- 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 17
€39
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€102
Fastest journey on Sep 17
4 h 3 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
4 h 13 m
Trains on Sep 17
13
Distance
237 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Swansea will cost around €102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 13 trains from Manchester to Swansea, including 4 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 237 km distance in an average of 4 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 3 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 4 h 27 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.
G38890
G38873
G38868
G38877
G38878 · Y62419
G38870+
G14938
G38877
G38873
G38868
G01144+
W34618Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 46m. 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 €35, while a train costs an average of €90.
Distance: 147 miles (237 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€90 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg 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 Manchester to Swansea:
A bus is €55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Swansea costing on average €90.
Other travel options to Swansea take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 53m.
Tickets start at around €90 compared to roughly €53 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-37.28. The journey takes 4h 16m versus 4h 16m 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 Manchester to Swansea trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38866+ G14936 | 6:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h03 | 11:30 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 1 transfer | |
G38868 | 7:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h13 | 11:43 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G86189+ W34265+ G38873 | 8:16 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 5h25 | 1:41 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 2 transfers | |
G38870+ G14938 | 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h03 | 12:33 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 1 transfer | |
G01144+ W34618 | 9:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 1:30 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 1 transfer | |
G86192+ W33903+ G01107+ W34624 | 9:16 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 6h14 | 3:30 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 3 transfers | |
G38873 | 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h11 | 1:41 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29871+ W34624 | 11:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 3:30 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 1 transfer | |
G38877 | 11:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h10 | 3:40 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33975+ G38880 | 11:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h50 | 5:44 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 1 transfer | |
G38878 · Y62419 | 12:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h35 | 5:05 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 1 transfer | |
G86197+ W00587+ G38890 | 4:16 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 5h43 | 9:59 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 2 transfers | |
G38890 | 5:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h29 | 9:59 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Manchester to Swansea run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €48 but you can travel from only €16 by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:38, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (237 km) distance in 3h 57m.
Distance 147 miles (237 km) |
Average train duration 4h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price €48 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 57m |
First train 3:38 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 Manchester 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 Manchester to Swansea trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Swansea station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Swansea train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, 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.
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