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Bournemouth to London Waterloo train ticket prices
€15.01
On Tue 31 Mar
Bournemouth to London Waterloo train timetable
Travelling from Bournemouth to London Waterloo, the fastest train takes 2h 19m with an average travel time of 2h 53m. With 33 daily trains, the first departs at 07:36 and the last at 23:08. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:50 Bournemouth | 2h 19m, Direct | 11:09 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:06 Bournemouth | 2h 55m, Direct | 12:01 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:40 Bournemouth | 2h 39m, 1 change | 12:19 London Waterloo | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:50 Bournemouth | 2h 34m, Direct | 12:24 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:06 Bournemouth | 2h 55m, Direct | 13:01 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 19m, 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 fare from Bournemouth to London Waterloo is approximately €15.01, 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.
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 19m. 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, you will need to transfer when travelling from Bournemouth to London Waterloo. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Bournemouth to London Waterloo?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
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
How do I find Bournemouth to London Waterloo train timetables?
While Bournemouth to London Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Bournemouth to London Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Bournemouth to London Waterloo 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?
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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 route from Bournemouth to London Waterloo is operated by CrossCountry. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar 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
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
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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