- Recommended
Command of the Oceans
Major naval museum site with galleries, historic ships and interactive exhibits. A top choice for understanding Chatham’s maritime story.
Buses from Bournemouth to Gillingham run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:45, the last at 19:40. The fastest coach covers the 185 km distance in 4h 10m.
Distance 185 km |
Average bus duration 4h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 4:45 |
Last bus 19:40 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Major naval museum site with galleries, historic ships and interactive exhibits. A top choice for understanding Chatham’s maritime story.
Museum dedicated to the Royal Engineers, with medals, machinery and campaigns explained through well-presented displays near Brompton Barracks.
Compact local museum inside the dockyard exploring the Age of Sail, shipbuilding and dockyard workers. Good for a focused heritage visit.
Large heritage park with open grassland, military earthworks and broad views. Popular for walks, events and understanding Medway’s historic landscape.
Waterside country park with estuary views, birdlife and easy paths. A relaxing local favourite for walking, cycling and nature watching.
Linear riverside walking and cycling route connecting dockyard and country park areas. Good for seeing the Medway waterfront at an easy pace.
Fresh oysters from the nearby Swale and Medway estuary, long linked to Kent’s coast. Briny, mineral and a classic local seafood treat.
A rich pie of beef, kidney and oyster, historically associated with Medway and wider Kent. It reflects the area’s mix of farming and estuary produce.
Slow-cooked Kent lamb, often served as roast or braised dishes. Local sheep farming makes lamb a traditional choice across north Kent.
Well-liked Nepalese and Indian venue serving momos, curries and grilled dishes in a friendly local setting.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively, modern setting.
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and a relaxed dine-in atmosphere.
Moderate for South East England. Hotels can be cheaper than London, but dining and rail fares are still fairly high for many visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth to Gillingham by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bournemouth to Gillingham buses use the Bournemouth, Coach Station to Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre station pair. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Gillingham bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is 5 km from Gillingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants in the shopping centre.
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. ATMs are several ATMs inside the shopping centre.
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.
Available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: The area is wheelchair accessible.
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