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Trains from Reading to Swanley

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Great Western Railway
Thameslink

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Reading to Swanley

Trains to Swanley from Reading

First train

04:45

Last train

19:34

Departure stationReading
Arrival stationSwanley
Journey time

From 1h 53m

Distance

49 miles (79 km)

Frequency

6 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Thameslink

Taking the train from Reading to Swanley in 1 hour 53 minutes

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

It usually takes around 2 hours 8 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 53 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 6 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. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with Great Western Railway or Thameslink, as they are the main operators of services on this route.

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.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Reading to Swanley?

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 do you get to Swanley from Reading?

To travel to Swanley from Reading, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 2 hours and 8 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 1 hour and 53 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Reading to Swanley?

Trains from Reading to Swanley take an average of 2 hours and 8 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 1 hour and 53 minutes. You'll usually find 6 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Reading and Swanley by train?

The quickest journey time between Reading and Swanley by train is 1 hour and 53 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Reading to Swanley?

No, there are no direct trains running from Reading to Swanley, you’ll usually need to make at least 1 change during the journey.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Reading to Swanley?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Reading to Swanley start at § one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Reading to Swanley is right for you.

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

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† 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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