Swindon Railway Station
A key railway hub connecting Swindon to London and beyond, known for its helpful staff but challenged by connectivity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cheaper fares
Swindon Railway Station
Best Time
Cheaper fares
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A key railway hub connecting Swindon to London and beyond, known for its helpful staff but challenged by connectivity.
"Staff are noted for being exceptionally helpful, especially with directions and ticketing issues."
🎯 Book Ahead for Savings
Save big on Paddington to Swindon train tickets by booking 8+ weeks in advance. :ticket:
📶 Download Tickets Beforehand
Poor station Wi-Fi means downloading e-tickets outside is often necessary. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Steam Locomotives
Occasional sightings
Witness the majestic GWR Castle Class steam locomotives, like 'Clun Castle,' passing through. A nostalgic glimpse of railway heritage in motion.
Modern Rail Testing
Occasional sightings
Catch glimpses of Colas Rail testing trains, featuring HST power cars and Class 91 locomotives, as they pass through on important infrastructure work.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Train Tickets in Advance
Connectivity Challenges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead for Savings
Save big on Paddington to Swindon train tickets by booking 8+ weeks in advance. :ticket:
📶 Download Tickets Beforehand
Poor station Wi-Fi means downloading e-tickets outside is often necessary. :iphone:
Swindon to Paddington Train.
🤝 Friendly Staff Assistance
Staff are noted for being exceptionally helpful, especially with directions and ticketing issues. :bustsinsilhouette:
🅿️ Parking Availability
Long-term parking can be limited, so arrive early if driving. :red_car:
I need to travel to Swindon after getting off at London st Pancras International from Paris. I have a EUrail Global pass.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Savings
Save big on Paddington to Swindon train tickets by booking 8+ weeks in advance. :ticket:
📶 Download Tickets Beforehand
Poor station Wi-Fi means downloading e-tickets outside is often necessary. :iphone:
🤝 Friendly Staff Assistance
Staff are noted for being exceptionally helpful, especially with directions and ticketing issues. :bustsinsilhouette:
🅿️ Parking Availability
Long-term parking can be limited, so arrive early if driving. :red_car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Swindon Railway Station is generally seen as a functional and reasonably clean transport hub. Passengers frequently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the station staff, who go above and beyond to assist travelers. However, a significant drawback is the poor and unreliable internet signal within the station, which can cause considerable stress and delays when trying to access e-tickets. Parking can also be an issue, with long-term spaces sometimes scarce.
"Just have to say I was totally lost from being to Cheltenham races I ended up at this train station a young lady called tori helped me soooo much as she could see me upset and lost …. Straight away she approached me help me find my way to right platform to get on right train to Birmingham new st …
She
Also gave me a bottle of water and
Some biscuits….
I totally owe my life
To her she made me feel safe and important she never left my side till
I got on the right train home ….. seriously she needs to
Be recognised for her love and loyalty to her job she goes beyond beautiful young lady I will always be grateful to her hospitality……pls pls recognise her she need s to be promoted xx
Kind regards
Miss z . Wilkie"
Zeta Wilkie
"Purchased my etickets on phone before walking into the train station. The station has no to very poor (slow) internet signal and cannot download the tickets indoors. This will cause you to be late and moss your train as the station is not fit for purpose and you need to walk outside if you want to download tickets."
Adam S
"After having a thoroughly miserable and frustrating time trying to book train tickets to take my grandson to London for the day and being quoted by the website anything up to £130 for one adult and one child (outrageous). Then being told by the website that I couldn't book them I gave up and went to the train station to try there. The young woman who served me was so very, very helpful. She found me the cheapest tickets and saved me £60. She's a credit to whichever company it is that employs the front of house staff. I hope she sees this."
jay conwy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trains from Paddington to Swindon are frequent and operated by Great Western Railway (GWR). The journey typically takes around 50-70 minutes. Booking tickets in advance, especially 8 weeks ahead, can significantly reduce the fare.
The most convenient way is by train from Swindon Railway Station to London Paddington. GWR operates these services. Consider booking tickets well in advance for the best prices.
Yes, there are direct train services from Swindon to Bristol Parkway, operated by GWR. The journey time is approximately 30-40 minutes.
The train journey from Swindon to Reading typically takes around 40-50 minutes, with services operated by GWR.
Trains run from Kemble to Swindon, usually taking about 10-15 minutes. This is a common local route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
To get cheaper train tickets from Swindon to Paddington, book at least eight weeks in advance. Off-peak travel and using a railcard can also help reduce costs.
Yes, you can purchase train tickets at Swindon Railway Station from ticket machines or the ticket office. However, booking online in advance is often cheaper.
Swindon Railway Station is generally open for services throughout the day and into the night, with the first trains departing early morning and the last trains running late. Specific platform and departure times vary.
Downloading e-tickets at Swindon station can be problematic due to poor internet signal. It's highly recommended to download them before you arrive or be prepared to go outside the station to do so.
Last-minute tickets from Paddington to Swindon can be expensive, potentially costing over £170 for a day return. Booking in advance can bring this down to around £40 with a railcard.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Swindon Railway Station offers essential facilities including clean toilets, well-stocked shops, and helpful staff. There are also ticket machines and waiting areas.
While specific accessibility details can vary, train stations generally aim to provide accessible routes. It's advisable to check with GWR or National Rail Enquiries for the most up-to-date information on assistance and facilities.
Yes, Swindon Railway Station has shops that are well-stocked, which often include options for snacks and drinks.
You can find live departure information for Swindon Railway Station on the National Rail Enquiries website or app, or via station departure boards.
Yes, there is parking available at Swindon Railway Station, but long-term parking can sometimes be scarce. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive and park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families Planning a Day Trip
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Train Travel to London
When purchasing tickets, especially e-tickets, be mindful of the connectivity issues within Swindon Railway Station. The signal can be unreliable, making it difficult to download your tickets once inside. Travelers are often advised to download their tickets before arriving at the station or be prepared to step outside to get a signal. This can be a crucial step to avoid missing your train due to technical delays.
Despite these practical considerations, the staff at Swindon Railway Station are frequently praised for their helpfulness and friendly demeanor. They can assist with ticketing queries, platform information, and general guidance, contributing to a smoother travel experience.
A Glimpse of Railway Heritage
These rare sightings provide a nostalgic contrast to the modern rolling stock, offering a unique visual experience for railfans. Beyond heritage trains, the station also sees modern operational movements, including testing trains for rail infrastructure projects. For instance, Colas Rail trains, featuring HST power cars and other specialized locomotives, have been observed passing through as part of testing and maintenance operations.
These events, though infrequent, add an element of surprise and interest for those who frequent the station or are observant of its daily traffic. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit