- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£12
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£13
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
44 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
44 m
Trains on 20 Sept
2
Distance
39 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bournemouth to Dorchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Dorchester will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 2 trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 39 km distance in an average of 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 44 m .
The slowest trains will take 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
12:390h44Bournemouth13:23Dorchester£121One-way0 changes- 13:390h44Bournemouth14:23Dorchester£131One-way0 changes
- 13:390h44Bournemouth14:23Dorchester£131One-way0 changes
- 12:390h44Bournemouth13:23Dorchester£121One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Bournemouth to Dorchester
Omio 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 an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a train costs an average of £16.
Distance: 39 km
Compare train with
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 |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Bournemouth to Dorchester is a coach with an average price of £8.
This is compared to other travel options from Bournemouth to Dorchester:
A coach is £8 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bournemouth to Dorchester costing on average £16.
The fastest way to travel from Bournemouth to Dorchester is by train with an average journey time of 44m.
Other travel options to Dorchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bournemouth and Dorchester including taking a coach and train.
Live departures
Bournemouth to Dorchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Dorchester trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L80161 | On time 18:29 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0h49 | 19:18 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 20 September | |||||
| 12:39 Bournemouth | 0h44 | 13:23 Dorchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:39 Bournemouth | 0h44 | 14:23 Dorchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bournemouth to Dorchester by coach or train
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.
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Bournemouth to Dorchester trains with Omio?
South Western Railway operates all trains services from Bournemouth to Dorchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bournemouth to Dorchester.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bournemouth to Dorchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bournemouth to Dorchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bournemouth to Dorchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:03, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 39 km distance in 38m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Distance 39 km |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 38m |
First train 5:03 |
Last train 23:39 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Train companies: South Western Railway from Bournemouth to Dorchester trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between Bournemouth and Dorchester from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
40m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£12
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Dorchester
Things to do in Dorchester
Discover the best of Dorchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dorchester trip today.
- Recommended
Thomas Hardy's Birthplace
Former home of novelist Thomas Hardy, preserved with period rooms and displays that illuminate his life and writing.
- Recommended
Max Gate
Atmospheric Victorian townhouse where Hardy lived later in life, with original rooms, garden and literary interpretation.
- Must visit
Maumbury Rings
Broad grassy hill and Roman amphitheatre remains used as a walking area, with elevated views and a strong sense of local history.
- Recommended
South Street
Traffic-free shopping street lined with historic buildings, useful for a central stroll between museums, churches and markets.
- Recommended
Borough Gardens
Riverside green space with paths, play areas and open lawns, popular for a relaxed walk close to central Dorchester.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
A Dorset coastal classic of hand-picked crab meat, often simply dressed to showcase the sweet flavour of locally landed shellfish.
Dorset Knob Sausage
Traditional Dorset sausage made with pork and rusk, known for its herb seasoning and long-standing place in local farming cookery.
- Vegetarian
Dorset Knob
A hard, twice-baked Dorset bread biscuit, traditionally eaten with cheese or dunked in tea; a distinctive county speciality.
Yalbury Cottage Restaurant
Stylish town-centre restaurant known for modern British cooking, quality local produce and a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
The Wise Man Inn
Traditional pub near Dorchester serving hearty British dishes and local ales in a historic, relaxed setting.
The Piggery Bakery
Popular café and bakery on the brewery site, good for coffee, brunch, pastries and casual lunches in an airy setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: lodging and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and cafés are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Bournemouth to Dorchester train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Bournemouth to Dorchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Bournemouth to Dorchester covers a distance of 39 km and takes approximately 38m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Bournemouth to Dorchester is 39 km.
The first train from Bournemouth to Dorchester leaves at 5:03.
The last train from Bournemouth to Dorchester departs at 23:39.
Trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bournemouth to Dorchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bournemouth and Dorchester. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by South Western Railway.
To get from Bournemouth to Dorchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bournemouth to Dorchester.
The train station in Bournemouth that goes to Dorchester is Bournemouth station (BMH), and it arrives at Dorchester South (DCH).
The cheapest way to get from Bournemouth to Dorchester is by coach, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bournemouth to Dorchester offers a pleasant and scenic ride, showcasing the beauty of the Dorset countryside, with views of rolling hills and charming villages along the way.
Yes, a day trip from Bournemouth to Dorchester is feasible. The journey takes 38m and covers a distance of 39 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
To explore Dorchester's key attractions like the Dorset County Museum, Maiden Castle, and the Tutankhamun Exhibition, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bournemouth to Dorchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bournemouth and Dorchester
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.
Departure train stations in Bournemouth
Arrival train stations in Dorchester
Which Bournemouth station do trains to Dorchester leave from?
Trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester leave from Bournemouth. The station is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre at Bournemouth station, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8HX.
BournemouthBournemouth station, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8HX+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Bournemouth from Bournemouth city centre
Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus13, 5, 6, 50, m1, 12, 13A, N5, N1, 11, 21 · 6m · £2 · every ~74 min
m1, 5, 6, 50, 13, 12, 13A, 21, 11, N5, N1 · 7m · £2 · every ~74 min
Bournemouth train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
PokesdownPokesdown station, Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, Dorset, BH7 6DL
City-centre transport
Getting to Pokesdown from Bournemouth city centre
Pokesdown is 4 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPoole - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Southampton Central, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - London Waterloo, Poole - Brockenhurst, Bournemouth - Winchester, Poole - Winchester, Weymouth - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Poole - Southampton Central · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Busm2, 1A, 1B, 1C, 22, N2 · 17m · £2 · every ~58 min
m2, 1A, 1B, 1C, 22, N2 · 18m · £2 · every ~58 min
Pokesdown train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Pokesdown.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Pokesdown.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Pokesdown.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Pokesdown: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Pokesdown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Which Dorchester station do trains from Bournemouth arrive at?
Trains from Bournemouth to Dorchester arrive at Dorchester South. Dorchester South is 1 km from Dorchester city centre.
Dorchester SouthDorchester South station, Station Approach, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1QX
City-centre transport
Getting to Dorchester South from Dorchester city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Weymouth Avenue
Dorchester South train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester South.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dorchester South.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dorchester South.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dorchester South: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Dorchester South: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Bournemouth
More options for your journey from Bournemouth to Dorchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dorchester and Bournemouth
Most popular train connections to Dorchester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
