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Bournemouth to London train ticket prices
£15.50
On Thu 27 Aug
Bournemouth to London train timetable
Travelling from Bournemouth to London, the fastest train takes 1h 47m with an average travel time of 2h. With 94 daily trains, the first departs at 05:10 and the last at 23:12. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:10 Bournemouth | 2h 16m, Direct | 07:26 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:15 Bournemouth | 2h 11m, Direct | 07:26 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:50 Bournemouth | 1h 57m, Direct | 07:47 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:06 Bournemouth | 2h 13m, Direct | 08:19 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:30 Bournemouth | 2h 13m, 1 change | 08:43 London Waterloo | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Bournemouth to London train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Bournemouth to London with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Travelling with South Western Railway: Onboard Experience
Whether it’s an unforgettable weekend away with the family or a work trip to the capital, take the train from Bournemouth to London with South Western Railway (SWR). Here’s what to know about the operator you’ll travel with.
What is the onboard experience like with South Western Railway?
SWR operates services around Hampshire, Dorset, and Devon, taking passengers from the South West to London. For Standard Class passengers, the onboard experience with SWR is comfortable: think plush seats, spacious legroom and optional quiet coaches if you want a more laidback journey. You’ll also have access to complimentary onboard Wi-Fi on your trip to the capital.
Is South Western Railway First Class worth it?
For the most premium experience onboard SWR trains, upgrade to South Western Railway First Class. A First Class ticket offers passengers wide leather seats, plus extra legroom to stretch out and get comfy. You’ll have a large table, perfect if you want to get some work done before arriving in London.
Is South Western Railway a good option for London trains?
Yes, South Western Railway operates various routes around London, linking the capital to the South West. Moreover, SWR is a state-owned train operating company and has a solid reputation for reliability and integrity.
Does South Western Railway have luggage space?
Yes, there’s plenty of space for bags on SWR trains, making the train a convenient travel option from Bournemouth to London. Board with up to three items per person and store all bags securely on luggage racks at the ends of carriages, or in overhead racks.
Train travel from Bournemouth to London
Bournemouth: Getting to the Platform
- Food and drink at Bournemouth Station: Located between an Asda superstore and a Lidl, the station is conveniently placed if you want to pick up any snacks or drinks before you travel. Outside the front of the station, visit the Little Green Coffee Box for scrumptious cakes, cookies, and hot drinks.
- SWR service to Waterloo: For the South West Main Line, board the South Western Railway train to London from platform 2. Access the platform via an underpass, which connects platforms 2 and 3, allowing for accessible, step-free travel.
Onboard trains from Bournemouth to London
Your two-hour journey from the beautiful Dorset coast to the culture and heritage of London will take you past characterful towns and villages. Here are the highlights of the route.
- Key Landmarks: Skirt the New Forest National Park, then swing east to Southampton, a south coast port city. On your approach to the capital, take in London’s abundance of iconic sights, starting with Battersea Park and leading onto other iconic stretches of the River Thames.
- The View Alert: The best river views on the approach into London are for passengers with a window seat on the Left-Hand Side of the carriage (facing East).
Arriving at London Waterloo
- Coffee to go: London Waterloo has an abundance of coffee shops if you need refreshments upon arrival. Pick up a latte in Caffe Ritazza, or stop for a meal at Carluccio's, or Natural Kitchen.
- Going Underground: Although walking from London Waterloo is a convenient option, taking the London Underground can help you get around the capital faster. Hop on the Tube on the Waterloo & City line for speedy connections to the City of London.
Related travel guides
Why book Bournemouth to London trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Bournemouth to London start from just £15.50 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway on the Bournemouth to London route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Bournemouth to London train travel guide
The train journey from Bournemouth to London combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Bournemouth, you can get to London in just 1h 47m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Bournemouth to London?
The average fare from Bournemouth to London is approximately £15.50, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from Bournemouth to London?
What is the fastest train from Bournemouth to London?
The fastest train journey time from Bournemouth to London is 1h 47m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Bournemouth to London?
No, there are no direct trains from Bournemouth to London. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Bournemouth to London?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Bournemouth to London train timetables?
While Bournemouth to London trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Bournemouth to London is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Bournemouth to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Bournemouth to London route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Bournemouth to London route?
The train from Bournemouth to London is operated by CrossCountry. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Bournemouth to London train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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