- Must visit
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
Major railway museum in the former works. Interactive displays, locomotives, and hands-on exhibits make it Swindon’s standout heritage attraction.
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
58 m
Average duration
59 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
97 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Swindon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Swindon will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 11 trains that leave Cardiff for Swindon on Wed, Aug 05, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 97 km distance in an average of 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 58 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 1 h 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.
G15047
W35182
G15041
G15044
W35432
G15043
W35182
W35432
G15042
G15041Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swindon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $29.
Distance: 60 miles (97 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Cardiff to Swindon:
A bus is $31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Swindon costing on average $44.
Other travel options to Swindon take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 53m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (1h 22m by train vs 1h 27m by car). Tickets start at around $44 compared to roughly $27 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, Great Western Railway (GWR).
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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swindon trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15041 | 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h00 | 9:18 AM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15042 | 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h59 | 9:37 AM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35432 | 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h59 | 10:18 AM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15043 | 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h58 | 10:47 AM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35178 | 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h01 | 11:19 AM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15044 | 10:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h00 | 11:50 AM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15045 | 11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h00 | 12:18 PM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35182 | 11:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h58 | 12:48 PM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15046 | 12:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h00 | 1:18 PM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15047 | 12:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h00 | 1:50 PM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35434 | 1:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h01 | 2:19 PM Swindon station (SWI) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Cardiff to Swindon run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 but you can travel from only $9 by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:42. The fastest train covers the 60 miles (97 km) distance in 57m.
Distance 60 miles (97 km) |
Average train duration 1h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 57m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:42 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Swindon — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swindon trip today.
Major railway museum in the former works. Interactive displays, locomotives, and hands-on exhibits make it Swindon’s standout heritage attraction.
Museum in Lydiard House presenting the estate’s history, decorated rooms, and collections connected to one of Swindon’s grandest homes.
Volunteer-run railway heritage site with exhibits, restored stock, and a nostalgic station atmosphere on the edge of Swindon.
Large country park with lakes, woodland, and formal grounds around Lydiard House. A favorite for walks, picnics, and heritage scenery.
Historic district with independent shops, period buildings, and a lively atmosphere. Ideal for strolling and seeing Swindon beyond the outlet area.
Former railway village now known for heritage streets, murals, and easy access to STEAM, outlet shopping, and industrial history walks.
A Wiltshire classic of cured pork, usually sliced for sandwiches or breakfasts. It reflects the county's long pork-curing tradition.
A crumbly cow's milk cheese from Wiltshire with a fresh, tangy taste. It is a regional staple often served on cheese boards or in ploughman's lunches.
A traditional English dessert of stewed fruit topped with a baked crumb mixture. In Wiltshire it often features local apples or seasonal fruit.
Popular Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes, and friendly service in a smart casual setting.
Stylish steakhouse and grill with dry-aged beef, cocktails, and an upscale atmosphere for a higher-end meal.
Well-regarded modern British gastropub with steaks, seasonal dishes, and a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Moderate for UK travel. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local transport are typical for southern England.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, add 10-12.5% if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Swindon Railway Station -> The Parade, Swindon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swindon 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 Swindon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Swindon trains use the Cardiff Central to Swindon station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Swindon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Swindon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Swindon.
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.
Ticket office support is available at Swindon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.
Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via subway and the lifts via the main entrance subway, 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 taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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