London Waterloo to Bournemouth Trains From £18.50*

The journey from London Waterloo to Bournemouth takes approximately two hours and eighteen minutes with South Western Railway. On your trip, you’ll gradually leave the hustle and bustle of the UK capital for the suburbs of Greater London, before shooting off towards the south west and the south coast of England. Once you see the sea, you’ll know you’re close to arriving at Bournemouth.

South Western Railway operates a vast network, linking city dwellers, suburban commuters, and rural passengers across the South West of England. All their services originate from London Waterloo station, extending through counties like Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire.

Departing from London Waterloo

London Waterloo Station is a great station to depart from, as it’s right in the centre of London. Nearby are the Tate Modern, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and the well-known London Eye. So, it’s easy to get to no matter where you’re coming from.

The station even has its own London Underground Station running on the Waterloo & City, Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Northern lines. Local buses and taxis also drop you off right outside the main entrance to the station.

Waterloo is the fourth busiest train station in the UK, recording almost 62.5 million entries and exits between 2023 and 2024. South Western Railway is the leading operator from this station, providing train services to destinations like Woking, Dorking, Shepperton, and Weymouth.

Main stops

When travelling with South Western Railway from London Waterloo to Bournemouth, there are usually eight stations along the route. These stations are Clapham Junction, Woking, Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton Airport Parkway, Southampton Central, Brockenhurst, and New Milton. These stations may be subject to change due to scheduling alterations, engineering works, train faults, or adverse weather conditions. So, it’s best to check before you travel to make sure.

If you want to buy cheap train tickets, follow these three simple rules: book your tickets early, add a Railcard for extra discounts, and use TrainPal to find and book the best fares.

Arriving at Bournemouth

Bournemouth station is located on Holdenhurst Road near St Paul’s roundabout, a thirty-minute walk outside the town centre. You can reach the town centre by local public buses and taxis, and the journey takes around fifteen minutes.

Bournemouth is a well-known seaside town that has been attracting tourists for generations. Bournemouth Pier, the Oceanarium, its many beaches, and the town’s array of fish and chip shops and high-quality seafood restaurants are all testaments to the town’s close connection to coastal life.

Bournemouth station accommodates both local and long-distance train services, with South Western Railway and CrossCountry as the primary rail operators. The station offers connections to key destinations such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Southampton, making it a vital hub for travellers.

South Western Railway Train Classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating, Wheelchair spaces and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: It is possible to get a London Waterloo to Bournemouth First-Class ticket. First Class tickets include at-seat wireless charging and more spacious seats and tables.

South Western Railway train travel advice

• Luggage: Provide luggage racks and overhead luggage racks for convenient storage of large luggage, carry-on luggage, and small items.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals are allowed to travel without charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead, while other animals should be placed in carriers. Each passenger is permitted to bring up to two pets.
• Bicycles: Bikes are welcome, but there is a ‘first-come, first-served’ policy. Small folding bicycles can be carried, but electric scooters are not allowed.
• Children: Children under the age of 5 can travel without charge, while those between 5 and 15 years old get a 50% discount on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard provides up to a one-third reduction on family ticket prices. Booking ahead with TrainPal helps families secure seats together.
• Passenger Assist: Help with journey planning, ticket booking, boarding and alighting (including ramps), station navigation, and light luggage handling. It also provides guidance for visually impaired passengers and information on train and station facilities.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.