- Must visit
Tate St Ives
Major modern art museum with sea-facing setting and rotating exhibitions. A top stop for British modernism and St Ives artistic history.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swindon to St Ives among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €37, and a train costs an average of €71.
Distance: 186 miles (300 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€76 Average price | €37 Average price Cheapest | €66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 6m Average total duration Fastest 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 20m Average total duration 13h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Swindon to St Ives:
A bus is €39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swindon to St Ives costing on average €76.
Other travel options to St Ives take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 50m.
Tickets start at around €76 compared to roughly €66 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-9.91. The journey takes 4h 36m versus 3h 49m 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.
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 Swindon to St Ives run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €71 but you can travel from only €37 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:59, the last at 16:56. The fastest train covers the 186 miles (300 km) distance in 5h 8m.
Distance 186 miles (300 km) |
Average train duration 4h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price €71 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 8m |
First train 6:59 AM |
Last train 4:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of St Ives — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Ives trip today.
Major modern art museum with sea-facing setting and rotating exhibitions. A top stop for British modernism and St Ives artistic history.
Barbara Hepworth’s preserved studio and garden display her sculptures in the place she lived and worked. Essential for art lovers.
Compact museum covering fishing, mining, maritime, and social history. It gives valuable context to the town beyond its beaches and galleries.
Golden crescent beach backed by Tate St Ives and surfing waves. One of the town’s most famous and scenic places to walk and linger.
Long sandy beach east of the center with broad bay views. Popular for swimming, walks, and a quieter atmosphere than the harbour.
Historic maze of narrow lanes and cottages near the harbour. It captures the old fishing-town character that gives St Ives its charm.
A rich Cornish fish stew of mixed local seafood in a saffron broth. It is a classic coastal dish linked closely with Cornwall’s fishing heritage.
Cornwall’s famous baked pastry with beef, potato, swede and onion. Traditionally made as a portable meal for miners and still widely loved locally.
A split bread roll filled with local pilchards or sardines. It reflects St Ives fishing traditions and is a simple, classic Cornish seaside lunch.
A Celebrated beachside restaurant with refined Cornish seafood, tasting menus and sea views. Ideal for a special meal in St Ives.
A Popular seafood restaurant and fishmonger near the harbour, known for very fresh Cornish fish in a relaxed modern setting.
A Long-established bakery and cafe famous for Cornish pasties, saffron cake and other regional bakes. Good for a traditional quick bite.
Moderate for UK seaside resorts. Summer stays cost more, but dining and local buses are similar to other Cornwall tourist towns.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
St Ives Railway Station -> St Ives Harbour
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon to St Ives 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 St Ives, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Swindon to St Ives trains use the Swindon to St Ives station pair. Use this guide to compare Swindon and St Ives train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
St Ives has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at St Ives.
Wi-Fi is available at St Ives.
Ticket office support is available at St Ives.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Ives: Parking, Taxis.
Available at St Ives: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at St Ives: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free acccess to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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: Yes.
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