- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
Cheapest price
£16
Average price
£40
Fastest journey
3 h 22 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Poole is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Poole will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £16.
Of the 4 trains that leave London Gatwick Airport for Poole 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 136 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 30 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 London Gatwick Airport to Poole among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a ferry which can get you there in 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, and a train costs an average of £20.
Distance: 136 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
£28 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest | £20 Average Price |
3h 9m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 45m Average total duration Fastest 45m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Poole trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:09 London Gatwick Airport | 3h04 | 14:13 Poole | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 23 August | |||||
![]() | 7:20 London Gatwick Airport | 3h30 | 10:50 Poole | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:25 London Gatwick Airport | 3h25 | 10:50 Poole | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, train and ferry 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 London Gatwick Airport to Poole run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £20 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 07:09, the last at 09:32. The fastest train covers the 136 km distance in 2h 43m.
Distance 136 km |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £20 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 7:09 |
Last train 9:32 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Poole — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Poole trip today.
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
Working pottery and visitor centre showing how traditional Poole pottery is made, with displays, demonstrations and a shop for collectors.
Compact RNLI museum by the quayside exploring lifeboat history, rescues and the heritage of the volunteer service founded in Poole.
Historic waterfront lined with old buildings, pubs and boat activity. It is ideal for harbour views, walks, events and ferries around the bay.
Long sandy beach backed by pine trees and sea views, popular for swimming, walking and sunsets near the Sandbanks peninsula.
Large urban park with boating lake, gardens, play areas and regular events. A good family stop close to central Poole.
Fresh native oysters from nearby Poole Harbour, prized for their clean, briny flavour and long shellfish tradition on this Dorset coast.
Brown crab landed on the south coast, often served dressed or in sandwiches. It is a classic local seafood choice tied to Poole’s fishing heritage.
Sweet, delicate scallops from Lyme Bay and the Dorset coast, commonly pan-fried. They are a regional favourite on Poole seafood menus.
Smart waterside dining room at Harbour Heights with modern British cooking and wide views over Poole Harbour and Sandbanks.
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fish, shellfish and relaxed waterside dining close to Poole Quay.
Lively quay restaurant serving seafood, grills and British favourites with harbour views and a polished but informal atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK coast: hotels rise in summer, meals are mid-priced, and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Poole Railway Station -> Poole Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Poole 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 Poole, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London Gatwick Airport to Poole trains use the London Waterloo to Poole station pair, with some services arriving at Parkstone (Dorset). Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Poole train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no 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.
Parkstone (Dorset) is 3 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Parkstone (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Ticket office support is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Parking.
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need