- Must visit
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.
Cheapest price
£8
Average price
£14
Fastest journey
41 m
Average duration
43 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
39 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dorchester to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dorchester to Bournemouth will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
Of the 4 trains that leave Dorchester for Bournemouth every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 39 km distance in an average of 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 41 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Dorchester to Bournemouth 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 £17.
Distance: 39 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£18 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration 1h 0m 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 Dorchester to Bournemouth trains for today, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80157 | On time 8:55 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h47 | 9:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80171 | On time 9:55 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h47 | 10:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80179 | On time 10:42 Dorchester South (DCH) | 1h00 | 11:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80183 | On time 11:55 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h47 | 12:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80189 | On time 12:55 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h47 | 13:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80199 | On time 13:51 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h51 | 14:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80211 | On time 14:55 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h47 | 15:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80231 | On time 15:52 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h50 | 16:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80251 | On time 16:55 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h47 | 17:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80271 | On time 17:54 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0h48 | 18:42 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 changesdirect | |
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 Dorchester to Bournemouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 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 23:48. The fastest train covers the 39 km distance in 47m.
Distance 39 km |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 47m |
First train 5:03 |
Last train 23:48 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.
Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.
Small local museum on Hengistbury Head covering archaeology, wildlife and the headland's long human history in a scenic coastal setting.
Free gallery inside Bournemouth Library showing contemporary art exhibitions, talks and touring displays in a central location.
Historic pier and broad sandy beach at the town's heart, ideal for classic seaside walks, swimming and views along the bay.
Landscaped Victorian gardens running through the centre, popular for gentle walks, seasonal events and a green route to the seafront.
Headland nature reserve with walking trails, harbour views, heathland and archaeology, popular for longer coastal walks and birdwatching.
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, prized for sweet meat and often served simply dressed to showcase local seafood traditions.
Hand-dived scallops from nearby Lyme Bay, a South Coast speciality valued for freshness and the region’s strong shellfish heritage.
Traditional Dorset Blue Vinny cheese with a firm, crumbly texture and robust flavour, long associated with Dorset farming and cheesemaking.
Refined dining room in a historic hotel, serving modern British cooking in an elegant setting overlooking the gardens.
Established seafood spot on West Cliff, popular for fish dishes, sea views and a smart but approachable atmosphere.
Traditional pub near the town centre serving local ales and classic British meals in a historic, characterful setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside resort. Hotels rise in summer, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London or Bath.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Bournemouth Railway Station -> Bournemouth Town Centre (The Square)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dorchester to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Dorchester to Bournemouth trains use the Dorchester South to Bournemouth station pair, with some services arriving at Pokesdown. Use this guide to compare Dorchester and Bournemouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need