LONDON to DORCHESTER train from £12 with South Western Railway

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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Dorchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£46

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£72

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

2 h 47 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

3 h 3 m

Trains on 05 Sept

Distance

184 km

Cheap tickets

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 £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.

Fast trains

On Sat 05 Sept, we found 6 trains from London to Dorchester, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 184 km distance in an average of 3 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 18 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.

L80353
6:303h09
London Waterloo (WAT)
9:39Dorchester South (DCH)
£461One-way
0 changes
L80361
7:352h47
London Waterloo (WAT)
10:22Dorchester South (DCH)
£501One-way
0 changes
C42205 · C47829
7:003h09
London Paddington (PAD)
10:09Dorchester West (DCW)
£621One-way
1 change
L79327 · L80085+G27162
8:003h18
London Victoria (VIC)
11:18Dorchester South (DCH)
£921One-way
2 changes
L80223+G27162
8:003h49
London Victoria (VIC)
11:49Dorchester South (DCH)
£921One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for London to Dorchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Dorchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a flight costs an average of £218.

Distance: 184 km

Compare train with

Most popular Train	Coach	Flight
£38 Average Price	£16 Average Price Cheapest	£218 Average Price
3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	10h 31m Average total duration 8h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions	- CO2 emissions
Direct Options	Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from London to Dorchester is a coach with an average price of £16.

This is compared to other travel options from London to Dorchester:

A coach is £21 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Dorchester costing on average £38.

A coach is £202 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Dorchester costing on average £218.

The fastest way to travel from London to Dorchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 35m.

Other travel options to Dorchester take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 50m.

Flight takes on average 8h 31m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between London and Dorchester including taking a coach, train and flight.

Live departures

London to Dorchester train times

The table below shows live departures for London to Dorchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
L80353	6:30 London Waterloo (WAT)	3h09	9:39 Dorchester South (DCH)	0 changesdirect
C42205 · C47829	7:00 London Paddington (PAD)	3h09	10:09 Dorchester West (DCW)	1 change
L80361	7:35 London Waterloo (WAT)	2h47	10:22 Dorchester South (DCH)	0 changesdirect
L80215+G26280	7:54 London Victoria (VIC)	2h52	10:46 Dorchester South (DCH)	1 change
L80223+G27162	8:00 London Victoria (VIC)	3h49	11:49 Dorchester South (DCH)	1 change
L79327 · L80085+G27162	8:00 London Victoria (VIC)	3h18	11:18 Dorchester South (DCH)	2 changes
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets London to Dorchester by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight 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.

Sat
05 Sept

Sun
06 Sept

Mon
07 Sept

Tue
08 Sept

Wed
09 Sept

Thu
10 Sept

Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book London to Dorchester trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway or CrossCountry offer trains services from London to Dorchester.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London 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 Great Western Railway or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from London 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.
Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Dorchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from London to Dorchester.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from London to Dorchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from London to Dorchester

United Kingdom

Trains from London to Dorchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

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 18m.

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

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £12

Distance

184 km

Average train duration

2h 35m

Cheapest ticket price

£15

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 18m

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

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £12

Train companies: South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from London to Dorchester trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between London and Dorchester from £12. 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 31m

Cheapest South Western Railway Price

£15

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

Learn more about South Western Railway

Great Western Railway

About

Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Great Western Railway Duration

2h 18m

Cheapest Great Western Railway Price

£31

Luggage included

Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats

Cancellation Policy

Refund policies apply as per ticket type

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes

Seat reservation

Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available

Pets

Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger

Quiet zone

Learn more about Great Western Railway

CrossCountry

About

CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average CrossCountry Duration

3h 1m

Cheapest CrossCountry Price

£92

CrossCountry frequency

1 a day

Luggage included

2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price

Luggage storage

Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages

Cancellation Policy

Refund policies vary by ticket type

Refund

Full refund provided for canceled services

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations available for additional fee

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket

Quiet zone

Learn more about CrossCountry

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.

Must visit

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Thomas Hardy's Birthplace

Former home of novelist Thomas Hardy, preserved with period rooms and displays that illuminate his life and writing.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Max Gate

Atmospheric Victorian townhouse where Hardy lived later in life, with original rooms, garden and literary interpretation.

View on map Visit website

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 to Dorchester train

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.

The cost of a train ticket from London to Dorchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £38.

The train journey from London to Dorchester covers a distance of 184 km and takes approximately 2h 18m. Trains run 8 per day.

The train distance from London to Dorchester is 184 km.

The first train from London to Dorchester leaves at 0:12.

The last train from London to Dorchester departs at 23:53.

Trains from London to Dorchester run approximately 8 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London to Dorchester.

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London to Dorchester.

To get from London to Dorchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.

There is no night train service from London to Dorchester.

The train station in London that goes to Dorchester is London Waterloo (WAT), and it arrives at Dorchester South (DCH).

The cheapest way to get from London to Dorchester is by coach, costing approximately £12.

Booking trains from London 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 to Dorchester offers a scenic route through the English countryside, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and glimpses of the picturesque Dorset landscapes.

A day trip from London to Dorchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 18m each way. Trains run 5 times per day over a distance of 184 km.

To explore Dorchester's key attractions like the Dorset County Museum, Maiden Castle, and the Tutankhamun Exhibition, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.

Yes, you can take the train from London to Dorchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in London and Dorchester

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.

Departure train stations in London

Arrival train stations in Dorchester

Which London station do trains to Dorchester leave from?

Trains from London to Dorchester leave from London Waterloo. The station is 1 km from London city centre at London Waterloo station, Station Approach, London, Greater London., SE1 8SW.

London WaterlooLondon Waterloo station, Station Approach, London, Greater London., SE1 8SW+44 3451652030 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to London Waterloo from London city centre

London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus139 · 10m · £2 · every ~27 min

SubwayNorthern · 3m · £0.90 · every ~86 min

London Waterloo train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More about London Waterloo

Clapham JunctionClapham Junction station, St John's Hill, Clapham, Greater London, SW11 2QP Shopping

City-centre transport

Getting to Clapham Junction from London city centre

Clapham Junction is 5 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Victoria - London Bridge, London Victoria - Epsom Downs, London Victoria - Reigate, London Victoria - East Grinstead, London Victoria - West Croydon, London Victoria - Littlehampton, London Victoria - Horsham, London Victoria - Dorking, London Victoria - Sutton, London Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, London Victoria - Eastbourne, London Victoria - Ore, London Victoria - Crystal Palace, London Victoria - Brighton, London Victoria - Selhurst, London Victoria - East Croydon, London Victoria - Arundel, London Victoria - Polegate, London Victoria - Lewes, London Victoria - Chichester, London Victoria - Oxted, London Victoria - Angmering, London Victoria - Hastings, London Victoria - Three Bridges, London Victoria - Epsom, London Victoria - Gatwick Airport, London Victoria - Portsmouth & Southsea, London Victoria - Worthing, London Victoria - Bognor Regis, London Victoria - Streatham Hill, London Victoria - Barnham, London Victoria - Norwood Junction, London Victoria - Redhill, London Victoria - Balham · 7m · £2 · every ~38 min

London Victoria - Norwood Junction, London Victoria - Epsom, London Victoria - Selhurst, London Victoria - Sutton, London Victoria - Brighton, London Victoria - Bognor Regis, London Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, London Victoria - Horsham, London Victoria - Littlehampton, London Victoria - Reigate, London Victoria - Three Bridges, London Victoria - London Bridge, London Victoria - East Croydon, London Victoria - Ore, London Victoria - Hastings, London Victoria - Eastbourne, London Victoria - East Grinstead, London Victoria - Epsom Downs, London Victoria - Dorking, London Victoria - Worthing, London Victoria - West Croydon, London Victoria - Portsmouth & Southsea, London Victoria - Chichester, London Victoria - Gatwick Airport, London Victoria - Streatham Hill, London Victoria - Oxted, London Victoria - Polegate, London Victoria - Barnham, London Victoria - Balham, London Victoria - Lewes, London Victoria - Redhill, London Victoria - Crystal Palace, London Victoria - Angmering, London Victoria - Arundel · 7m · £2 · every ~38 min

London Waterloo - Southampton Central, London Waterloo - Poole, London Waterloo - Bournemouth, London Waterloo - Dorking, London Waterloo - Guildford, London Waterloo - Exeter St Davids, London Waterloo - Salisbury, London Waterloo - Yeovil Junction, London Waterloo - Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo - Woking, London Waterloo - Weymouth, London Waterloo - Farnham, London Waterloo - Reading, London Waterloo - Epsom, London Waterloo - Shepperton, London Waterloo - Hampton Court, London Waterloo - London Waterloo, London Waterloo - Strawberry Hill, London Waterloo - Twickenham, London Waterloo - Basingstoke, London Waterloo - Chessington South, London Waterloo - Alton, London Waterloo - Portsmouth & Southsea, London Waterloo - Gillingham, London Waterloo - Westbury, London Waterloo - Yeovil Pen Mill, London Waterloo - Haslemere, London Waterloo - Weybridge, London Waterloo - Fareham, London Waterloo - Honiton, London Waterloo - Frome, London Waterloo - Fratton, London Waterloo - Leatherhead, London Waterloo - Teddington, London Waterloo - Effingham Junction, London Waterloo - Havant, London Waterloo - Petersfield, London Waterloo - Andover, London Waterloo - Hampton Wick, London Waterloo - Eastleigh, London Waterloo - Winchester, London Waterloo - Wimbledon, London Waterloo - Surbiton, London Waterloo - Southampton Airport Parkway, London Waterloo - Templecombe · 8m · £2 · every ~47 min

Dalston Junction - Clapham Junction · 40m · £10 · every ~8 min

BusN87 · 15m · £23 · every ~5 min

N19 · 22m · £2 · every ~2 min

344 · 47m · £2 · every ~30 min

N31 · 55m · £5 · every ~2 min

Clapham Junction train station facilities and services

Clapham Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.