- Must visit
National Waterfront Museum
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Cheapest price on Sep 10
$58
Average ticket price on Sep 10
$81
Fastest journey on Sep 10
2 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
3 h 7 m
Trains on Sep 10
5
Distance
169 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Swansea will cost around $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
On Thu, Sep 10, we found 5 trains from Birmingham to Swansea, including 5 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 10 the direct trains cover the 169 km distance in an average of 3 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 48 m .
On Thu, Sep 10 the slowest trains will take 3 h 59 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 27m. 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 bus costs an average of $31, while a train costs an average of $97.
Distance: 105 miles (169 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Swansea:
A bus is $66 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Swansea costing on average $97.
Other travel options to Swansea take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 57m.
Tickets start at around $97 compared to roughly $57 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-40.15. The journey takes 2h 57m versus 2h 47m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Swansea trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 AM Birmingham | 3h59 | 8:59 AM Swansea | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 AM Birmingham | 3h00 | 10:30 AM Swansea | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:42 AM Birmingham | 2h51 | 12:33 PM Swansea | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Birmingham | 2h59 | 3:29 PM Swansea | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:42 PM Birmingham | 2h48 | 3:30 PM Swansea | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from Birmingham to Swansea run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 but you can travel from only $14 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:46, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (169 km) distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 105 miles (169 km) |
Average train duration 2h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 3:46 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Excellent local museum on Swansea's history, Egyptology, natural history, and ceramics, housed in an elegant city-centre building.
Contemporary art centre presenting changing exhibitions by Welsh and international artists in a bright, modern waterfront space.
Wide sandy bay backed by a long promenade, ideal for walking, cycling, sunsets, and classic views across Swansea Bay.
Historic fishing village turned lively seaside district, loved for the pier, independent shops, sea views, and access to coastal walks.
Dramatic clifftop path section on Gower with famous views over Three Cliffs Bay, perfect for hikers and photographers.
A rich Welsh fruit loaf packed with dried fruit and tea-soaked flavor, traditionally sliced and served with butter at tea time.
A traditional Welsh seaweed puree, often served with oats and laverbread cakes. It is a signature food of the Swansea Bay coastline.
Welsh cheddar melted with ale and mustard on toast. This comforting pub classic is strongly associated with Welsh home cooking.
Popular casual spot for quality Welsh ice cream and desserts on Mumbles seafront, loved for local flavor and sea views nearby.
Well-regarded waterfront restaurant known for modern British cooking, seafood, and polished service in a smart contemporary setting.
Historic market venue famous for traditional Welsh breakfast, laverbread, and cockles in a lively local atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, cafes, and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares; cafes usually only get small change or none.
Official public transport app
Swansea Railway Station -> Swansea Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham 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.

Most Birmingham to Swansea trains use the Birmingham New Street to Swansea station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Swansea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham International is 12 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham International.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham International. ATMs are available at Birmingham International.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham International: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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: Yes.
University is 4 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
University has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at University.
Ticket office support is available at University. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at University: Parking.
Available at University: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at University: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located in the Booking Hall, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Swansea.
ATMs are available at Swansea.
Ticket office support is available at Swansea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swansea: Parking, WC.
Available at Swansea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need