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A main line station platform. Photo for illustration. Photo from Pexels.
Moving to Swindon gives you fast trains to London, Reading and Bristol, two M4 junctions and rents below the South West average. Private rents averaged £1,103 a month in September 2026. Most people rent first while they get to know areas such as Old Town, North Swindon and Wichelstowe.
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How well connected is Swindon?
Swindon is well connected by rail and road. It is on the Great Western main line, with M4 junctions 15 and 16 on the edge of town and the A419 north to Cirencester and Gloucester.
| Destination | By train | By road |
|---|---|---|
| London Paddington | Fastest trains under an hour | M4 east |
| Reading | About 25 to 30 minutes | M4 east |
| Bristol Temple Meads | About 30 to 40 minutes | M4 west |
| Cirencester | No direct train, nearest station Kemble | A419, about 25 minutes |
Approximate times. Check live times on National Rail.
Who are the major employers in Swindon?
Swindon’s major employers include Nationwide Building Society, which has its headquarters in the town, Great Western Hospital and Swindon Borough Council. Manufacturing and logistics are also big employers.
Financial services
Nationwide is headquartered in Swindon, and several insurers and service firms have offices in the town.
Health
Great Western Hospital, near M4 junction 15, is one of the area’s largest employers.
Manufacturing and logistics
The BMW Group MINI plant and large logistics parks, including the redevelopment of the former Honda site at South Marston.
Public sector
Swindon Borough Council and other public bodies employ thousands of people locally.
A Victorian post box in Swindon. Photo from Pexels.
Should you rent or buy when moving to Swindon?
Most people rent first when moving to Swindon, so they can learn the areas before buying. The average house price was £264,000 in August 2026, and the average private rent £1,103 a month.
Our guides to private rentals in Swindon and the best areas to rent in Swindon cover the search in detail.
What is it like living in Swindon?
Living in Swindon means a large town with good transport, shopping and green space. The Designer Outlet sits in the restored Great Western Railway works, next to the STEAM museum of the railway.
- Old Town for independent shops, cafés and bars
- Lydiard Park, with a country house and parkland in the west
- Coate Water Country Park, with a lake and walks in the south-east
- The Cotswolds and the North Wessex Downs within a short drive
Tips for moving to Swindon
Visit before you commitSpend a weekday and a weekend in the areas you like, including the rush-hour commute.
Check season ticket costsIf you commute by train, price a season ticket before choosing between areas near and far from the station.
Bring the petOur Cirencester three-bedroom and five-bedroom houses take pets by arrangement, if you need a temporary home together.
Where can you stay while moving to Swindon?
If you need somewhere furnished while you move, Esho Stays has homes in Cirencester, about 25 minutes from Swindon, from £100 a night. Esho Stays does not let homes in Swindon itself.
£130 / night3-bed house with garden, Cirencester
- 3 bedrooms
- 4 beds
- Bath and separate shower
- Private garden
Three bedrooms, a private garden and a utility room. Pets welcome by arrangement.
See the 3-bed house
£120 / night2-bed house with garden, Cirencester
- 2 bedrooms, king or twin
- Desk and sofa bed
- Enclosed garden
- Self check-in
A two-bedroom house with a desk and an enclosed garden, with self check-in.
See the 2-bed houseFrequently asked questions
Is Swindon a good place to live?
Swindon suits people who want good transport links and lower housing costs than London, Reading or Bristol. It has a range of jobs, parks and newer housing areas. Like any large town, it varies a lot by area, so visit several neighbourhoods before deciding where to live.
How long is the train from Swindon to London?
The fastest direct trains from Swindon to London Paddington take just under an hour, and many services take between 55 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes. Trains run frequently through the day. Check National Rail for current times and fares before you commit to a commute.
What are the cheapest areas to rent in Swindon?
Rents vary by street as well as area, so compare current listings rather than relying on reputations. Older terraces and flats near the town centre often cost less than newer family houses on the edge of town. The ONS average for a one-bedroom home was £825 a month in September 2026.
Can I stay somewhere furnished while I look for a rental?
Yes. A serviced home lets you stay by the week with bills and furniture included, while you view homes. Esho Stays has homes in Cirencester, about 25 minutes from Swindon on the A419, from £100 a night, with better rates for longer stays.
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Moving to Swindon soon?
Tell us your dates and who is moving, and we will suggest a furnished home in Cirencester while you search.
