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London Waterloo to Poole train ticket prices
£10.00
On Sun 26 Apr
London Waterloo to Poole train timetable
Travelling from London Waterloo to Poole, the fastest train takes 3h 2m with an average travel time of 3h 2m. With 18 daily trains, the first departs at 00:10 and the last at 22:48. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
01:05 London Waterloo | 8h 28m, 2 change | 09:33 Poole | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:48 London Waterloo | 3h 2m, Direct | 10:50 Poole | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
08:48 London Waterloo | 3h 2m, Direct | 11:50 Poole | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
09:48 London Waterloo | 3h 2m, Direct | 12:50 Poole | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
10:48 London Waterloo | 3h 2m, Direct | 13:50 Poole | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
London Waterloo to Poole train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London Waterloo to Poole 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: London Waterloo to Poole trains
Marvel at the Dorset countryside from the comfort of your seat on your way from London Waterloo to Poole. South Western Railway operates direct services twice an hour, taking 2 hours and 6 minutes on average.
South Western Railway (or SWR) provides commuter services from Waterloo to south-west London, regional trains in Wiltshire, Devon and Somerset, and suburban routes across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Dorset. The Island Line also provides services on the Isle of Wight. Destinations include Salisbury, Dorchester, Exeter and Richmond.
Departing from London Waterloo
The London to Poole train departs from London Waterloo, a major railway and transport hub in central London. Located close to Lambeth and Southwark, the station is served by many local bus routes, as well as the Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines on the London Underground. It’s also adjacent to Waterloo East station.
All mainline trains are operated by South Western Railway, connecting the capital to places like Weybridge, Dorking and Guildford.
Main stops
Services from London Waterloo to Poole could also stop at Basingstoke, Southampton Central and Bournemouth. Trains may call at different stops depending on the operator, time and route.
Arriving at Poole
Poole railway station is less than eight minutes from the town centre. Situated by Holes Bay on Serpentine Road, you can easily catch one of the local buses stopping nearby or a cab from the station’s taxi rank. Poole is one of the few stations in the UK providing interchange with ferry services. Services operated by DFDS Seaways and Brittany Ferries take passengers to Jersey, Guernsey, Normandy or Brittany.
All rail services from Poole are operated by South Western Railway. Running along the South West Main Line, trains stop at stations including Woking, Winchester and Christchurch.
For a wonderful nature walk full of wildlife, all you need to do is follow the Holes Bay Path. Loop around to see the Walled Garden, Upton Country Park and Hamworthy Park beach huts. Stop by The Tea Rooms for a bite to eat and a warming cup of tea. Discover the Georgian Old Town, local history at the Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court, the town’s oldest building with stunning gardens.
South Western Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Almost half of South Western Railway’s fleet offers free Wi-Fi access. Standard Class coaches have comfortable seating, luggage areas and power sockets under table seats. Buy cheap train tickets when you book in advance.
- First Class: Opt for London to Poole First Class accommodation and enjoy wider, more luxurious seats with large tables featuring wireless charging. Simply place your device onto the charging pad.
South Western Railway train travel advice
- Luggage: South Western Railway does not have a specific limit, but your luggage shouldn’t block aisles, doorways or wheelchair areas.
- Bicycles: Spaces are limited, and some trains have no dedicated storage areas. Reservations aren’t required. While e-bikes are permitted, e-scooters are not allowed.
- Children: Travel is free for under-5s, and 5–15-year-olds pay half the fare. 16–17 Saver Railcard holders get 50% discounts on most tickets, and Zip Oyster photocards are accepted for travel within the London fare zones.
- Pets: Bring up to two pets on board and keep them on a lead or in a carrier.
- Passenger Assist: Requests for assisted travel (e.g., using ramps, etc.) can be made at any point, but booking no more than two hours before departure is advised.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
London Waterloo to Poole train travel guide
Taking the train from London Waterloo to Poole is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London Waterloo, you can arrive at Poole in just 3h 2m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London Waterloo to Poole?
The average fare from London Waterloo to Poole is approximately £10.00, 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 London Waterloo to Poole by train?
What is the fastest train from London Waterloo to Poole?
The fastest train journey time from London Waterloo to Poole is 3h 2m . 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 London Waterloo to Poole?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London Waterloo to Poole. 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 Waterloo to Poole?
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 London Waterloo to Poole train timetables?
London Waterloo to Poole 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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do London Waterloo to Poole trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London Waterloo to Poole 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?
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 London Waterloo to Poole route?
The train from London Waterloo to Poole is operated by South Western Railway. 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
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
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 Waterloo to Poole 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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