Bournemouth to London Waterloo Trains From £18.20*

Catch a Bournemouth to London Waterloo train and reach the capital in around 1 hour and 48 minutes with South Western Railway.

Your journey will transport you through some of the South West's most iconic scenery. You start by gliding through the beautiful New Forest National Park, before travelling through the city of Southampton. From here, you pass the busy Southampton Airport, before travelling north to Basingstoke and then entering London via leafy Surrey.

South Western Railway runs trains terminating at Waterloo. They go to places like Reading, Woking, Windsor, Dorking, Guildford, Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Poole and Exeter. They also run suburban services to South West London and Surrey, as well as the trains on the Isle of Wight.

Departing from Bournemouth

When you board the affordable train from Bournemouth to London Waterloo, your journey begins at Bournemouth Station, strategically located between Holdenhurst Road and Wessex Way. The station shares its site with the town's bus station, which is well-served by local buses and long-distance coaches, providing convenient connectivity for all travellers.

Bournemouth is served by trains run by CrossCountry as well as South Western Railway. They go to major destinations like Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, Weymouth, Poole, Winchester and Reading.

Main stops

There are lots of different stopping patterns on this route. Some trains stop only at large places like Southampton Central, Reading or Woking. Some trains will stop at places like Brockenhurst, Totton, Winchester and Basingstoke.

A slightly slower service stops at Pokesdown, Christchurch, New Milton, Brockenhurst, Totton, Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway, Eastleigh, Winchester, Basingstoke, Woking and Clapham Junction.

A common slow formation visits Pokesdown, Christchurch, Hinton Admiral, New Milton, Sway, Brockenhurst, Ashurst (New Forest), Totton, Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway and Winchester.

Arriving at London Waterloo

The fast train from Bournemouth to London Waterloo will get you into Waterloo Station cheaply and easily. London Waterloo is Britain's busiest train station, located just down from the South Bank of the River Thames. There is a London Underground station, served by the Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines. As with all London stations, there are innumerable buses from all over the capital calling at stops next to the station.

It is served by trains run by South Western Railway. Trains run to destinations in South West London, Surrey and the South and South West coasts, as detailed above.

When you arrive in London Waterloo, it's worth spending a bit of time in the vicinity, as there are plenty of things to see and do nearby. The arty South Bank is home to the British Film Institute, the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre, among many others. There are also plenty of places to pick up a drink or bite to eat near Waterloo, as well.

South Western Railway train classes

• Standard Class: If you want to buy cheap train tickets, then you should opt for Standard Class. You'll get a safe, comfortable journey and, on most trains, free Wi-Fi (check for stickers on board). There's also a quiet carriage to help you relax.
• First Class: Go from Bournemouth to London Waterloo First Class and upgrade your travel experience. Seats are bigger and comfier, with more legroom and a table with built-in wireless phone charging.

South Western Railway train travel advice

If you're two adults travelling together, you could save money on your tickets with a Railcard! Check out our guide to the Two Together Railcard - it can save two people a third off most off-peak fares, provided they stay together during the journey.

• Luggage: If you have a large case to bring, then pop it on one of the main luggage racks. If it's smaller, it can go in the overhead shelves.
• Bicycles: You can bring full-size bikes on board during off-peak hours only. Folding bikes can be carried as luggage at all times. Spaces are first come, first served, so be aware that you may not be able to take your bike on your chosen train.
• Children: Kids under 5 get to travel for free (but don't get their own seats). Young people between the ages of 5 and 15 can book travel at half the adult price. You can stay with your buggy in a wheelchair space, but only if no one else needs to use it. If that is the case, your buggy will have to be folded and stowed in a luggage space.
• Pets: Dogs need to be kept on a lead on your journey, while other domestic pets must be in a suitable carrier. You can bring up to two pets with you.
• Passenger Assist: If you need assistance with your journey, you can simply 'turn up and go', but it may be a good idea to book in advance. You can do this either online or by phone.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.