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Bournemouth to London Waterloo train ticket prices
£12.40
On Tue 19 May
Bournemouth to London Waterloo train timetable
Travelling from Bournemouth to London Waterloo, the fastest train takes 1h 47m with an average travel time of 1h 58m. With 43 daily trains, the first departs at 05:15 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:22 Bournemouth | 1h 58m, Direct | 17:20 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:59 Bournemouth | 1h 50m, Direct | 17:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:22 Bournemouth | 1h 58m, Direct | 18:20 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
16:59 Bournemouth | 1h 50m, Direct | 18:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:22 Bournemouth | 1h 58m, Direct | 19:20 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
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.
Bournemouth to London Waterloo train travel guide
Travelling by train from Bournemouth to London Waterloo is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Bournemouth, you can reach London Waterloo in just 1h 47m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
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 £12.40, 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. 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, there are no direct trains from Bournemouth to London Waterloo. 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 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?
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
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 disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find 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 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?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
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 train from Bournemouth to London Waterloo 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
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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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
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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