- 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 on Sep 20
$132
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$132
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 58 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 58 m
Trains on Sep 20
1
Distance
271 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Swindon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Swindon will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $132.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 trains from York to Swindon, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 271 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 58 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 58 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Swindon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 49m. 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 $61, while a train costs an average of $198.
Distance: 168 miles (271 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$198 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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 York to Swindon:
A bus is $137 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Swindon costing on average $198.
Other travel options to Swindon take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 11m.
You'll arrive about 37m sooner (3h 19m by train vs 3h 56m by car). Tickets start at around $198 compared to roughly $73 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.
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 York to Swindon run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $132 but you can travel from only $43 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 21:41. The fastest train covers the 168 miles (271 km) distance in 3h 3m.
Distance 168 miles (271 km) |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $132 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 3m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 9:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 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 York 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 York to Swindon trains use the York to Swindon station pair. Use this guide to compare York and Swindon train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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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