- Must visit
Reading Museum
Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Swansea to Reading
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£52
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£57
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 23 m
Trains on 19 Sept
2
Distance
206 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swansea to Reading is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swansea to Reading will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 2 trains from Swansea to Reading, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 206 km distance in an average of 2 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 23 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.
12:242h22Swansea14:46Reading£521One-way0 changes- 9:232h23Swansea11:46Reading£611One-way0 changes
- 12:242h22Swansea14:46Reading£521One-way0 changes
- 9:232h23Swansea11:46Reading£611One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Swansea to Reading
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swansea to Reading among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £60 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 1m. 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 train costs an average of £60, while a coach costs an average of £63.
Distance: 206 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£60 Average Price Cheapest | £63 Average Price | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 1m Average total duration Fastest 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m 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 Swansea to Reading is a train with an average price of £60.
This is compared to other travel options from Swansea to Reading:
A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Swansea to Reading costing on average £63.
The fastest way to travel from Swansea to Reading is by train with an average journey time of 2h 31m.
Other travel options to Reading take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swansea and Reading 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 19m sooner (2h 31m by train vs 2h 50m by car). Tickets start at around £60 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.
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
Swansea to Reading train times
The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Reading trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:23 Swansea | 2h23 | 11:46 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:24 Swansea | 2h22 | 14:46 Reading | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Swansea to Reading 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.
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
Why should you book Swansea to Reading trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Swansea to Reading.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swansea to Reading.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Swansea to Reading.
- 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swansea to Reading.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Swansea to Reading.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swansea to Reading.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Swansea to Reading
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Swansea to Reading run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 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 23:28. The fastest train covers the 206 km distance in 2h 13m.
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 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 13m |
First train 3:38 |
Last train 23:28 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 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
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Swansea to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Swansea and Reading 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 21m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£37
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 19m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£126
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
18 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£113
Transport for Wales frequency
6 a day
Complete guide to Reading
Things to do in Reading
Discover the best of Reading — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Reading trip today.
- Must visit
The Museum of English Rural Life
Small museum beside the abbey ruins with exhibits on Reading’s medieval abbey. Good for context before walking the historic quarter.
- Recommended
Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology
University museum covering farming, countryside life, and design. Engaging displays make it a distinctive and family-friendly visit.
- Must visit
Forbury Gardens
Large riverside park with formal gardens, open lawns, and abbey remains. Ideal for relaxing walks close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Broad Street
Traffic-free shopping street at the heart of Reading. A practical and lively route linking major shops, historic lanes, and public spaces.
- Recommended
Thames Side Promenade
Riverside walking area along the Thames near Caversham Bridge. Visit for benches, water views, and an easy stroll near the centre.
Berkshire pork sausages
Berkshire pork sausages are a long-standing county staple, prized for well-seasoned local pork and often served with mash in traditional pubs.
- Vegetarian
Spotted dick
Spotted dick is a classic steamed suet pudding with dried fruit, commonly served with custard and strongly associated with traditional English cooking.
- Vegetarian
Summer pudding
Summer pudding is a Berkshire favourite in berry season, made by lining bread with soft fruit and juice for a bright, old-fashioned local dessert.
L'Ortolan
Refined modern British dining in elegant surroundings, known for carefully plated tasting-style dishes and polished service.
The Cunning Man
Traditional pub by the Thames serving British classics, Sunday roasts and local drinks in a relaxed historic setting.
Miller & Carter Oracle
Popular central Reading restaurant specialising in well-cooked steaks, grills and hearty sides in a lively contemporary space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels are often cheaper than London, but dining, drinks and rail fares still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Reading Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.90
To the city centre
Reading Station -> Reading Station, Reading
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless payment works on all Reading Buses services, and daily charges are capped automatically at the day ticket rate.
- For multi-operator travel, the Reading All-Bus Day ticket covers Reading Buses and selected other local operators.
FAQs: Swansea to Reading train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swansea to Reading 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 Reading, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Swansea to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £60.
The train journey from Swansea to Reading covers a distance of 206 km and takes approximately 2h 13m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Swansea to Reading is 206 km.
The first train from Swansea to Reading leaves at 3:38.
The last train from Swansea to Reading departs at 23:28.
Trains from Swansea to Reading run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Swansea to Reading.
Yes, there is a direct train between Swansea and Reading. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Swansea to Reading, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Swansea to Reading.
The train station in Swansea that goes to Reading is Swansea station (SWA), and it arrives at Reading station (RDG).
The cheapest way to get from Swansea to Reading is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Swansea to Reading in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Swansea to Reading offers scenic views, predominantly featuring the picturesque Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the River Severn, especially around the Severn Tunnel area.
A day trip from Swansea to Reading is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 13m. However, trains run 6 times per day, covering the 206 km.
To fully explore Reading's attractions, two to three days are ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Swansea to Reading.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swansea and Reading
Most Swansea to Reading trains use the Swansea to Reading station pair. Use this guide to compare Swansea and Reading train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Swansea
Arrival train stations in Reading
Which Swansea station do trains to Reading leave from?
Trains from Swansea to Reading leave from Swansea. The station is 1 km from Swansea city centre at Swansea station, High Street, Swansea, City & County of Swansea, SA1 1NU.
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.
Which Reading station do trains from Swansea arrive at?
Trains from Swansea to Reading arrive at Reading. Reading is from Reading city centre.
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.
More options for your journey from Swansea to Reading
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Reading and Swansea
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