- 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
$70
Average price
$268
Fastest journey
3 h 51 m
Average duration
4 h 6 m
Trains per day
6
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 $268 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
It's difficult to get from York to Swindon without transferring at least once.
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Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
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Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington
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Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington
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Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
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Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+
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W35225Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from York to Swindon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a train costs an average of $132.
Distance: 168 miles (271 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$187 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 7m Average total duration 7h 37m 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 $136 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Swindon costing on average $187.
Other travel options to Swindon take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 37m.
Tickets start at around $187 compared to roughly $72 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-115.24. The journey takes 4h 2m versus 3h 56m 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.
The table below shows live departures for York to Swindon trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:17 AM York | 3h42 | 11:59 AM Swindon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:56 AM York | 3h42 | 12:38 PM 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 York to Swindon run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $132 but you can travel from only $35 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 42m.
Distance 168 miles (271 km) |
Average train duration 4h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $132 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 42m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 9:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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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