- Must visit
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.
Cheapest price
£39
Average price
£39
Fastest journey
6 h 2 m
Average duration
6 h 2 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
178 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Maidstone to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Maidstone to Bournemouth will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Of the 1 trains that leave Maidstone for Bournemouth every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 6 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 2 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 2 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.


The table below shows live departures for Maidstone to Bournemouth trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:59 Maidstone | 6h02 | 12:01 Bournemouth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Maidstone to Bournemouth run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:26, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 4h 28m.
Distance 178 km |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 4h 28m |
First train 4:26 |
Last train 22:14 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.
Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.
Small local museum on Hengistbury Head covering archaeology, wildlife and the headland's long human history in a scenic coastal setting.
Free gallery inside Bournemouth Library showing contemporary art exhibitions, talks and touring displays in a central location.
Historic pier and broad sandy beach at the town's heart, ideal for classic seaside walks, swimming and views along the bay.
Landscaped Victorian gardens running through the centre, popular for gentle walks, seasonal events and a green route to the seafront.
Headland nature reserve with walking trails, harbour views, heathland and archaeology, popular for longer coastal walks and birdwatching.
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, prized for sweet meat and often served simply dressed to showcase local seafood traditions.
Hand-dived scallops from nearby Lyme Bay, a South Coast speciality valued for freshness and the region’s strong shellfish heritage.
Traditional Dorset Blue Vinny cheese with a firm, crumbly texture and robust flavour, long associated with Dorset farming and cheesemaking.
Refined dining room in a historic hotel, serving modern British cooking in an elegant setting overlooking the gardens.
Established seafood spot on West Cliff, popular for fish dishes, sea views and a smart but approachable atmosphere.
Traditional pub near the town centre serving local ales and classic British meals in a historic, characterful setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside resort. Hotels rise in summer, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London or Bath.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Bournemouth Railway Station -> Bournemouth Town Centre (The Square)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Maidstone to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Maidstone to Bournemouth trains use the Maidstone East to Bournemouth station pair, with some services arriving at Pokesdown. Use this guide to compare Maidstone and Bournemouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Maidstone East is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
Maidstone East has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone East.
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Maidstone East: Parking, WC.
Available at Maidstone East: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B1. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services towards London from the main side entrance. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London. Step free access to platform 3, terminal platform, for services towards London. There is step free interchange via road and steep paths in excess of 200 metres. From the Ticket office the step free access to all platforms is via the station forecourt, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 01:00 Saturday 05:30 - 01:00 Sunday 06:30 - 23:59, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Maidstone West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone West.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone West. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Maidstone West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Maidstone West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Maidstone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone West.
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Maidstone, Travelodge Maidstone Central, The Townhouse Hotel.
Maidstone Barracks is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
Maidstone Barracks has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone Barracks.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Parking.
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone Barracks: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. This station does not have step free access.Steps to all platforms down from main road.Interchange between platforms via steps up to road bridge. Unstaffed station. There are no station staff but there are staff to assist on the trains, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: On platform 1, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bournemouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.
Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bournemouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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.
Pokesdown is 4 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Pokesdown has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Pokesdown.
Wi-Fi is available at Pokesdown.
Ticket office support is available at Pokesdown.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pokesdown: Parking.
Available at Pokesdown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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