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Bournemouth to London Waterloo train ticket prices
£18.60
On Sun 05 Apr
Bournemouth to London Waterloo train timetable
Journey from Bournemouth to London Waterloo on the fastest train in 1h 47m, usually 1h 58m. Every day, 43 trains leave from Bournemouth, starting at 05:15 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:59 Bournemouth | 1h 50m, Direct | 20:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:22 Bournemouth | 2h 7m, Direct | 21:29 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:59 Bournemouth | 1h 47m, Direct | 21:46 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
20:22 Bournemouth | 2h 2m, Direct | 22:24 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
20:59 Bournemouth | 1h 47m, Direct | 22:46 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 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 Waterloo?
The average fare from Bournemouth to London Waterloo is approximately £18.60, 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 1h 47m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
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, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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?
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 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?
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?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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 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
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
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 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
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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