- Must visit
Swansea Museum
Swansea's main museum covers local history, Egyptology, natural history and maritime displays in a historic waterfront building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Swansea
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£53
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£79
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
2 h 16 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
2 h 16 m
Trains on 03 Sept
11
Distance
206 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Swansea will cost around £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Fast trains
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 11 trains from Reading to Swansea, including 11 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 206 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 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 17 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.
W3541712:132h16Reading station (RDG)14:29Swansea station (SWA)£531One-way0 changes- W3462413:132h17Reading station (RDG)15:30Swansea station (SWA)£531One-way0 changes
- W3461811:132h17Reading station (RDG)13:30Swansea station (SWA)£561One-way0 changes
- W3463015:132h17Reading station (RDG)17:30Swansea station (SWA)£601One-way0 changes
- W3541814:132h16Reading station (RDG)16:29Swansea station (SWA)£601One-way0 changes
- W3541712:132h16Reading station (RDG)14:29Swansea station (SWA)£531One-way0 changes
- W3541814:132h16Reading station (RDG)16:29Swansea station (SWA)£601One-way0 changes
- G149348:132h16Reading station (RDG)10:29Swansea station (SWA)£961One-way0 changes
- W3463015:132h17Reading station (RDG)17:30Swansea station (SWA)£601One-way0 changes
- W3461811:132h17Reading station (RDG)13:30Swansea station (SWA)£561One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Reading to Swansea
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 206 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Reading to Swansea is a coach with an average price of £18.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Swansea:
A coach is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Swansea costing on average £58.
The fastest way to travel from Reading to Swansea is by train with an average journey time of 2h 23m.
Other travel options to Swansea take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Swansea including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 26m sooner (2h 23m by train vs 2h 49m by car). Tickets start at around £58 compared to roughly £40 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.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway (GWR).
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
Reading to Swansea train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Swansea trains for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:13 Reading | 2h14 | 14:27 Swansea | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:13 Reading | 2h17 | 17:30 Swansea | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 3 September | |||||
| G14934 | 8:13 Reading station (RDG) | 2h16 | 10:29 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G14936 | 9:13 Reading station (RDG) | 2h17 | 11:30 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G14938 | 10:13 Reading station (RDG) | 2h20 | 12:33 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W34618 | 11:13 Reading station (RDG) | 2h17 | 13:30 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Swansea by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Thu
03 Sept
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
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09 Sept
09 Sept
Why should you book Reading to Swansea trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Reading to Swansea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading 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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Reading 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Swansea.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Swansea.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Swansea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Swansea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £55 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:38, the last at 23:27. The fastest train covers the 206 km distance in 2h 17m.
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 £18
Distance 206 km |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £55 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 17m |
First train 3:38 |
Last train 23:27 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 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 £18
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Reading to Swansea trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Reading and Swansea from £18. 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
2h 17m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£55
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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£126
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 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
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.
- Must visit
Swansea Bay Promenade
A broad sandy sweep along Swansea Bay, popular for walking, cycling and sea views, with easy access from the city centre.
- Must visit
Mumbles
A historic village area by the sea, known for its pier, independent shops, promenade and access to coastal walks.
- Recommended
Cwmdonkin Park
A large city park with botanical displays, glasshouses, sports facilities and open lawns close to central Swansea.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Cakes
Traditional Welsh cakes are small griddled currant cakes, served warm with sugar. They are a classic Welsh teatime treat long associated with home baking.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Laverbread
Laverbread is a Welsh speciality made from slow-cooked laver seaweed, often served at breakfast. It is deeply tied to the South Wales coast and local food culture.
- Gluten-free
Welsh Breakfast With Laverbread And Cockles
A traditional Welsh breakfast in Swansea often includes laverbread and cockles alongside bacon and eggs. It showcases produce gathered from the nearby Gower coast.
The Swigg
Established Swansea seafood spot focused on simple fish, shellfish, and classic British sides in an easy-going atmosphere.
Oyster House
Well-known casual venue in Mumbles serving fresh seafood and fish dishes, with a modern feel and strong local reputation.
The Shed
Smart waterfront restaurant at the marina serving modern British cooking, steaks, and seafood in a polished setting.
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.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £7.30
To the city centre
Swansea railway station -> Swansea City Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap On, Tap Off works across First Cymru services and caps adult contactless bus fares at the day ticket price.
- Contactless payment is accepted on First Cymru buses, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
FAQs: Reading to Swansea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Reading to Swansea can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £55, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Reading to Swansea covers a distance of 206 km and takes approximately 2h 17m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Swansea is 206 km.
The first train from Reading to Swansea leaves at 3:38.
The last train from Reading to Swansea departs at 23:27.
Trains from Reading to Swansea run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Swansea.
Yes, there is a direct train between Reading and Swansea. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Reading to Swansea, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Reading to Swansea.
The train station in Reading that goes to Swansea is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Swansea station (SWA).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Swansea is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Swansea offers scenic views, especially as it travels through the countryside of South Wales, with picturesque landscapes and glimpses of the River Severn along the way.
A day trip from Reading to Swansea is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 17m. There are 6 trains per day, and the distance is 206 km.
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 Reading to Swansea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Swansea
Most Reading to Swansea trains use the Reading to Swansea station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Swansea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Reading
Arrival train stations in Swansea
Which Reading station do trains to Swansea leave from?
Trains from Reading to Swansea leave from Reading. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ.
ReadingReading station, Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Bus26, 90, 87 · 2m · £2 · every ~15 min
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, 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 taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, 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 and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading WestReading West station, Oxford Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 7PY
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading West from Reading city centre
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainReading - Basingstoke, Reading - Newbury, Reading - Bedwyn, London Paddington - Bedwyn · 2m · £0.90 · every ~6 min
Bus15, 15a, 16, 17, 91, 85, 88, 93, 43 · 4m · £2 · every ~49 min
Reading West train station facilities and services
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Swansea station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Trains from Reading to Swansea arrive at Swansea. Swansea is 1 km from Swansea city centre.
SwanseaSwansea station, High Street, Swansea, City & County of Swansea, SA1 1NU+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Swansea from Swansea city centre
Bus49, 30, 54 · 3m · £4 · every ~3 min
Swansea train station facilities and services
Swansea has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swansea.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Swansea.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swansea.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swansea: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Swansea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: on concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Swansea
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Swansea and Reading
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