- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Poole among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £5.
Distance: 8 km
| Coach | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
£5 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price |
55m Average total duration 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration Fastest 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bournemouth to Poole run on average 5 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £5 by train.
There are 5 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:15, the last at 23:49. The fastest coach covers the 8 km distance in 22m.
Distance 8 km |
Average bus duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 22m |
First bus 1:15 |
Last bus 23:49 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Poole — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Poole trip today.
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
Working pottery and visitor centre showing how traditional Poole pottery is made, with displays, demonstrations and a shop for collectors.
Compact RNLI museum by the quayside exploring lifeboat history, rescues and the heritage of the volunteer service founded in Poole.
Historic waterfront lined with old buildings, pubs and boat activity. It is ideal for harbour views, walks, events and ferries around the bay.
Long sandy beach backed by pine trees and sea views, popular for swimming, walking and sunsets near the Sandbanks peninsula.
Large urban park with boating lake, gardens, play areas and regular events. A good family stop close to central Poole.
Fresh native oysters from nearby Poole Harbour, prized for their clean, briny flavour and long shellfish tradition on this Dorset coast.
Brown crab landed on the south coast, often served dressed or in sandwiches. It is a classic local seafood choice tied to Poole’s fishing heritage.
Sweet, delicate scallops from Lyme Bay and the Dorset coast, commonly pan-fried. They are a regional favourite on Poole seafood menus.
Smart waterside dining room at Harbour Heights with modern British cooking and wide views over Poole Harbour and Sandbanks.
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fish, shellfish and relaxed waterside dining close to Poole Quay.
Lively quay restaurant serving seafood, grills and British favourites with harbour views and a polished but informal atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK coast: hotels rise in summer, meals are mid-priced, and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Poole, Seldown Coach Park -> Poole Bus Station, Poole
The coach or bus journey between Bournemouth and Poole is only 5 miles in distance and the direct service takes from just 15 minutes in clear traffic. It's also a very cost-effective way to travel between these popular tourist towns, with plenty of regular scheduled services throughout the week.
The fastest direct coach route between Bournemouth and Poole is operated by National Express. Local private services also operate coaches between the town and it's possible to catch the X3 and X6 direct bus services that shuttle to and from the location.
The journey by coach between Bournemouth and Poole only takes around 15-25 minutes in clear road conditions, depending on the chosen departure time and Bournemouth station. It's a pleasant journey too, with plenty of scenery to take in as the bus travels between the two seaside towns.
National Express operates the route with at least one scheduled coach per hour throughout most of the day. There is a midnight service, and then the main regular services begin just before 6:00 a.m. during the week and operate throughout the day. National Express services leave from both the main Bournemouth Coach station and the County Gates bus stop. There is also an occasional service from Bournemouth Pier.
Departure bus station: Located on Holdenhurst Rd, Bournemouth Coach Station is the main station for the National Express service with a dedicated bay for this route. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and operates with reduced hours on a Sunday. It has plenty of facilities for passengers, including accessible toilets, WiFi, cash points, an eatery and coffee shop, payphones and information boards.
Arrival bus station: Poole Bus Stop and coach interchange is located on Seldown Bridge. It has all of the usual passenger amenities, such as digital information boards and ticket machines, an information desk, coffee shop, cash point and waiting areas. The central location also makes it easy for onward travel, with just a short walk to the main local attractions.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth to Poole 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 Poole, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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