Going to Swansea for a sunny day out on the beach or a weekend away? Frequent rail services can take you to Swansea from London in a little over three hours and from Cardiff in a little over an hour, so you'll be exploring the city in no time.
Originally known as Swansea High Street, Swansea train station is the first and last of seven rail hubs that once served the south Wales city. The station is situated a mile from the main Quadrant shopping centre.
Opened in 1850, the Chepstow-to-Swansea line was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel; it was redeveloped in 1879 and again in 1923 when the platform canopies were installed. They still provide shelter from the drizzle nearly a century later. In 2012 another much-needed facelift, £7.6 million worth, was completed. With concourse remodelled and a glass partition inserted towards the back of the station, passengers no longer have to deal with the problematic draft and can enjoy the flood of natural light across the platforms.
The words 'Ambition is critical' are inscribed at the threshold of the station's entrance. They're part of the 1990's Swansea council initiative which commissioned local artists to produce poems for landmarks in the town. Poet David Hughes' optimistic lines are a witty retort to Swansea's nickname: the 'Graveyard of ambition'.
Swansea train station is mainly served by GWR and Transport for Wales trains. Frequent Transport for Wales services connect Cardiff to Swansea in 1h 6m, Manchester to Swansea in 4h 27m and Shrewsbury to Swansea in 3h 22m. GWR cover the route from London Paddington to Swansea in 3h 22m.
Need more information on how to get to Swansea by train? Check out our dedicated page to trains to Swansea.
It takes around 24 minutes to walk from Swansea station to the beach. Once you leave the station, walk south down the High Street until you reach Castle Square, then take a right and walk along Oxford Street. Turn left onto William Street and walk across Vetch Field and down Glamorgan Street. Keep walking until you see the beach ahead of you.
Want to know when your next train from/to Swansea station departs? Scroll down this page and click on the ‘Departures’ tab if you want to check all trains departing from Swansea railway station or click on the ‘Arrivals’ tab for more information about all services arriving into Swansea.
The station has four platforms, all with step-free access. There are self-service ticket machines, but the station is also staffed full time. The station has a small cafe, and a WHSmith is located at the front of the station. Cycle storage and disabled parking are also at the front of the station's sole entrance. All toilets are located on platform 1.
Swansea train station has one car park at the front of its main entrance. There are almost 30 parking bays, with three set aside for disabled drivers, so finding a space is relatively easy, even on busy days.
Looking for a hotel near Swansea railway station? There’s a wide range of hotels you can choose from. Simply click on the button below and book now your accommodation in Swansea.
Swansea station is open every day that services are running to and from the station. The station usually opens just before the first train of the day leaves and then closes after the last train departs. Ticket office opening hours may vary.
Trains arrive into and depart from Swansea station almost every day, although there may be fewer services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains running to and from Swansea.
Yes, there are toilets available to use at Swansea station.
Yes, dogs are allowed at Swansea station, but they should be kept on a lead or in a pet carrier at all times.
It's easy to reach the beach from Swansea train station – you just need to walk for about 24 minutes.
Departing to | Train | Time | Platform | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
to Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | 16:50 | 2 | On time |
to Milford Haven | Transport for Wales | 17:15 | On time | |
to Milford Haven | Transport for Wales | 17:15 | On time | |
to London Paddington | Great Western Railway | 17:23 | 3 | On time |
to Fishguard Harbour | Transport for Wales | 17:26 | On time |
Arriving from | Train | Time | Platform | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
from London Paddington | Great Western Railway | 16:57 | 3 | Late |
from Cardiff Central | Transport for Wales | 16:58 | 4 | On time |
from Cardiff Central | Transport for Wales | 17:03 | 4 | On time |
from Pembroke Dock | Transport for Wales | 17:15 | On time | |
from Pembroke Dock | Transport for Wales | 17:15 | On time |