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Bournemouth to London Waterloo train ticket prices
€15.01
On Sun 29 Mar
Bournemouth to London Waterloo train timetable
Journey from Bournemouth to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 2h 21m, usually 2h 34m. Every day, 53 trains leave from Bournemouth, starting at 05:43 and ending at 23:12. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:43 Bournemouth | 2h 47m, Direct | 08:30 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:35 Bournemouth | 2h 36m, 1 change | 09:11 London Waterloo | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:35 Bournemouth | 2h 45m, 1 change | 09:20 London Waterloo | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:42 Bournemouth | 2h 48m, Direct | 09:30 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:22 Bournemouth | 2h 34m, Direct | 09:56 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
Bournemouth to London Waterloo train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Bournemouth to London Waterloo 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.
South Western Railway trains from Bournemouth to London Waterloo
Travel 93 miles (150 kilometres) from the Dorset coast to the capital in just 1 hour and 58 minutes. South Western Railway (SWR) trains run from Bournemouth to London Waterloo throughout the day and night up to twice an hour, meaning you can arrive in the city when it best suits you.
How much luggage can I travel with on South Western Railway trains?
While SWR’s luggage policy doesn’t currently specify the number of bags permitted, you can follow most other operators’ guidance and bring up to two suitcases and an item of hand luggage. Keep all baggage out of wheelchair spaces, aisles and doorways.
What are South Western Railway Standard Class coaches like?
Standard Class carriages are fitted with cosy seats and plug sockets, so you’ll never run out of battery. All trains have dedicated Quiet Zones for a tranquil trip with minimal disturbance. SWR’s Superfast Rail-5G internet connection is also available on some services between Basingstoke and Earlsfield (look for signage on your train).
Is it worth upgrading to First Class on South Western Railway trains?
Travelling in First Class with SWR is more about maximum seating comfort rather than complimentary catering and lounge access. If you struggle with standard seats and legroom on trains, it may be worth the upgrade. Bournemouth to London First Class carriages offer wider seating and wireless charging from your table - perfect if you’ve forgotten your charger.
When is the last Bournemouth to London train?
You can catch the last direct service from Bournemouth to London Waterloo at 21:12 on weekdays, 22:12 on Saturday and 22:08 on Sunday.
Train travel from Bournemouth to London Waterloo
Swap the Observation Wheel for the London Eye on a high-speed Bournemouth to London train. Here’s how to reach Bournemouth station, make the most of the journey and navigate Waterloo’s railway hub on the south bank of the River Thames.
Departure from Bournemouth
Conveniently situated opposite a bus terminal and coach station, Bournemouth station is a short walk from several hotels towards Boscombe. You can also hop on a Morebus service from the pier, town centre and surrounding areas.
- Finding the platform: The vast majority of trains from Bournemouth to London Waterloo depart from platform 2, on the other side of the footbridge from the main entrance (by platform 3). Note that the station doesn’t have any lifts. To avoid the stairs, use the northern entrance on Station Approach.
- Station refreshments: As there’s no catering on board, you might want to stock up on snacks before your train arrives. Vending machines are on platforms 2 and 3, or you can grab some fresh coffee, sweet treats and seasonal specials from Little Green Coffee Box by the main entrance.
On board trains from Bournemouth to London Waterloo
The route into London by rail abounds in beauty, passing through ancient woodland and scenic landmarks.
- View alert: Book a seat on the right side to fully experience the stunning New Forest National Park, charming towns and spectacular countryside on the way into London. Look out for planes taking off and landing as you pass Southampton Airport.
- Complimentary WiFi: Follow the on-screen instructions to log onto SWR’s free WiFi network and swipe, type and like away. The stretch between Basingstoke and Earlsfield offers Superfast Rail-5G connectivity on certain services.
Arriving at London Waterloo
Your Bournemouth to London train terminates at London Waterloo, a busy railway hub with plenty of exits and onward travel options. Discover them here.
- Victory Arch exit: London Waterloo station’s main exit leads onto the South Bank on the other side of Westminster Bridge from Big Ben. Many buses to central and north London stop nearby.
- Tension Way exit: Adjacent to the Victory Arch exit, this way out connects you to more bus routes.
- Westminster Bridge Road exit: Catch a cab from the station taxi rank here.
- Station Approach exit: Use this exit to find the bike parking area.
- Waterloo Road exit: Accessible via escalators, this exit leads to the Tube and more buses towards central and southeast London.
- Transport links: You can easily get to the best sightseeing spots near London Waterloo on foot. If you’ve got luggage or are heading further out, take one of the many buses (including the express Superloop service) from the station. Waterloo is also on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines of the London Underground network. More rail routes are available from the adjacent Waterloo East station (take the escalator up to the balcony). Did you know you can also board a river bus to get around the city? Take the scenic route to Canary Wharf, Battersea Power Station and more from the London Eye Waterloo Pier.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Bournemouth to London Waterloo train travel guide
The train journey from Bournemouth to London Waterloo combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Bournemouth, you can get to London Waterloo in just 2h 21m, 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 Waterloo?
The average ticket fare from Bournemouth to London Waterloo is about €15.01, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
What is the best way to travel from Bournemouth to London Waterloo by train?
What is the fastest train from Bournemouth to London Waterloo?
The fastest train journey time from Bournemouth to London Waterloo is 2h 21m. 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 Waterloo?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Bournemouth to London Waterloo. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Bournemouth to London Waterloo?
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?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Bournemouth to London Waterloo trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Bournemouth to London Waterloo trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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 Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Bournemouth to London Waterloo are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Bournemouth to London Waterloo route?
The Bournemouth to London Waterloo route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the 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 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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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 Waterloo 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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