- 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 London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 08:43, the last at 08:43. The fastest train covers the 166 km distance in 2h 46m.
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 166 km |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 8:43 |
Last train 8:43 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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
Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as Southern offer trains services from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southern to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Southern to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
Train companies: South Western Railway from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Dorchester from £18. 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
2h 46m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£37
South Western Railway frequency
6 a day
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: London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester covers a distance of 166 km and takes approximately 2h 46m. Trains run 11 per day.
The train distance from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester is 166 km.
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester leaves at 8:43.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester departs at 8:43.
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester run approximately 11 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
There is no night train service from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
Booking trains from London Gatwick Airport 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 London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester offers a scenic experience, especially as it passes through the picturesque countryside of southern England, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and lush landscapes.
Yes, you can take the train from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Gatwick Airport and Dorchester
Most London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester trains use the London Waterloo to Dorchester South station pair, with some services arriving at Dorchester West. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Dorchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Dorchester
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.
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.
Most popular train connections from London Gatwick Airport
More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dorchester and London Gatwick Airport
HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Dorchester London Gatwick Airport to Dorchester train
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