- 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
$51
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Trains per day
1
Distance
96 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Swindon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Swindon will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 1 trains that leave Watford for Swindon on Thu, Aug 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 20 the direct trains cover the 96 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .
On Thu, Aug 20 the slowest trains will take 2 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Swindon 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 1h 28m. 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 $37, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 59 miles (96 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$39 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Watford to Swindon:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Swindon costing on average $39 (€32).
Other travel options to Swindon take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 36m.
You'll arrive about 2m sooner (1h 28m by train vs 1h 30m by car). Tickets start at around $39 (€32) compared to roughly $28 (€23) 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.
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 Watford to Swindon trains for tomorrow, Thursday, August 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:09 AM Watford | 2h00 | 10:09 AM Swindon | 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 Watford to Swindon run on average 18 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 59 miles (96 km) distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 59 miles (96 km) |
Average train duration 1h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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 Watford 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 Watford to Swindon trains use the Watford Junction to Swindon station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford and Swindon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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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