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Poole to London Waterloo train ticket prices
£6.50
On Fri 27 Mar
Poole to London Waterloo train timetable
From Poole to London Waterloo, take the fastest train in 2h 5m, typically 2h 14m. Daily, 49 trains depart from Poole, with the first at 05:00 and the last at 22:55. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:41 Poole | 2h 8m, Direct | 16:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
14:58 Poole | 2h 22m, Direct | 17:20 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:07 Poole | 2h 13m, Direct | 17:20 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:41 Poole | 2h 8m, Direct | 17:49 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
15:58 Poole | 2h 22m, Direct | 18:20 London Waterloo | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
Poole to London Waterloo train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Poole 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: Poole to London Waterloo trains
For a quick, stress-free journey from Poole to London Waterloo, take a direct South Western Railway train, and you can be in London in just over around 2 hours.
Sit back and relax on your Poole to London Waterloo train journey, taking in sweeping views of Dorset’s golden coastline and the tranquil beauty of the New Forest’s open heathland and ancient woodlands along the way.
South Western Railway connects Poole with London Waterloo and beyond, offering regional and commuter services throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey and southwest London, with key stops at Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth.
Departing from Poole
Located just a short walk from Poole town centre and overlooking Holes Bay, Poole station is a major stop on the South West Main Line. It’s easily accessible by foot, local bus or taxi, and sits just a mile from the ferry terminal with sailings to Jersey, Guernsey and Cherbourg or Saint-Malo in France.
Managed by South Western Railway, the station features a staffed ticket office, step-free access and self-service ticket machines, with regular services to London Waterloo, Bournemouth and Weymouth – also operated by South Western Railway.
Main stops
Aboard your scenic Poole to London Waterloo train, you’ll call at Parkstone (Dorset), Branksome, Bournemouth, Southampton Central, Southampton Airport Parkway and Winchester before arriving at London Waterloo.
Arriving at London Waterloo
Arriving at London Waterloo station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the capital’s South Bank, and just a short walk away from some of the city’s top cultural landmarks, including the River Thames, the London Eye and the National Theatre.
Served by four Underground lines, the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, London Waterloo allows for easy access all across London. The station is operated by Network Rail and is the main terminus for South Western Railway services arriving from all across southern England, including Portsmouth, Southampton and Exeter.
Waterloo station also offers step-free access, waiting rooms and baby changing facilities, as well as plenty of shops and cafés, making it a comfortable and well-equipped arrival point into London.
South Western Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Relax in a designated Quiet Zone on your Poole to London Waterloo train journey and make the most of free Wi-Fi available throughout your trip.
- First Class: Travel from Poole to London First Class and enjoy wider leather seats, generous legroom, and at-seat wireless charging. There are also some great-value weekend upgrade options available.
South Western Railway train travel advice
From luggage allowances and travelling with bikes, children or pets, to how to access assisted travel support, we’ve got everything you need to know ahead of your Poole to London Waterloo journey. With all the essentials covered, you can board with confidence for a smooth, stress-free trip.
- Luggage: Passengers are welcome to bring up to three items of luggage at no extra cost. Please store larger bags in designated racks or under your seat, keeping aisles, doorways, and seats clear.
- Bicycles: In general, standard bikes and e-bikes are allowed, though some routes may have restrictions during peak times and may require a reservation. Folding bikes are welcome on all services at any time. Please note that e-scooters are not permitted.
- Children: Kids under 5 travel free of charge, while children aged 5 to 15 are eligible to receive a 50% discount on standard fares. Teenagers aged 16 to 17 can save 50% with a 16–17 Saver railcard.
- Pets: Passengers may bring up to two small pets on board for free, provided they’re on a lead or secured in a suitable carrier. Pets must remain off the seats.
- Passenger Assist: You can reserve wheelchair spaces or book assistance with boarding, disembarking or carrying luggage when booking your ticket or via the app. Assistance is often available at staffed stations, but booking in advance through Passenger Assist ensures you receive the most comprehensive support for your journey.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Poole to London Waterloo train travel guide
The train journey from Poole to London Waterloo combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Poole, you can get to London Waterloo in just 2h 5m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Poole to London Waterloo?
Ticket prices from Poole to London Waterloo average around £6.50, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Poole to London Waterloo?
What is the fastest train from Poole to London Waterloo?
The fastest train journey time from Poole to London Waterloo is 2h 5m. 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 Poole to London Waterloo?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Poole to London Waterloo. 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 Poole to London Waterloo?
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 Poole to London Waterloo train timetables?
Poole 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?
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 Poole to London Waterloo trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Poole 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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
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 Poole to London Waterloo route?
The route from Poole to London Waterloo is operated by South Western Railway. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar 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
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
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
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 Poole 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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