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London to Bournemouth train ticket prices
€18.70
On Sun 12 Apr
London to Bournemouth train timetable
Travelling from London to Bournemouth, the fastest train takes 1h 44m with an average travel time of 1h 55m. With 60 daily trains, the first departs at 05:30 and the last at 23:40. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:30 London Waterloo | 2h 14m, Direct | 07:44 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:30 London Waterloo | 2h 16m, Direct | 08:46 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:03 London Waterloo | 2h 7m, Direct | 09:10 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:20 London Paddington | 1h 53m, 1 change | 09:13 Bournemouth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:35 London Waterloo | 1h 53m, Direct | 09:28 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
London to Bournemouth train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Bournemouth 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 London to Bournemouth
First Class vs Standard — What to choose?
- Standard Class includes free Wi-Fi, power sockets and a trolley service passing through with drinks and snacks. Carriages can get busy, particularly on Friday afternoons and summer weekends heading to the coast.
- First Class offers wider seats in a quieter 2+1 carriage, with extra legroom, tables, 3-pin sockets, USB ports and at-seat wireless charging. There are no dedicated First Class lounges on this route.
What is the luggage allowance?
Small bags can be kept under your seat, medium-sized cases go in the overhead racks, and larger items should be stored in the dedicated luggage areas at the ends of each carriage. SWR recommends no more than 2 large items of luggage per person.
How often does the London to Bournemouth train run?
Train travel from London Waterloo to Bournemouth
London Waterloo: Getting to the Platform
The concourse is large and well-signed, with all platforms at the far end. Ticket offices and self-service machines are near the main entrance. Shops and food outlets are lined on the sides of the concourse, including M&S and McDonald's.
Onboard trains from London Waterloo to Bournemouth
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, along with USB charging points, air conditioning, and a quiet zone in Coach A. A trolley service operates on most journeys, serving hot and cold drinks and snacks, though availability varies.
The scenic side
Key landmarks
One hour in, you will approach Winchester and be able to spot Winchester Cathedral and its long, low roofline. The medieval cathedral measures 170 m in length, one of the longest in the world.
Arriving at Bournemouth Central
Bournemouth station sits on Holdenhurst Road on the northern edge of the town centre, around 1 km from the beach and the main shopping streets. Trains from London normally arrive on Platform 3, which is the main exit platform — so most passengers step off the train and find themselves directly at the exit.
The correct exit
Holdenhurst Road Exit (Main / South Entrance): The primary exit from Platform 3 opens directly onto Holdenhurst Road.
North Side Entrance: A secondary entrance on the north side of the station, primarily used for boarding. Step-free access across the platforms is via a subway at the eastern end — note the access ramps are comparatively steep.
Onward Travel
Buses: Directly outside the main exit, routes 5 and 5a serve the town centre and seafront (stopping near Bournemouth Pier) with frequent departures. Route 6 goes to Boscombe and route 50 runs to Sandbanks and Poole.
Taxis: The taxi rank is immediately in front of the station on Holdenhurst Road. Accessible taxis are available and advance booking is not normally required.
Onward Rail to Poole and Weymouth: SWR services continue west from Bournemouth to Poole, Wareham, Dorchester South and Weymouth down the coast.
Walkability
Bournemouth town centre and the main shopping streets are around 10–15 minutes on foot heading south from the station. The seafront and beach are approximately 25–30 minutes on foot, or a short ride on bus routes 5 or 6. Bournemouth Pier is around 30 minutes on foot, and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is 20 minutes away.
London to Bournemouth train travel guide
The train journey from London to Bournemouth combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Bournemouth in just 1h 44m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Bournemouth?
The average fare from London to Bournemouth is approximately €18.70, 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.
How do I find the best train route from London to Bournemouth?
What is the fastest train from London to Bournemouth?
The quickest train journey from London to Bournemouth takes 1h 44m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from London to Bournemouth?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London to Bournemouth. 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 London to Bournemouth?
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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London to Bournemouth train timetables?
London to Bournemouth 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?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London to Bournemouth trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Bournemouth 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?
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?
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 London to Bournemouth route?
The London to Bournemouth 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
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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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
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap London to Bournemouth 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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