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London to Bournemouth train ticket prices
€28.59
On Thu 27 Aug
London to Bournemouth train timetable
Journey from London to Bournemouth on the fastest train in 1h 44m, usually 1h 57m. Every day, 184 trains leave from London, starting at 00:10 and ending at 23:35. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:05 London Waterloo | 2h 12m, Direct | 21:17 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:05 London Waterloo | 2h 14m, Direct | 21:19 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:05 London Waterloo | 2h 18m, Direct | 21:23 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:12 Clapham Junction | 2h 7m, Direct | 21:19 Bournemouth | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
19:20 London Waterloo | 2h 7m, 1 change | 21:27 Bournemouth | CrossCountry | 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.
Related travel guides
Why book London to Bournemouth trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London to Bournemouth start from just €28.59 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway on the London to Bournemouth route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
London to Bournemouth train travel guide
Travelling by train from London to Bournemouth is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Bournemouth in just 1h 44m, 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 London to Bournemouth?
The average fare from London to Bournemouth is approximately €28.59, 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 fastest train journey time from London to Bournemouth is 1h 44m. 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 London to Bournemouth?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Bournemouth. 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 London to Bournemouth?
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?
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 London to Bournemouth trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While London to Bournemouth 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 London to Bournemouth 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?
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 route from London to Bournemouth 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?
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?
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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
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
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
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules 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
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
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
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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Your train was disrupted?
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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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