Reading to Swindon (Wilts) Trains From £6.73*

Travel on direct routes with Great Western Railway to get from Reading to Swindon (Wilts) in under 30 minutes. Departing from Berkshire's largest town, you’ll reach Wiltshire quickly and efficiently by train. Better yet, the journey from Reading to Swindon is affordable too when you buy cheap advance tickets with TrainPal.

Along the way, you’ll race past Berkshire and Wiltshire countryside, sneaking glances at the River Thames and the North Wessex Downs from the comfort of your seat. 

Great Western Railway (GWR) operates an extensive network across South Wales, the South West and the Cotswolds, providing pivotal connections between London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter, and Penzance, among other cities and towns.

Departing from Reading

Depart from Reading, one of the Thames Valley’s most dynamic towns, and a rail hub with excellent connections to London and South West England.

Managed by Network Rail, the station offers step-free access to all platforms, baby changing facilities, accessible toilets, and various refreshment counters to buy light meals and drinks. The station has public Wi-Fi, photobooths, sheltered waiting rooms, and machines to collect pre-paid tickets.

Known for information technology and insurance, the city also has historic buildings and culture galore. Visit the medieval ruins of Reading Abbey, shop until you drop in regional retail hubs, or get your vibes on at the buzzing music scene of Reading Festival.

Located in the heart of Reading, on Station Road, you can easily reach the station on various local buses, taxis, or by bike. There are 344 bike storage spaces available for those not wanting to board with their vehicle.

As the busiest station in Berkshire and the third busiest in South East England, Reading offers passengers the opportunity to board trains to London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Plymouth, and numerous other cities and towns across the UK, including Cardiff, Manchester, and Birmingham. Reading is the western terminus of the Elizabeth Line, and is served by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway, and the North Downs Line.

Main stops

From Reading to Swindon (Wilts) with GWR, you will typically call at Didcot Parkway only before arriving at Swindon.

Arriving at Swindon (Wilts)

Between the Cotswolds and the North Wessex Downs, Swindon is Wiltshire’s busiest rail station, sometimes referred to as Wiltshire’s ‘railway town’.

Arriving by train at Swindon is a convenient way to start your day out in Wiltshire, South West England. Only 10 minutes from the town centre, train passengers have great access to the town’s historic buildings and culture.

A historic town recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book, Swindon has a strong rail identity. Visit the Grade II listed Railway Village to learn how Victorian railway workers lived. At the Museum of the Great Western Railway, housed in former railway works, learn the story of Swindon’s railway community through film archives and artefacts.

Before you leave, Swindon Station has step-free access and amenities including coffee shops, public Wi-Fi, and accessible toilets. Getting around the town is simple, as the central bus station is just a short walk away.

A key stop on the Great Western Main Line, Swindon connects passengers to London, Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester, Swansea, Cheltenham, and Westbury. The station’s only operator is Great Western Railway.

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Enjoy a comfortable journey on the short trip west when you book affordable tickets with GWR. Free Wi-Fi, generous seating, and a restaurant car offering a selection of tasty food and drinks for purchase will ensure a pleasant journey.
• First Class: For the most luxurious train experience, choose a Reading to Swindon (Wilts) First Class ticket. Recline in extra spacious seats, stretch your legs, and connect to fast Wi-Fi. On selected services, benefit from complimentary drinks and snacks. Whenever you travel, enjoy the peace of exclusive seating.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

• Children: Under 5s travel free from Reading to Swindon, while children aged 5 to 15 are eligible for 50% off tickets when travelling with a fare-paying adult.
• Bicycles: Travel with standard bikes and e-bikes for free with a mandatory reservation (e-scooters are not permitted). Note: spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
• Pets: Up to two pets can board with each (human) passenger at no additional cost. Remember to keep dogs on a lead and hold smaller animals securely in pet carriers.
• Luggage: Board with up to three items of luggage on Great Western Railway services at no extra cost. All suitcases, rucksacks, or holdalls all welcome, though remember to store larger items securely in overhead or end-of-carriage racks.
• Passenger Assist: If you need help boarding, reserving a wheelchair space, or anything else, book support from GWR in advance. Use the Passenger Assist app, or speak to staff at larger stations.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.