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Reading to Swanley by train

First train

04:45

Last train

21:20

Departure station

Reading

Arrival station

Swanley

Journey time

From 1h 39m

Distance

49 miles (79 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

London Overground, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Thameslink, Southern

Taking the train from Reading to Swanley in 1 hour 39 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Reading to Swanley? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 2 hours 6 minutes to travel the 49 miles (79 km) from Reading to Swanley by train, although you can get there in as little as 1 hour 39 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 3 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with Great Western Railway, South Western Railway or Southeastern to Swanley. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Reading to Swanley in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Swanley by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Reading to Swanley? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Reading to Swanley take?

The average journey time by train between Reading and Swanley is 2 hours and 6 minutes, with around 3 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Reading and Swanley by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Reading to Swanley is 1 hour and 39 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Reading to Swanley?

No, there are no direct train services from Reading to Swanley. Travelling from Reading to Swanley by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What time does the first train from Reading to Swanley leave?

The first train from Reading to Swanley leaves at 04:45. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Reading to Swanley leave?

The last train from Reading to Swanley leaves at 21:20. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Reading and Swanley by train?

Trains travelling from Reading to Swanley cover a distance of around 49 miles (79 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Swanley to Reading.

Cheap train tickets from Reading to Swanley

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Reading to Swanley is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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