How to get to Barnstaple from Swindon

Sun 01 Nov
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
National Express
FlixBus
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train for Swindon to Barnstaple

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swindon to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £49 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £49, while a train costs an average of £49.

Distance: 167 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£49

Average Price

Cheapest

£37

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 26m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare ways to travel from Swindon to Barnstaple

Compare the available ways to get from Swindon to Barnstaple, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.

The cheapest way to travel from Swindon to Barnstaple is a train with an average price of £49.
The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Barnstaple is by train with an average journey time of 3h 20m.
Yes, you can take a train between Swindon and Barnstaple.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £49 compared to roughly £37 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about -£12. The journey takes 2h 50m versus 2h 26m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Travel options
from Swindon to Barnstaple

How to get to Barnstaple from Swindon by train, bus, flight or ferry.

Our recommendation

train

The best way to travel from Swindon to Barnstaple is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • Great Western Railway
    0 changes

Cheapest

  • Great Western Railway
    0 changes

Fastest

  • Great Western Railway
    0 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

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Best day trips from Barnstaple by train

The most popular day trips by train from Barnstaple are Exeter, Bideford, Crediton, Ilfracombe and Braunton. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Barnstaple on Omio.

A view of Exeter

Day trip from Barnstaple to Exeter by train

Why visit Exeter for the day?

Exeter is a compact Devon city known for its Norman cathedral, Roman history and lively quayside. Medieval streets, independent shops and a strong student presence give it a relaxed but energetic character.

A view of Bideford

Day trip from Barnstaple to Bideford by train

Why visit Bideford for the day?

Bideford is a historic port town on the River Torridge in North Devon, known for its old quay and pannier market. It has a maritime feel, colourful streets and good access to the Tarka Trail and the wider coast.

A view of Ilfracombe

Day trip from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe by train

Why visit Ilfracombe for the day?

Ilfracombe is a North Devon harbour town known for its dramatic coastline, Victorian seafront and the statue Verity. Its working harbour, nearby beaches and access to coastal walks give it a traditional seaside character.

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FAQs: Swindon to Barnstaple

Travel to Barnstaple easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Swindon to Barnstaple.

FAQs
You can travel between Swindon and Barnstaple by train.
The cheapest way to travel from Swindon to Barnstaple is a train with an average price of £49.
The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Barnstaple is by train with an average journey time of 3h 20m.
The Swindon to Barnstaple distance is approximately 167 km.
The average frequency per day from Swindon to Barnstaple is:
  • Around 5 trains per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Swindon and Barnstaple as scheduled services by train can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Swindon to Barnstaple:
  • Trains mostly depart from Swindon station (SWI) and arrive in Barnstaple station (BNP).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Swindon to Barnstaple, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with Great Western Railway, CrossCountry to go to Barnstaple by train.
Omio customers who travel from Swindon to Barnstaple often also extend their vacation to go to London, Bristol, Exeter, London Paddington (PAD), Exeter Central (EXC). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Barnstaple and these popular destinations at a great price.
To travel from Swindon to Barnstaple, you can take a train.
A visit to Barnstaple can typically be enjoyed over 2 to 3 days, giving you enough time to explore the town's historic centre, visit the Pannier Market, and enjoy the nearby countryside and coast.

Travelling from Swindon to Barnstaple: related information

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

HomeTravelTravel to United KingdomTravel to BarnstapleHow to get to Barnstaple from Swindon

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