Reading to Swansea from $45: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Reading to Swansea: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$45 by carBest price

147.9 milesDistance

2h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Reading to Swansea with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Type	Mo 10/03	Tu 11/03	We 12/03	Th 13/03	Fr 14/03	Sa 15/03	Su 16/03
Bus	$15	$16	$15	$19	$16	$16	$21
Train	$26	$39	$36	$39	$39	$25	$56

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Traveling From Reading to Swansea

Traveling from Reading to Swansea reveals a fascinating contrast between Reading's vibrant urban landscape and Swansea's stunning coastal scenery.

Best Neighbourhoods in Swansea

Swansea boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Uplands

• Home to popular bars and restaurants.

• Features stunning views of Swansea Bay.

Mumbles

• Known for its picturesque waterfront promenades.

• Offers quaint shops and local artisan markets.

Marina

• Vibrant area with a beautiful marina backdrop.

• Hosts a variety of dining and leisure options.

Best Times To Visit Swansea's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Swansea's top attractions.

Swansea Marina

Visit early mornings on weekdays to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

Gower Peninsula

Weekdays in late spring offer tranquil hiking and stunning scenery.

National Waterfront Museum

Afternoons on weekdays provide a relaxed exploration of exhibits.

Swansea Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Swansea experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers, making it a suitable destination throughout the year. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Swansea Dining Recommendation

A visit to Swansea would be incomplete without trying the locally celebrated fish and chips at The Captain's Table, where freshly caught seafood meets traditional cooking methods. This contrasts with Reading's café culture, as Swansea's coastal influence adds a vibrant marine twist to your dining experience, featuring local ingredients that truly capture the essence of the seaside.

Reading - Swansea operators

Explore transport companies operating between Reading and Swansea, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+44 3457 000 125

Website

https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Reading to Swansea

Average Duration

2h 15m

Estimated price

$90-200

Reading to Swansea: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Reading and Swansea offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Reading to Swansea, covering a distance of 238.2 km in approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes. 💰 Experience budget-friendly travel options as the prices to journey from Reading to Swansea by car range from £36 to £55.

Average price

£35 - £54

🌊 Sit back and enjoy the approximately 2-hour 15-minute train ride as you pass through charming British countryside en route to Swansea. 💷 Ticket prices for the Reading to Swansea train range from £71 to £158, providing flexibility for travelers to choose the fare that best suits their budget. Experience a comfortable and efficient rail journey from Reading to Swansea with First Great Western Service.

Departure Point

Reading station

Arrival Point

Swansea station

Useful tips for train travellers

• Onboard services on your train from Reading to Swansea vary by operator, with Great Western Railway (GWR) usually offering a range of catering options, including a café service that provides snacks, hot and cold beverages, and light meals. You may also find a selection of sandwiches and pastries available for purchase. For a more extensive menu, check GWR's onboard services information before your trip.

• The main operators on the Reading to Swansea route are Great Western Railway (GWR), which offers both First Class and Standard Class seating. First Class provides more spacious and comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and access to quieter carriages. Standard Class is still comfortable and offers good amenities, but you won't have the same level of service. Compare prices and amenities on their respective websites: GWR.

• Upon arrival at Swansea station, you can easily navigate to the city center. The station does provide facilities such as luggage lockers for storing your bags if you want to explore before you check into your accommodation. There are restrooms available, but showers are not provided. For the fastest route to the city center, catch the number 3 or number 8 bus from the station, which frequently runs every 10 minutes and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to reach the city center.

🚌 Route 1: With 2 transfers, the journey from Reading to Swansea takes 5 hours 57 mins covering a distance of 332 km. Make stops at Heathrow Airport and Haverfordwest along the way. 🚌 Route 2: A single transfer trip from Reading to Swansea lasts 6 hours 5 mins, spanning 341 km. Transition through Heathrow Airport and end at Durham Bus Station. 🚌 Route 3: This route involves 2 transfers and takes 6 hours 17 mins to travel from Reading to Swansea, covering 331 km. Pass through Heathrow Airport and Bridgend Sarn Odeon before reaching Swansea.

Frequently asked questions

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The distance between Reading and Swansea is approximately 207.6 km by road. By train, it typically takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Swansea from Reading. If you prefer to drive, it takes about 2 hours and 34 minutes to travel from Swansea to Reading. Lastly, traveling by bus from Reading to Swansea usually takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Reading to Swansea is by taking the night bus, which typically costs between £17 and £27 and takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes. This option may be suitable for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind spending a little more time on the road. However, for those seeking a quicker journey, the train is the most time-efficient option, taking only 2 hours and 20 minutes. Though it may be more expensive, ranging from £67 to £149, the train offers a faster and more comfortable travel experience.

The prices for a train ticket from Reading to Swansea range from £67 to £149. On the other hand, the bus ticket prices from Swansea to Reading vary between £17 to £27.

To travel from Reading to Swansea without using public transportation, you can drive or hire a car. The driving distance between the two cities is around 238.2 km, and it usually takes about 2 hours and 34 minutes. The cost of a car rental for this journey can vary from £35 to £55, depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle you choose.

The most convenient way to travel from Reading to Swansea without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes and costs between £67 and £149.

Yes, there is a direct link between Reading and Swansea. The journey by train takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with services operating hourly every day. There is also an overnight bus option, which takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach Swansea from Reading. Both train and bus services are operated by First Great Western Service and Megabus UK, respectively.

There are plenty of options for accommodations near Swansea. With over 1026 hotels available, travelers can choose from a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at £33 per night, ensuring that there are affordable options available for all travelers.