London Paddington (PAD) | 2h36 | 12:52 Wareham station (WRM) | 2 changes | |
L80307 | 18:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h16 | 20:21 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80173 | 18:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h16 | 20:51 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80317 | 19:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h21 | 21:26 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80323 | 19:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h18 | 21:53 Wareham station (WRM) | 0 changesdirect | |
L78830 · L80329 | 20:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h48 | 22:53 Wareham station (WRM) | 1 change | |
L79986+ G01043+ L80329 | 20:09 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h44 | 22:53 Wareham station (WRM) | 2 changes | |
G01039+ L80335+ G14970 | 20:30 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h22 | 23:52 Wareham station (WRM) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from London to Swanage run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 163 km distance in 2h 7m.
Distance 163 km |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Swanage — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swanage trip today.
Working steam railway linking Swanage with Corfe Castle and Norden. Heritage stations and carriages make it a memorable museum experience.
Local museum covering Swanage and Purbeck history, industry and daily life. Compact but informative for understanding the area.
Visitor centre museum at Durlston with displays on local wildlife, geology and the Jurassic Coast, useful before exploring the park.
Seafront promenade and sandy bay ideal for walking, swimming and classic seaside views. A central area for most visits to Swanage.
Coastal country park with cliff paths, wildlife and viewpoints. Excellent for walks, sea panoramas and access to key landmarks.
Long chalk ridge above Swanage with expansive views over the bay and Purbeck. Popular for walking and photography.
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, prized for sweet white meat and often served simply in salads or sandwiches around Swanage.
Locally caught shellfish from Poole Harbour and nearby waters, traditionally eaten very fresh and valued for the area’s fishing heritage.
A Dorset teatime classic: fruit cake spiced and enriched with tea, often spread with butter and linked to county farmhouse baking.
Established town-centre restaurant focused on Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, with friendly service and a warm dining room.
Popular seafront fish and seafood restaurant with harbour views, known for fresh local catch and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Traditional pub dining in a historic building, serving British favourites, local drinks, and seafood in a characterful setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Summer stays can rise, but dining, cafés and local buses are generally comparable to similar coastal destinations.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Café tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Swanage 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 Swanage, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London to Swanage trains use the London Waterloo to Wareham station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Swanage train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Paddington has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
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