- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum of human history, art, and culture, known for highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
2 h 20 m
Average duration
2 h 20 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
163 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swanage to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swanage to London will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 17 trains that leave Swanage for London on Mon, Jul 06, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 06 the direct trains cover the 163 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Mon, Jul 06 the slowest trains will take 2 h 20 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.
L80237
L80247
L80227
L80105
L80123
L80087
L80105
L80123
L80115
L80097Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Swanage to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 23m. 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 $7, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 101 miles (163 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$47 Average price | $10 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Swanage to London:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swanage to London costing on average $47 (€38).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
The journey is about 43m faster (2h 23m by train vs 3h 6m by car) and roughly $16 (€13) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($47 (€38) vs $63 (€52)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with South Western Railway.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Swanage to London trains for tomorrow, Monday, July 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80363_L80064 | 8:27 AM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h22 | 10:49 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80195 | 8:53 AM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h29 | 11:22 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80068 | 9:29 AM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h21 | 11:50 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80201 | 9:53 AM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h29 | 12:22 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80073 | 10:29 AM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h20 | 12:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80207 | 10:53 AM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h28 | 1:21 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80087 | 12:29 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h20 | 2:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80227 | 12:53 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h27 | 3:20 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80097 | 1:29 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h20 | 3:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80237 | 1:53 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h27 | 4:20 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80105 | 2:29 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h20 | 4:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80247 | 2:53 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h27 | 5:20 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80115 | 3:29 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h20 | 5:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80257 | 3:53 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h27 | 6:20 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80123 | 4:29 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h20 | 6:49 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80267 | 4:53 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h29 | 7:22 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80133 | 5:29 PM Wareham station (WRM) | 2h24 | 7:53 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 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 Swanage to London run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 21:42. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (163 km) distance in 2h 20m.
Distance 101 miles (163 km) |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 2h 20m |
First train 5:30 AM |
Last train 9:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum of human history, art, and culture, known for highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with an outstanding collection of European paintings from the 13th to early 20th centuries.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a converted power station on the Thames, popular for its collection and river views.
Lively central district known for its piazza, street performers, boutiques, and constant visitor energy.
Popular riverside walking area with major cultural venues, skyline views, and one of the best central London strolls.
Charming neighborhood of pastel houses, elegant streets, and market culture, especially popular for photography and weekend walks.
Battered white fish with chips, traditionally served with mushy peas and tartar sauce. It is one of London’s most iconic comfort foods and a classic pub and chippy order.
Roast meat with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. It is a beloved British weekend meal strongly associated with London pubs.
A hearty breakfast of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes and toast. It is a traditional British start to the day widely enjoyed across London.
A highly regarded restaurant inspired by Bombay cafes, popular for breakfast, house specials and lively atmosphere in central London.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in Notting Hill known for refined modern British cuisine, polished service and a special-occasion feel.
A historic Mayfair pub and grill known for excellent steaks, British fare and a traditional pub atmosphere with a long-standing reputation.
High prices for hotels, transport, and dining. Budget options exist, but London is among Europe’s costliest cities.
Service charge of 12.5% is often added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12%. Round up taxis. No tip needed for pubs, cafés, or counter service.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo, London -> Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swanage to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Swanage to London trains use the Wareham to London Waterloo station pair, with some services arriving at London Paddington. Use this guide to compare Swanage and London train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. 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 London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Paddington 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: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need