Bournemouth to Watford train with South Western Railway

Sun 13 Sept
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South Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bournemouth to Watford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £47 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £47, while a train costs an average of £47.

Distance: 147 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£47

Average Price

Cheapest

£30

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 13m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 3m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Bournemouth to Watford is a train with an average price of £47.
The fastest way to travel from Bournemouth to Watford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 43m.

Other travel options to Watford take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 42m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bournemouth and Watford including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £47 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-17.23. The journey takes 2h 43m versus 2h 3m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Compare prices and tickets Bournemouth to Watford 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
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
Tue
15 Sept
Wed
16 Sept
Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept

Why should you book Bournemouth to Watford trains with Omio?

South Western Railway operates all trains services from Bournemouth to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bournemouth to Watford.

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 Watford.

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 Watford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bournemouth to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bournemouth to Watford run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 23:43. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 3h 5m.

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
Distance
147 km
Average train duration
2h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Trains per day
18
Fastest train
3h 5m
First train
0:13
Last train
23:43
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
14 days
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

Train companies: South Western Railway from Bournemouth to Watford trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between Bournemouth and Watford from £24. 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
3h 5m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£24
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 Watford

Things to do in Watford

Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.

Watford Palace Theatre

An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Bournemouth to Watford train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bournemouth to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from Bournemouth to Watford covers a distance of 147 km and takes approximately 3h 5m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Bournemouth to Watford is 147 km.
The first train from Bournemouth to Watford leaves at 0:13.
The last train from Bournemouth to Watford departs at 23:43.
Trains from Bournemouth to Watford run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bournemouth to Watford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bournemouth to Watford.
To get from Bournemouth to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bournemouth to Watford.
The train station in Bournemouth that goes to Watford is Bournemouth station (BMH), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Bournemouth to Watford is by train, costing approximately £24.
Booking trains from Bournemouth to Watford 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 Watford offers a pleasant mix of coastal views, countryside landscapes, and glimpses of charming English towns, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Bournemouth to Watford might not be feasible due to the travel duration of 3h 5m. However, with a train frequency of 15 per day, the journey covering a distance of 147 km can be planned with flexibility.
In Watford, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or exploring the shops and dining options at Intu Watford. For entertainment, try Topgolf Watford, or attend community arts events at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rickmansworth Aquadrome for walking and cycling, or explore Cassiobury Park and its nature reserve. Don't miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films. Additionally, Watford Museum offers insights into the town's history, while Cheslyn House and Gardens provide a tranquil escape. For luxury, The Grove features beautiful gardens, a golf course, and spa facilities.
To fully explore Watford's attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Cassiobury Park, and Watford Palace Theatre, a two to three-day visit is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bournemouth to Watford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bournemouth and Watford

Most Bournemouth to Watford trains use the Bournemouth to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Watford 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 Watford

Which Bournemouth station do trains to Watford leave from?

Trains from Bournemouth to Watford 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 0650WifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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 6DLWifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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.

More options for your journey from Bournemouth to Watford

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Watford Bournemouth to Watford train

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