- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Folkestone to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, and a train costs an average of £26.
Distance: 219 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£54 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 48m Average total duration 6h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 Folkestone to Bournemouth run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 20:59. The fastest train covers the 219 km distance in 4h 57m.
Distance 219 km |
Average train duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 57m |
First train 4:44 |
Last train 20:59 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Folkestone 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 Folkestone to Bournemouth trains use the Folkestone West to Bournemouth station pair. Use this guide to compare Folkestone and Bournemouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Folkestone West is 2 km from Folkestone city centre. Public transport options include:
Folkestone West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Folkestone West.
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Folkestone West: Parking, WC.
Available at Folkestone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step Free access to Platform 1 via main entrance off Shorncliffe Road. Step free access to platform 2 via side entrance off Station Road. Step access between platforms via station subway. Step free Interchange between platforms via steep roads is in excess of 500 metres, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: by entrance to platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Folkestone Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Folkestone Central.
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Folkestone Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Folkestone Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access via lift or steep ramps from main entrance, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: In the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
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