Reading to Bournemouth Trains From £10.50*

CrossCountry operates direct services between Reading and Bournemouth throughout the day, making this one of the quickest rail connections between Berkshire and the Dorset coast. Covering approximately 63 miles, the journey takes 1 hour 19 minutes, with one direct train every hour.

Is CrossCountry First Class worth it?

First Class is a worthwhile upgrade if comfort and workspace matter during the journey. You'll enjoy wider reclining seats, extra legroom and a table seat in a quieter carriage.

Complimentary light refreshments, including hot drinks and snacks, are provided by the onboard host.

What luggage can you bring on CrossCountry trains?

Each passenger can bring one large suitcase measuring up to 90cm x 70cm x 30cm, along with smaller personal items. Large luggage should be stored in the dedicated racks located near the carriage doors, while overhead shelves and under-seat storage accommodate backpacks and smaller bags.

Voyager trains have limited luggage space, so travelling light is recommended during busy periods.

What food and drinks are available in Standard Class?

Standard Class passengers can purchase refreshments from the onboard trolley service, which offers hot drinks, cold beverages, sandwiches, crisps, chocolate and light snacks.

Availability depends on demand, particularly during peak travel times. If you're planning a longer day out, picking up food from Reading station before boarding provides a wider choice.

Around 30 million passenger journeys are made on CrossCountry services every week across Britain, and this route includes one of southern England's most picturesque stretches through the New Forest.

Departure from Reading

Specific transport links

• Reading Buses: Local routes serve both the northern and southern station interchanges, providing direct links from residential areas, the town centre, the University of Reading and nearby business parks.
• Green Line 702: Offers regional coach connections between Reading, Windsor and London Victoria.
• Great Western Railway: Frequent services from Didcot Parkway, Newbury, Slough, Oxford and London Paddington make connections to CrossCountry trains straightforward.
• Elizabeth line: Direct services from central London, Ealing Broadway and Maidenhead provide another convenient option for reaching Reading.

Station layout

• Platforms 4, 8 and 9: CrossCountry services to Bournemouth depart from these through platforms.
• Platforms 1 to 3: Primarily serve local stopping services and selected west-facing regional routes.
• Platforms 12 to 15: Used mainly by high-speed Great Western Railway services towards London Paddington and South Wales.

Pre-departure essentials

Pret A Manger, Costa Coffee and Cafe Local provide coffee, sandwiches and breakfast options, while The Pasty Shop is a popular choice for hot food. Convenience stores also stock meal deals, snacks, drinks and travel essentials if you're planning to eat on board.

Onboard trains from Reading to Bournemouth

The direct journey covers approximately 63 miles, with trains reaching speeds of up to 100 mph on faster sections of the route.

The scenic side

• Sit on the right-hand side to enjoy wide views across the rolling Hampshire countryside shortly after leaving Reading, particularly around Micheldever and open chalk landscapes.
• Sit on the left-hand side when passing through Southampton for glimpses of Southampton Water, busy docks and visiting cruise ships.

Key landmarks

• Winchester Cathedral: Look towards the left as the train passes Winchester for views of one of Europe's longest medieval cathedrals.
• Southampton Water: Spot container terminals, ferries and cruise liners along one of Britain's busiest commercial ports.
• New Forest National Park: Watch for free-roaming ponies, cattle and expansive heathland between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth.
• Brockenhurst: One of the New Forest's best-known villages, surrounded by woodland and popular walking routes.

Arriving at Bournemouth

Bournemouth station welcomes approximately 2.6 million passengers each year and sits around 1.2 miles from the town centre.

The correct exit

• South Exit (Platform 2 side): Follow this exit for the main taxi rank, station car park and the most direct walking route towards Bournemouth town centre.
• North Exit (Platform 1 side): Use this exit for local bus stops, coach services and Holdenhurst Road.

Onward travel

• Morebus: Frequent m1 and m2 services connect the station with Bournemouth town centre, the seafront and surrounding suburbs.
• National Express: Long-distance coaches depart from the Bournemouth Interchange, just a short walk from the North Exit.
• Taxis: Licensed taxis are readily available outside the South Exit throughout the day.
• Beryl Bikes: Public hire bikes are available near the station, offering a convenient option for short journeys into the town centre or along the seafront.

Walkability

Bournemouth town centre is around a 15 to 20-minute walk from the station along mostly level, well-signposted streets. Continuing to Bournemouth Pier and the award-winning beaches takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes on foot.

If you're travelling with heavy luggage or arriving during poor weather, the frequent Morebus services provide a quicker alternative.