Swansea to Reading train with Great Western Railway

Tue 03 Nov
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Swansea to Reading

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Nov
Cheapest price on 03 Nov
£34
Average ticket price on 03 Nov
£61
Fastest journey on 03 Nov
2 h 22 m
Average journey duration on 03 Nov
2 h 29 m
Trains on 03 Nov
6
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 £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.

Fast trains

On Tue 03 Nov, we found 6 trains from Swansea to Reading, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 206 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 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 50 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.

  • Great Western RailwayG15046
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15045
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35178
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15044+Transport for WalesG39181
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW35432
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Swansea to Reading

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Swansea to Reading run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.

There are 6 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 30m
Cheapest ticket price
£50
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
6
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

Frequently asked questions about your Swansea to Reading trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Swansea to Reading.

The cost of a train ticket from Swansea to Reading can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £50, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Swansea to Reading covers a distance of 206 km and takes approximately 2h 13m. Trains run 8 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 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Swansea and Reading. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.

Live departures

Swansea to Reading train times

The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Reading trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 3 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW354328:23 Swansea station (SWA)
2h27
10:50 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15043+Transport for WalesG391738:28 Swansea station (SWA)
2h50
11:18 Reading station (RDG)1 change
Great Western RailwayW351789:22 Swansea station (SWA)
2h23
11:45 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15044+Transport for WalesG391819:27 Swansea station (SWA)
2h53
12:20 Reading station (RDG)1 change
Great Western RailwayG1504510:22 Swansea station (SWA)
2h22
12:44 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1504611:22 Swansea station (SWA)
2h24
13:46 Reading station (RDG)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Swansea to Reading trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Transport for Wales 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 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 Transport for Wales 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 Great Western Railway 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 Transport for Wales 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.

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales from Swansea to Reading trainsGreat Western Railway, 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 13m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£50
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

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£61
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Swansea and Reading

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Swansea to Reading.
Yes, there is a night train from Swansea to Reading.

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

Reading Museum

Reading’s main museum explores local history, archaeology, and art. Best known for the Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.

  • 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.

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.

Plan your visit to Reading

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Reading.

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.

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.

FAQs
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.
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 8450507080ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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.

Train stations for Swansea to Reading

Check train stations information for Swansea and Reading, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Swansea that goes to Reading is Swansea, and it arrives at Reading.

More options for your journey from Swansea to Reading

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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