Swindon (Wilts) to Reading Trains From £9.00*

Travel from the North Wessex Downs to one of the Thames Valley’s most dynamic towns aboard this direct Great Western Railway train from Swindon (Wilts) to Reading in under just 30 minutes.

As you travel from Swindon to Reading, your train will pass through the gentle farmland of Wiltshire and Berkshire with glimpses of the winding River Thames along the way.

Great Western Railway operates an extensive network across South Wales, the South West and the Cotswolds. There are direct services to and from London Paddington connecting with key destinations across the country, including Oxford, Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter, and Penzance in Cornwall.

Departing from Swindon (Wilts)

Just a ten-minute walk from the town centre, Swindon railway station is Wiltshire’s busiest rail hub and a key stop along the Great Western Main Line. 

Managed by Great Western Railway, Swindon station offers step-free access throughout, lifts to all platforms, and amenities including shops, cafés, ticket machines, and public Wi-Fi. The station is easily accessible, with the central bus station just a short walk away and convenient taxi ranks and car drop-off points just outside.

Sitting at the junction of routes between London, Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and the South West, Swindon is a major interchange for both local and long-distance services. Frequent high-speed trains whisk you to London Paddington in under an hour, while westbound services run directly to Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea and further on to Devon and Cornwall. Regional links also connect Swindon to Cheltenham Spa via Gloucester and to Westbury via the Wessex Main Line, making it an important gateway for commuters and leisure travellers alike.

Main stops

Making its way through the Thames Valley countryside, your Swindon (Wilts) to Reading train will stop at Didcot Parkway before continuing to your final destination at Reading.

Arriving at Reading

Arriving into Reading, you’ll find yourself in one of the busiest and best-connected rail hubs outside London. Managed by Network Rail, the station offers step-free access to all platforms and smooth onward connections to destinations including London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff, Birmingham, Exeter, Plymouth, Southampton and Manchester.

Right in the heart of town on Station Road, Reading station is just moments away from buses, taxis and car collection points for easy onward travel. Now also the western terminus of the Elizabeth Line, Reading is also served by Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway and the North Downs Line, linking passengers across the South West, South Wales, the Midlands and London. You’ll also find easy airport connections, with direct services to both Gatwick and Heathrow.

Set on the rivers Thames and Kennet, Reading blends a rich history with a lively, modern energy – from the medieval ruins of Reading Abbey to thriving shopping hubs, a buzzing music scene at the Reading Festival and a lively university town atmosphere.

Great Western Railway train classes 

• Standard Class: Settle in for a comfortable ride with Great Western Railway Standard Class and enjoy free Wi-Fi, generous seating and on many trains the convenience of a restaurant car serving freshly sourced food and drink.
• First Class: Travel from Swindon (Wilts) to Reading First Class for an even more comfortable travel experience with extra-spacious reclining seats, wider legroom and fast Wi-Fi. Selected services also include complimentary drinks and snacks, with the option of freshly prepared meals brought to your seat, plus weekend upgrades from just £10.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Before you board your Swindon (Wilts) to Reading train, here’s a quick guide to make sure your journey runs as smoothly as possible, covering everything from luggage, bikes and children to pets and accessibility support.

• Luggage: You can bring up to three items onboard Great Western Railway services free of charge, such as suitcases, rucksacks or holdalls. Larger items should be stowed in overhead racks or end-of-carriage spaces to keep doors and walkways clear.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes can be brought on board with a free reservation, though spaces are limited, so booking early is recommended. Folding bikes are always welcome if stowed as luggage. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Under-fives can travel for free, and children aged 5-15 are eligible for half-price fares when travelling with a fare-paying adult. Teenagers can also unlock a 50% discount with a network-wide 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers may travel with up to two pets at no additional cost. Dogs must remain on a lead, and smaller animals should be transported securely in pet carriers. All animals must be kept off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Passenger Assist is available if you need help boarding, reserving a wheelchair space or navigating stations. You can book in advance when purchasing your ticket, via the app or simply by speaking to staff at larger stations on the day of travel.

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