- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£15
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£47
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
2 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
2 h 5 m
Trains on 05 Sept
22
Distance
157 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London 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 to Poole will cost around £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 22 trains from London to Poole, including 17 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 157 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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.
L80263_L84973
L80263
L80345
L80121
L80255
L80121
L80085
L80093
L80103
L80111Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London to Poole among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, while a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 157 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£35 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest | £42 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Poole:
A coach is £28 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Poole costing on average £35.
Other travel options to Poole take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 11m.
The journey is about 29m faster (2h 7m by train vs 2h 36m by car) and roughly £6 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£35 vs £42). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with South Western Railway.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for London to Poole trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80308 | 18:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h57 | 20:02 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80308_L78808 | 18:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h22 | 20:27 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80308 | 18:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h02 | 20:07 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80174 | Delayed 18:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h59 | 19:39 19:39Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80174 | On time 18:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h04 | 20:39 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80174_L78814 | 18:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h26 | 21:01 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
G26341+ L80318 | Delayed 18:54 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h15 | 20:14 20:14Poole station (POO) | 1 change | |
G26248+ L85018 · L80324 | Delayed 19:05 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h31 | 20:41 20:41Poole station (POO) | 2 changes | |
L80318 | Delayed 19:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h04 | 20:14 20:14Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80318 | On time 19:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h09 | 21:14 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
C93159+ L79450+ G01035+ L80324 | Delayed 19:08 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h28 | 20:41 20:41Poole station (POO) | 3 changes | |
L80324 | Delayed 19:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h01 | 20:41 20:41Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80324 | On time 19:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 21:41 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
C93170+ L79464 · L80330 | Delayed 20:08 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h28 | 21:41 21:41Poole station (POO) | 2 changes | |
L80330 | Delayed 20:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h01 | 21:41 21:41Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
G26965+ L79473 · L80336 | Delayed 21:08 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h28 | 22:41 22:41Poole station (POO) | 2 changes | |
L80336 | Delayed 21:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h01 | 22:41 22:41Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
C93191+ L79479 · L78853 | Delayed 22:08 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h28 | 23:41 23:41Poole station (POO) | 2 changes | |
L78853 | Delayed 22:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h01 | 23:41 23:41Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 5 September | |||||
L80345 | 5:21 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h42 | 8:03 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80353+ C93038 | 5:38 London Victoria (VIC) | 3h24 | 9:02 Poole station (POO) | 1 change | |
L80353+ Y15411 · C48458 | 5:44 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h18 | 9:02 Poole station (POO) | 2 changes | |
L80361+ C48460+ C37177 | 5:48 London Paddington (PAD) | 3h59 | 9:47 Poole station (POO) | 2 changes | |
L80353 | 6:30 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h32 | 9:02 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80361 | 7:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h12 | 9:47 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80215 | 8:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h12 | 10:17 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80215_L84948 | 8:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h19 | 10:24 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80085 | 8:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 10:41 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80223 | 9:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h12 | 11:17 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80223_L84953 | 9:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h19 | 11:24 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80093 | 9:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 11:41 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80235 | 10:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h12 | 12:17 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80103 | 10:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 12:41 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80243 | 11:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h12 | 13:17 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80111 | 11:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 13:41 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80255 | 12:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h08 | 14:13 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L78552 · L80121+ G88079 | 12:16 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h21 | 14:37 Poole station (POO) | 2 changes | |
L80121 | 12:35 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h02 | 14:37 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80263+ G26308 | 12:54 London Victoria (VIC) | 2h19 | 15:13 Poole station (POO) | 1 change | |
L80263 | 13:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h08 | 15:13 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
L80263_L84973 | 13:05 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h15 | 15:20 Poole station (POO) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 to Poole run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 157 km distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 157 km |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 0:12 |
Last train 23:35 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
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
Trains from London to Poole depart every 30min throughout the day and night and the travel time varies from around 1h 58min to 2h 9min, depending on the speed of your chosen train. There are 28 trains per day and 2 classes to choose from, Standard or First Class. The train journey is 97 miles (157 km) on South Western Railway. The main departure station is London Waterloo Station and you can choose to arrive at either Poole, Parkstone (Dorset) or Branksome stations.
Trains depart on the South Western Railway from London to Poole 28 times a day, every 30min making your travel options flexible and convenient. The first train departs from London Waterloo station at around 8:00 a.m. Train trips can vary from day to day so consult your local Omio train timetables to make sure you get an accurate overview of your travel options. On the weekends there are sometimes options for late night-time travel but as a general rule the last train departs at 10:00 p.m.
The journey from London to Poole by train is 97 miles (157 km) and takes on average 2h on the fastest trains and up to 3 to 4h on the slower trains depending on what time you travel. Luckily, there are no changes, so this cuts down your travel time and makes your journey less stressful. The 28 trains that run per day give you plenty of options to decide from if you want to take a slower cheaper journey, or whether you need to arrive in the quickest time.

Poole House Harbour. Source: Shutterstock
Departure train station: The departure Railway station for the London to Poole train is London Waterloo Station. Travel time to London Waterloo from London city centre with public transport is 10min and the buses leave every 5min. London Waterloo is London’s biggest and busiest station and you can find everything you need from car hire, pharmacies, coffee shops, shopping outlets, bars and more. If your train is delayed you will have plenty to keep you entertained and refreshed.
< strong>Arrival train stations: The arrival stations for your train trip from London to Poole are Poole, Parkstone (Dorset) or Branksome Stations. With a choice of different arrival stations you can choose the most convenient for your travel plans. Travel time to the city on public transport to the city centre of Poole is very close and takes on average around 3min (Poole Station), 5min from Parkstone Station or 10min from Branksome station. These train stations are very basic and some offer essential facilities like toilets and seating areas, but no cafes, shops or entertainment facilities.
The main train company running from London to Poole is South Western Railway. Train trips depart from London Waterloo every 30min and take you direct to your station of choice Poole, Parkstone (Dorset) or Branksome stations. There are no changes, but each train does vary in speeds and duration, so make sure you check your Omio timetable to make the best choice on destination and time of day.
South Western Railway is the main train operating company providing fast and efficient direct travel to Poole. There are up to 28 trains every day of the week, departing every 30min at different speed and time options for your journey. With an array of trips throughout the day you will be able to source the cheapest, most convenient times to suit your travel needs. South Western Railway ticket options from London to Poole range from standard to first class, giving you the option of more comfort and luxury if required. All of the train trips are direct, making life hassle free with no changes.
South Western Railway offers travelers fast, efficient, reliable service with no frills. With a constant flow of trains departing throughout the day, you will be able to find the perfect ticket at your suited time, whether it’s a business excursion or leisurely day out. There are 2 class tickets to choose from, Standard and First, with First Class offering wide genuine leather seats with extra legroom. There is also an on board entertainment service and large tables if you need some space to catch up on work.
Unfortunately, wheelchair spaces on the trains are only available in Standard Class. Toilets are available on all long distance trains, including one disabled toilet, but not on all suburban trains so make sure you take this into account. If you want to travel with your bike, then make sure you get there early, as it’s first come first serve. Foldable bikes can be stored anywhere in the carriage and there are larger storage options for big bicycles. There may be restrictions during peak hours, so make sure you check before you book.
The best way to find cheap train tickets from London to Poole is to plan your trip and book as far in advance as you can. If you do you might be able to save as much as 50 % off your journey. There are many clever options for you to save pennies, so spend some time on the Omio timetable and search for the best pocket friendly services.
There are certain bundle tickets you can buy to save some cash including the season ticket, which gives you a cheaper option if you travel the same route frequently. You can also buy a GroupSave ticket if you travel in groups of 3 to 9 people or Group Travel with 10 people or more, so book in advance for that much needed family day outing. Standard class is obviously cheaper than First Class, so weigh up your needs ahead of time. To plan ahead is to be a wise traveller, so start your search on Omio now. On our website you can compare the different prices and routes of your trip, choosing the option that suits you best.

Poole Brownsea Island St.Mary Church. Source: Shutterstock
Poole is your perfect weekend getaway, attracting thousands of visitors. Famous for having the largest natural harbour in Europe, it is a haven for water babies and boat lovers. Boasting eight incredible islands and a breathtaking peninsula, Poole is the entrance to the world-renowned heritage site Jurassic Coast. Exploring this area should be top of your list with miles of scenic coastline as far as the eye can see. When it comes to dining, you are spoilt for choice.
Indulge at a delectable afternoon tea, grab takeaway fish and chips at the quay or treat yourself by dining at the famous Rick Stein’s Sandbanks restaurant for the finest seafood in town. If you’re keen for some retail therapy then visit the massive covered shopping centre in the centre of town with beautiful waterside scenery. Poole has transformed itself from an old medieval port into a bustling and sought out holiday destination. Make it your next train stop.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 to Poole trains use the London Waterloo to Poole station pair, with some services arriving at Parkstone (Dorset). Use this guide to compare London and Poole 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.
Clapham Junction is 5 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Food and drink options are available at Clapham Junction.
ATMs are available at Clapham Junction.
Ticket office support is available at Clapham Junction.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Clapham Junction: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Clapham Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Clapham Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access available through Brighton Yard entrance to all platforms via lifts. Step free access available through Grant Road entrance to platform 1 and 2 via lifts, 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: 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.
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.
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