- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
Cheapest price on 20 Oct
£19
Average ticket price on 20 Oct
£60
Fastest journey on 20 Oct
2 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 20 Oct
2 h 40 m
Trains on 20 Oct
11
Distance
184 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Dorchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Dorchester will cost around £60 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £19.
On Tue 20 Oct, we found 11 trains from London to Dorchester, including 7 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 184 km distance in an average of 2 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 45 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.
L80261
L80119
L80253
L80127
L80221
L80127
L80119
L80221
L80213
L80083Trains from London to Dorchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 184 km distance in 2h 3m.
Distance 184 km |
Average train duration 2h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 23:53 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
The table below shows live departures for London to Dorchester trains for today, Monday 19 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80335 | Delayed 21:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h36 | 23:12 23:12Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 20 October | |||||
L80213 | 8:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h45 | 10:50 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80083 | 8:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h45 | 11:20 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80221 | 9:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h45 | 11:50 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35106 · W34788 · C48131 | 9:06 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h02 | 12:08 Dorchester West (DCW) | 2 changes | |
W35106+ L80091+ G01000 | 9:06 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h16 | 12:22 Dorchester South (DCH) | 2 changes | |
L79342 · L80091+ G01000+ G27833 | 9:07 London Victoria (VIC) | 3h15 | 12:22 Dorchester South (DCH) | 3 changes | |
L80253 | 12:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h46 | 14:51 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80119 | 12:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h35 | 15:10 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80261 | 13:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h46 | 15:51 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80127 | 13:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h31 | 16:06 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80273+ G27868 | 13:36 London Victoria (VIC) | 3h15 | 16:51 Dorchester South (DCH) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Dorchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dorchester trip today.
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
Former home of novelist Thomas Hardy, preserved with period rooms and displays that illuminate his life and writing.
Atmospheric Victorian townhouse where Hardy lived later in life, with original rooms, garden and literary interpretation.
Broad grassy hill and Roman amphitheatre remains used as a walking area, with elevated views and a strong sense of local history.
Traffic-free shopping street lined with historic buildings, useful for a central stroll between museums, churches and markets.
Riverside green space with paths, play areas and open lawns, popular for a relaxed walk close to central Dorchester.
A Dorset coastal classic of hand-picked crab meat, often simply dressed to showcase the sweet flavour of locally landed shellfish.
Traditional Dorset sausage made with pork and rusk, known for its herb seasoning and long-standing place in local farming cookery.
A hard, twice-baked Dorset bread biscuit, traditionally eaten with cheese or dunked in tea; a distinctive county speciality.
Stylish town-centre restaurant known for modern British cooking, quality local produce and a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
Traditional pub near Dorchester serving hearty British dishes and local ales in a historic, relaxed setting.
Popular café and bakery on the brewery site, good for coffee, brunch, pastries and casual lunches in an airy setting.
Moderate for England: lodging and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and cafés are fairly reasonable for visitors.
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Dorchester are Weymouth, Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton and Winchester. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Dorchester on Omio.

Weymouth is a traditional seaside town on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, known for its sandy beach, harbour and Georgian seafront. It has a relaxed holiday feel, with coastal walks, watersports and strong maritime character.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 12 km distance in 10m.

Bournemouth is a south coast seaside town known for its long sandy beach, Victorian gardens and pier. It has a relaxed holiday feel, with a busy seafront, clifftop views and a lively town centre.
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 41m.

Poole is known for its vast natural harbour, historic quay and strong sailing culture. It blends a working waterfront with nearby beaches and a relaxed Dorset coastal feel.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:08, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 27m.

Southampton is a maritime city on England’s south coast, known for its ocean liner history and links to the Titanic. Medieval walls and museums stand near a busy waterfront and modern shopping centre, giving it a lively yet practical feel.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:45, the last at 23:03. The fastest train covers the 75 km distance in 1h 17m.

Winchester is a historic Hampshire city known for its cathedral, medieval streets and links to King Alfred the Great. Once an Anglo-Saxon capital, it feels compact, walkable and quietly elegant.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 22:44. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 1h 34m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

Most London 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 and Dorchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Paddington has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
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.
Dorchester West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dorchester West: Parking.
Available at Dorchester West: Bike Parking.
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.
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