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Trains from Birkdale to
Swale

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Birkdale to Swale by train

A train trip from Birkdale to Swale takes about 11hrs 42 mins on average, covering roughly 221 miles (356 kilometres). With around 3 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £49.50, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Birkdale to Swale Key Stats

Arrival Station

Swale

Departure Station

Birkdale

Frequency

3trains
per day

Journey Time

from11hrs 8 mins

Changes

4-5no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

20:46 / 00:04

Distance

221miles
(356 km)

3 Routes

5 Train Operators

Prices

from£49.50

Travelling from Birkdale to Swale by Train

Hop on a Train from Birkdale to Swale – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Birkdale to Swale by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!

On average, the journey takes around 11hrs 42 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Swale), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 11hrs 8 mins. With roughly 3 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 221-mile (356 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of East Midlands Railway, Merseyrail, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, Southeastern, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!

The best part? Tickets start from just £49.50 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.

So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Swale!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Birkdale and Swale

Curious about your trip from Birkdale to Swale? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Birkdale and Swale by train?

The travel time between Birkdale and Swale by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 11hrs 42 mins & the fastest journey takes 11hrs 8 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Birkdale and Swale by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Birkdale to Swale is 11hrs 8 mins.

How much does the train from Birkdale to Swale cost?

Train ticket prices from Birkdale to Swale can start from as little as £49.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Birkdale and Swale?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Birkdale and Swale vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 3 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 20:46, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:04.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Birkdale and Swale?

First class tickets on trains between Birkdale and Swale typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Birkdale and Swale?

Amenities on trains between Birkdale and Swale can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Birkdale to Swale by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Birkdale and Swale. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Swale, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Birkdale to Swale?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Birkdale & Swale. However, there are 3 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Birkdale to Swale?

East Midlands Railway, Merseyrail, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and Southeastern are the main train operating companies running services between Birkdale and Swale.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Birkdale and Swale?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Birkdale and Swale, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Birkdale to Swale Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Birkdale to Swale on Thursday 1st May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Thursday 1st May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
06:25 Birkdale12:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
6 hrs 7 mins Get Tickets
07:55 Birkdale13:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 37 mins Get Tickets
08:55 Birkdale14:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 37 mins Get Tickets
09:40 Birkdale15:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
10:40 Birkdale16:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
11:40 Birkdale17:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
12:40 Birkdale18:38 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 58 mins Get Tickets
13:40 Birkdale19:38 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 58 mins Get Tickets
14:40 Birkdale20:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
15:40 Birkdale21:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
16:40 Birkdale22:32 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
17:40 Birkdale23:37 Swale5 changesMoorfields
Liverpool Lime Street
London Euston
London St Pancras International
Sittingbourne
5 hrs 57 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Birkdale to Swale journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Birkdale to Swale start from as little as £49.50

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from Birkdale to Swale start from £93.10 one way, or £133.10 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Birkdale to Swale are available for £225.20 one way, or £450.40 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Birkdale Station

Welcome to Birkdale Train Station

Located in the charming fringes of Southport, Birkdale Train Station serves as a welcoming hub for travellers, both near and far. Whether you're a local commuter or a curious visitor, this station offers a mix of convenience and accessibility that eases every journey. Nestled amidst the quaint surroundings of Birkdale, this station is your gateway to explore the vibrant landscapes and urban corners of the United Kingdom.

Operating under Merseyrail, Birkdale Station greets you with the promise of efficient service. If you're planning your next rail adventure, you're at the right place to discover all the details about the facilities, accessibility, and travel options that make this station a popular choice.

Facilities and Amenities at Birkdale Station

At the heart of Birkdale Station, you'll find a well-organized and passenger-friendly environment. Though ticket machines are unavailable, tickets can be conveniently collected from the ticket office, which opens bright and early. Smartcards are issued here, with validators available to ensure seamless travel on the network. Plus, an induction loop is installed to assist those with hearing needs.

Your comfort is well-catered with step-free access throughout the station. It's classified under ‘Category A’, meaning every platform is easily reachable via the level crossing, ideal for passengers with reduced mobility. While the station lacks retail shops, vending machines for cold drinks and snacks are available, allowing for a quick refreshment on the go. Don’t forget to use the secure cycle storage if you’re arriving by bike, with 24 protected spaces under CCTV surveillance ensuring your peace of mind.

Onward Travel and Accessibility

Exploring further afield from Birkdale is straightforward. While a taxi rank isn't present at the station, local bus services link wonderfully with other modes of transport. Take a look at this handy guide from Merseytravel for detailed onward journey options. If you’re aiming for international travel, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is conveniently reachable via Merseyrail with combined train and bus tickets, making global adventures only a few steps away.

Destinations and Popular Routes

Birkdale's connections to the broader UK truly shine with numerous routes available. Fancy a quick trip to Southport, or how about a cultural excursion to the heart of Liverpool Central? The choices are plenty, stretching from the serene shores of Formby to bustling urban stops like Moorfields and many more. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next rail journey, rest assured that Birkdale Station links you effortlessly to your desired destination.

Captivating Journeys Start Here

Embrace the opportunities that Birkdale Station offers, with its robust connectivity and easy navigation through its facilities. Whether it's a morning commute or a leisurely weekend away, Birkdale makes rail travel a hassle-free endeavor. Dive into the heart of Merseyside or beyond, knowing that comfort and convenience are just a ticket away. So take the leap, plan your trip, and let Birkdale Station be the starting point for your next great adventure.

Safe travels and happy ticket purchasing!

Everything you need to know about Swale Station

Exploring Swale Train Station: Your Gateway to Travel

Swale Train Station, located in Kent, England, throws open its doors to myriad travel opportunities across the UK. While it might be quaint and compact, this station serves as an essential hub for those wishing to explore the charming settings of Kent and beyond. Whether you're a regular commuter or an adventitious traveler, Swale station’s simplicity offers ease for every journey.

Facilities at Swale Train Station

Despite lacking a ticket office, Swale Train Station is equipped with ticket machines for seamless travel bookings and collections. These machines cater to all, including accessibility for disabled travelers as they're conveniently located by the entrance to platform 1. With the absence of smartcard facilities, travelers benefit from traditional ticketing methods and innovative online purchase options, ensuring they're set for their journey with no hassle.

Travelers seeking assistance will find help points at the station alongside information via departure screens and announcements. While Swale doesn’t have a manned information desk, Southeastern Customer Services is just a phone call away at 0345 322 7021. CCTV surveillance ensures the safety and security of the station’s premises.

An Accessible Journey

The station provides step-free access, making it partially amenable for those with mobility issues. Although Swale is unstaffed, there are trained staff present on trains to aid in the boarding and alighting process, along with a mobile Assistance Team ready to ensure all customers are catered to. The facility lacks amenities like waiting rooms, refreshments, or restrooms, calling for a more streamlined experience focused solely on transit.

Onward Travel Options

Swale Train Station isn’t the final stop on your journey but a stepping stone to your next destination. In terms of onward travel, the station supports rail replacement services toward Sittingbourne and Sheerness, ensuring connectivity even during service interruptions. Although there are no direct local bus services, detailed travel planning information can be accessed here.

Discover Popular Routes from Swale

From Swale, traverse towards some of the most captivating, bustling locations. Take a trip from Swale to London St Pancras International and fall in love with the city's blend of cutting-edge modernity and rich history. Alternatively, visit the picturesque Sheerness-On-Sea, a train ride from Swale that offers a taste of England’s serene coastlines. Travelers may also journey to Canterbury West, steeped in medieval charm, providing a perfect blend of solace and stories of yesteryears.

Other travel options encompass routes to local treasures and urban centers such as Faversham, Gillingham, and Chatham. Each destination adorned with its unique offerings, beckoning exploration.

Your Ideal Travel Companions

Whether you’re mapping out your next great adventure, heading on a work-related expedition, or simply seeking respite in the countryside, Swale Train Station serves as your significant partner in travel. Amidst the absence of various modern-day conveniences, Swale continues to deliver a delightful, fuss-free travel experience.

In conclusion, Swale Train Station might not offer the lavish functionalities of larger terminals, yet it promises a straightforward, easy-to-navigate, and practical travel experience. Its quintessential nature leaves room for simplicity over complexity, allowing you to focus fully on the delightful journeys that await beyond its platforms. Embark on your journey from Swale today, where each train promises a story untold and a destination undiscovered.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Birkdale