Swindon to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Sun, Jun 21
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Swindon to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$47

Average price

$47

Fastest journey

56 m

Average duration

56 m

Trains per day

11

Distance

97 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swindon to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Swindon to Cardiff will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.

Fast trains

Of the 11 trains that leave Swindon for Cardiff on Sun, Jun 21, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 97 km distance in an average of 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 56 m .

On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 56 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.

  • Great Western RailwayC50047
    1:38 PM0h57
    Swindon station (SWI)
    2:35 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $471One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC01226
    12:38 PM0h56
    Swindon station (SWI)
    1:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $471One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC01228
    10:31 AM0h57
    Swindon station (SWI)
    11:28 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $471One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC50042
    4:38 PM1h02
    Swindon station (SWI)
    5:40 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $471One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW34659
    6:38 PM0h56
    Swindon station (SWI)
    7:34 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $471One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Swindon to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swindon to Cardiff 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 21m. 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 $19.

Distance: 60 miles (97 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$45

Average price

$12

Average price

Cheapest

$27

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 51m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 21m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 30m

Average total duration

2h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 26m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

Megabus

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Swindon to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $12 (€10).

This is compared to other travel options from Swindon to Cardiff:

A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swindon to Cardiff costing on average $45 (€37).

The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 1h 21m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 0m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swindon and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Swindon to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 5m sooner (1h 21m by train vs 1h 26m by car). Tickets start at around $45 (€37) compared to roughly $27 (€22) 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 (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.

Live departures

Swindon to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Swindon to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC42175
On time
11:45 AM Swindon station (SWI)
0h55
12:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34687 · C42260
On time
11:57 AM Swindon station (SWI)
1h50
1:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Sunday, June 21
Great Western RailwayC500489:32 AM Swindon station (SWI)
0h57
10:29 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC0122810:31 AM Swindon station (SWI)
0h57
11:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Swindon to Cardiff by train or bus

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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Swindon to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Swindon to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swindon to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Swindon to Cardiff.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swindon to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Swindon to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swindon to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Swindon to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Swindon to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 60 miles (97 km) distance in 56m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $9 (€7)
Distance
60 miles (97 km)
Average train duration
1h 21m
Cheapest ticket price
$19 (€15)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
56m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:26 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
7 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $9 (€7)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Swindon to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Swindon and Cardiff from $9 (€7). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
56m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 11m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€38)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
Cheapest Price
$86 (€70)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
50 a day

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.

Pound Sterling

Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a casual lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Swindon to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Swindon to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $19 (€15), while the average price is around $45 (€37).
The train from Swindon to Cardiff takes 56m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Swindon to Cardiff is 60 miles (97 km).
The first train from Swindon to Cardiff leaves at 12:01 AM.
The last train from Swindon to Cardiff leaves at 11:26 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Swindon to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train from Swindon to Cardiff. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Swindon to Cardiff.
The train station in Swindon that goes to Cardiff is Swindon station (SWI), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Swindon to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $9 (€7).
The train journey from Swindon to Cardiff offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills and charming rural landscapes, especially as it approaches the Severn Estuary.
Yes, a day trip from Swindon to Cardiff is possible. The journey takes 56m with trains running 6 times per day, covering a distance of 60 miles (97 km).
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Swindon to Cardiff.
Since neither Swindon nor Cardiff are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Cardiff include Swansea, Bristol, Bath, Newport, Gloucester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Swindon to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Swindon to Cardiff

Most Swindon to Cardiff trains use the Swindon to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Swindon and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Swindon
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Swindon station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Swindon to Cardiff leave from Swindon. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Swindon city centre at Swindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ.
SwindonSwindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Swindon from Swindon city centre

Bus82, 49 · 6m · $5 · every ~6 min

Swindon train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Swindon.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Swindon.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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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