- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Gillingham to Dorchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Gillingham to Dorchester and enjoy the approximately 37 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:51, the last at 20:27.
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 37 km |
First train 5:51 |
Last train 20:27 |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Gillingham to Dorchester trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Gillingham to Dorchester.
The train distance from Gillingham to Dorchester is 37 km.
The first train from Gillingham to Dorchester leaves at 5:51.
The last train from Gillingham to Dorchester departs at 20:27.
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.
Plan your visit to Dorchester
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Dorchester.
The train journey from Gillingham to Dorchester offers scenic views of the Dorset countryside, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes, making it a pleasant and visually appealing experience.
FAQs: Gillingham to Dorchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gillingham 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.
Booking trains from Gillingham to Dorchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Currently, there is no direct train service available from Gillingham to Dorchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Gillingham and Dorchester
Most Gillingham to Dorchester trains use the Gillingham (Dorset) to Dorchester West station pair, with some services arriving at Dorchester South. Use this guide to compare Gillingham and Dorchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Gillingham
Arrival train stations in Dorchester
Which Gillingham station do trains to Dorchester leave from?
Trains from Gillingham to Dorchester leave from Gillingham (Dorset). The station is from Gillingham city centre at Gillingham station, Station Yard, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4PZ.
Gillingham (Dorset)Gillingham station, Station Yard, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4PZ
City-centre transport
Getting to Gillingham (Dorset) from Gillingham city centre
TrainLondon Waterloo - Exeter St Davids, London Waterloo - Yeovil Junction, London Waterloo - Gillingham, London Waterloo - Westbury, London Waterloo - Honiton, London Waterloo - Templecombe · 3h 58m · £72 · every ~2 min
London Waterloo - Exeter St Davids, London Waterloo - Templecombe, London Waterloo - Yeovil Junction, London Waterloo - Yeovil Pen Mill, London Waterloo - Gillingham, London Waterloo - Westbury, London Waterloo - Honiton · 4h 10m · £73 · every ~2 min
Gillingham (Dorset) train station facilities and services
Gillingham (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham (Dorset).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Dorset). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Dorset): 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. Step-free access to Platform 1 (most trains in both directions) via level access, or short ramp. Steps to Platform 2 (some trains in both directions) or step-free approximately 100m via barrow crossing with assistance only, when station is staffed, Accessible taxis: Pre-booked only, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Dorchester station do trains from Gillingham arrive at?
Trains from Gillingham to Dorchester most often arrive at Dorchester West. Some services arrive at Dorchester South, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Dorchester arrival station.
Dorchester WestDorchester West station, Damers Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2LB
City-centre transport
Getting to Dorchester West from Dorchester city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesFront of the station
Dorchester West train station facilities and services
Dorchester West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dorchester West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Dorchester West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dorchester West: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station - “Some step-free access to all platforms.”- This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms. Access between platforms is via a stepped footbridge. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Train stations for Gillingham to Dorchester
Check train stations information for Gillingham and Dorchester, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Gillingham that goes to Dorchester is Gillingham (Dorset), and it arrives at Dorchester West.
More options for your journey from Gillingham to Dorchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dorchester and Gillingham
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