- 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 18 Oct
Cheapest price on 18 Oct
£39
Average ticket price on 18 Oct
£55
Fastest journey on 18 Oct
2 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 18 Oct
2 h 28 m
Trains on 18 Oct
5
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 £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Fast trains
On Sun 18 Oct, we found 5 trains from Reading to Swansea, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 206 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 56 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.
20:102h19Reading22:29Swansea£391One-way0 changes- 12:102h25Reading14:35Swansea£581One-way0 changes
- 10:102h19Reading12:29Swansea£591One-way0 changes
- 21:112h19Reading23:30Swansea£591One-way0 changes
- 7:592h56Reading10:55Swansea£591One-way0 changes
- 10:102h19Reading12:29Swansea£591One-way0 changes
- 20:102h19Reading22:29Swansea£391One-way0 changes
- 21:112h19Reading23:30Swansea£591One-way0 changes
- 12:102h25Reading14:35Swansea£581One-way0 changes
- 7:592h56Reading10:55Swansea£591One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Swansea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Swansea run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
There are 5 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 16m.
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 £16
Distance 206 km |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
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 £16
Live departures
Reading to Swansea train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Swansea trains for tomorrow, Sunday 18 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:59 Reading | 2h56 | 10:55 Swansea | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:10 Reading | 2h19 | 12:29 Swansea | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:10 Reading | 2h25 | 14:35 Swansea | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Reading to Swansea trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all 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?
- 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.
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Reading to Swansea trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Reading and Swansea from £16. 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 16m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£49
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
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.
Best day trips from Swansea by train
The most popular day trips by train from Swansea are Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Carmarthen and Llanelli. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Swansea on Omio.
Day trip from Swansea to Cardiff by train
Why visit Cardiff for the day?
Cardiff is a compact capital known for Welsh culture, Cardiff Castle and the energy of the Principality Stadium. Victorian arcades, civic landmarks and Cardiff Bay give it a character that feels both historic and modern.
How to get from Swansea to Cardiff by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 50m.
Day trip from Swansea to Bristol by train
Why visit Bristol for the day?
Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
How to get from Swansea to Bristol by train?
The earliest train runs at 03:38, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 95 km distance in 1h 37m.
Day trip from Swansea to Newport by train
Why visit Newport for the day?
Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.
How to get from Swansea to Newport by train?
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 1h 3m.
Day trip from Swansea to Carmarthen by train
Why visit Carmarthen for the day?
Carmarthen is a historic market town in south-west Wales, known for its Roman roots, castle and links with Merlin. On the River Tywi, it has a compact centre, strong Welsh character and an everyday local feel.
How to get from Swansea to Carmarthen by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 38m.
Day trip from Swansea to Llanelli by train
Why visit Llanelli for the day?
Llanelli is a coastal town in Carmarthenshire known for rugby, Welsh language culture and its tinplate heritage. Beside the Loughor Estuary, it has a practical, down-to-earth feel with access to the Millennium Coastal Park.
How to get from Swansea to Llanelli by train?
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 15m.
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 £49, while the average price tends to be around £68.
The train journey from Reading to Swansea covers a distance of 206 km and takes approximately 2h 16m. Trains run 6 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 6 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 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.
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).
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.
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.
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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