Southampton Central to Bournemouth Trains From £3.15*

Make the journey from Southampton Central to Bournemouth by train in just around 29 minutes with South Western Railway. The journey is a beautiful one, passing through a number of towns and villages in the idyllic New Forest National Park. There should be plenty of gorgeous scenery to view from your window seat.

South Western Railway operates services from London Waterloo out to destinations like Woking, Weymouth, Poole, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Salisbury, Exeter, Reading, Windsor, Dorking and Guildford. It also runs trains on the Isle of Wight.

Departing from Southampton Central

The best train from Southampton Central to Bournemouth starts at Southampton Central Station, conveniently located on Blechynden Terrace, just west of the city centre. For those in the city centre, the station is a short walk away. It features multiple entrances, including one off the Western Esplanade, where a bus stop is served by five bus routes. Visitors can easily access the station via these bus routes, ensuring smooth connectivity for travellers heading to Bournemouth.

From here, you can travel to London Waterloo, Weymouth, Poole, Winchester, Portsmouth and Southsea, Romsey and Salisbury with South Western Railway. Crosscountry will take you to Manchester Piccadilly, while Great Western Railway goes to Cardiff Central, Bristol Temple Meads or Portsmouth. Brighton and Worthing are reachable by Southern.

Main stops

There are various stopping patterns on this route. The faster South Western Railway trains only stop at Brockenhurst. Some trains call at Brockenhurst, New Milton, Christchurch and Pokesdown

Other services stop at more places, calling at Totton, Ashurst (New Forest), Brockenhurst, Sway, New Milton, Hinton Admiral, Christchurch and Pokesdown. CrossCountry services go directly between Southampton Central and Bournemouth.

Arriving at Bournemouth

The fastest train from Southampton Central to Bournemouth will deliver you directly to Bournemouth Railway Station. You'll find it located between Holdenhurst Road and Wessex Way. The station is directly opposite Bournemouth Coach Station, so it is easy to connect with onward bus and coach travel. There are also fast food and retail options immediately adjacent.

From Bournemouth Station, you can travel to London Waterloo as well as Weymouth, Poole, Winchester, Manchester Piccadilly, Reading and Birmingham New Street, among others. CrossCountry and South Western Railway operate at this station.

Bournemouth is a beautiful traditional seaside town on the South Coast. Visiting the beach and pier is a must. You can even have a go at indoor climbing while you're there! There are plenty of interesting attractions, such as the beautifully designed Russell Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. The seaside Oceanarium offers the chance to see plenty of marine life without getting wet, while the Lower Gardens are an exquisite formal garden park in the centre of town - a perfect stroll in the sunshine.

South Western Railway train classes

• Standard Class: Standard Class is a great way to save money on train fares, while still getting to your destination in comfort and safety. Book early and get your choice of reserved seats or just turn up, find a space and connect to the free Wi-Fi (which is available on more than 50% of trains).
• First Class: Southampton Central to Bournemouth First Class tickets get you access to a more exclusive journey. You'll get a guaranteed table with built-in wireless charging for your devices. Plus, you can kick back and relax with comfier, roomier seating.

South Western Railway train travel advice

If you want to make a big saving on your trip from Southampton Central to Bournemouth, hop over to our Guide to Railcards. If you're eligible, a Railcard could save you a third off most off-peak fares - more if you're a family! It's a great way to buy cheap train tickets.

• Luggage: There are overhead shelves for everyday bags and small cases, while bigger items can comfortably go in the dedicated on-board luggage racks.
• Bicycles: You can't take a full-size bike on peak time services, but folders are allowed on the train at any time. At other times. Cycles are welcome, but spaces are first-come, first-served.
• Children: Did you know that kids can travel with a big discount? If you've a little one under 5, then they go for free. Between 5 and 15, kids pay just 50%. If you're bringing a buggy on board, you can use a wheelchair space, but you must vacate it if someone with a chair or scooter needs to use it. Buggies can be folded and stowed as luggage.
• Pets: Two pets are allowed with you on your journey. You can keep dogs on a lead throughout, and other pets must be in a carrier.
• Passenger Assist: Call or go online to book Passenger Assist in advance of travel. Doing so ensures everything's ready for your arrival. You can just 'turn up and go' if it's more convenient, though.

Catch the CrossCountry service from Southampton Central to Bournemouth and make the trip in just around 26 minutes.

CrossCountry is a national train operator, running trains travelling north from the South West. Bournemouth is one of their terminus stations, along with Penzance, further west. From there, they serve major stations including Reading, Oxford, Cardiff Central, Bristol Temple Meads, Birmingham New Street, Cambridge, Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Darlington, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: In Standard Class, you'll enjoy free Wi-Fi while on board the train, plus you can reserve an aisle or window seat to make sure you can enjoy the journey in comfort.
• First Class: If you're going from Southampton Central to Bournemouth First Class, then you'll travel in luxury. The seats are bigger, comfier and have more legroom. You also get USB and power sockets at your seat.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Make the most of your journey with this useful info. Plus, buy cheap train tickets by seeing if you're eligible to save 1/3 off most off-peak fares with our Railcard guide!

• Luggage: You can put big suitcases into the luggage racks in every carriage. Got a normal bag? Just pop it overhead in the shelves provided. If you have a smaller bag, it will neatly fit beneath your seat.
• Bicycles: There are only a small number of cycle spaces on board these trains, so make sure you reserve a space in advance if you need one.
• Children: If you have a child under 5, they can travel for free with you! Over that age and up to 15? It's half-price tickets! Plus, there are even bigger savings to be made with a Family & Friends Railcard.
• Pets: If you'd like to bring up to two domestic pets, then you'll be fine on the train! There are some rules, though: keep dogs on a lead and other pets in a carrier. And, if they take up space on a seat, you'll be charged extra.
• Passenger Assist: If you need assistance to make your journey, don't forget to book at least two hours before your train leaves. That way, staff will have everything ready for you. You can book assistance online or on the phone.

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