- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
L80084
L84936
L80360
L84932
L80352
L80214
L80360
L84936
L84932
L80352Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Dorchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 39 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£16 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Dorchester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 6 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L84932 | 8:07 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0h46 | 8:53 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80352 | 8:53 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0h46 | 9:39 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L84936 | 9:07 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0h46 | 9:53 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80360 | 9:37 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0h45 | 10:22 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80214 | 10:09 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0h41 | 10:50 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80084 | 10:30 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0h50 | 11:20 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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.
Trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:03, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 39 km distance in 41m.
Distance 39 km |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 41m |
First train 5:03 |
Last train 23:39 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Dorchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dorchester trip today.
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
Former home of novelist Thomas Hardy, preserved with period rooms and displays that illuminate his life and writing.
Atmospheric Victorian townhouse where Hardy lived later in life, with original rooms, garden and literary interpretation.
Broad grassy hill and Roman amphitheatre remains used as a walking area, with elevated views and a strong sense of local history.
Traffic-free shopping street lined with historic buildings, useful for a central stroll between museums, churches and markets.
Riverside green space with paths, play areas and open lawns, popular for a relaxed walk close to central Dorchester.
A Dorset coastal classic of hand-picked crab meat, often simply dressed to showcase the sweet flavour of locally landed shellfish.
Traditional Dorset sausage made with pork and rusk, known for its herb seasoning and long-standing place in local farming cookery.
A hard, twice-baked Dorset bread biscuit, traditionally eaten with cheese or dunked in tea; a distinctive county speciality.
Stylish town-centre restaurant known for modern British cooking, quality local produce and a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
Traditional pub near Dorchester serving hearty British dishes and local ales in a historic, relaxed setting.
Popular café and bakery on the brewery site, good for coffee, brunch, pastries and casual lunches in an airy setting.
Moderate for England: lodging and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and cafés are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth to Dorchester by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Dorchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bournemouth to Dorchester trains use the Bournemouth to Dorchester South station pair. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Dorchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bournemouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.
Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bournemouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Pokesdown is 4 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Pokesdown has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Pokesdown.
Wi-Fi is available at Pokesdown.
Ticket office support is available at Pokesdown.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pokesdown: Parking.
Available at Pokesdown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Dorchester South has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester South.
Wi-Fi is available at Dorchester South.
Ticket office support is available at Dorchester South.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dorchester South: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dorchester South: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dorchester South: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details - Ramp to Platform 1 at approx 1:14 gradient (to London) via Booking Hall, or level via car park (1 step via side gate next to Booking Hall when closed). Ramp at approx 1:20 to Platform 2 (to Weymouth) from separate entrance. Interchange via street over 1km so no reasonable step-free access between platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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