- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Poole to Dorchester
Showing times and prices for 04 Aug
Cheapest price
£15
Average price
£15
Fastest journey
29 m
Average duration
29 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
31 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Poole to Dorchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Poole to Dorchester will cost around £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Poole for Dorchester 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 31 km distance in an average of 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 29 m .
The slowest trains will take 29 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.
8:440h29Poole9:13Dorchester£151One-way0 changes
- 8:440h29Poole9:13Dorchester£151One-way0 changes
Live departures
Poole to Dorchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Poole to Dorchester trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L80344 | On time 8:03 Poole station (POO) | 0h36 | 8:39 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L84932 | On time 8:20 Poole station (POO) | 0h33 | 8:53 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L80352 | On time 9:05 Poole station (POO) | 0h34 | 9:39 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L84936 | On time 9:20 Poole station (POO) | 0h33 | 9:53 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L80360 | On time 9:49 Poole station (POO) | 0h33 | 10:22 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L80214 | On time 10:21 Poole station (POO) | 0h29 | 10:50 Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Poole to Dorchester by train
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.
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Why should you book Poole to Dorchester trains with Omio?
South Western Railway operates all trains services from Poole to Dorchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Poole to Dorchester.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Poole to Dorchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Poole to Dorchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:25, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 31 km distance in 27m.
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
Distance 31 km |
Average train duration 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 27m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 23:52 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
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
Train companies: South Western Railway from Poole to Dorchester trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between Poole and Dorchester from £11. 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 Duration
27m
Cheapest Price
£11
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
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.
- Recommended
Thomas Hardy's Birthplace
Former home of novelist Thomas Hardy, preserved with period rooms and displays that illuminate his life and writing.
- Recommended
Max Gate
Atmospheric Victorian townhouse where Hardy lived later in life, with original rooms, garden and literary interpretation.
- Must visit
Maumbury Rings
Broad grassy hill and Roman amphitheatre remains used as a walking area, with elevated views and a strong sense of local history.
- Recommended
South Street
Traffic-free shopping street lined with historic buildings, useful for a central stroll between museums, churches and markets.
- Recommended
Borough Gardens
Riverside green space with paths, play areas and open lawns, popular for a relaxed walk close to central Dorchester.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
A Dorset coastal classic of hand-picked crab meat, often simply dressed to showcase the sweet flavour of locally landed shellfish.
Dorset Knob Sausage
Traditional Dorset sausage made with pork and rusk, known for its herb seasoning and long-standing place in local farming cookery.
- Vegetarian
Dorset Knob
A hard, twice-baked Dorset bread biscuit, traditionally eaten with cheese or dunked in tea; a distinctive county speciality.
Yalbury Cottage Restaurant
Stylish town-centre restaurant known for modern British cooking, quality local produce and a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
The Wise Man Inn
Traditional pub near Dorchester serving hearty British dishes and local ales in a historic, relaxed setting.
The Piggery Bakery
Popular café and bakery on the brewery site, good for coffee, brunch, pastries and casual lunches in an airy setting.
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: Poole to Dorchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Poole 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 Poole to Dorchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £11, while the average price tends to be around £13.
The train journey from Poole to Dorchester covers a distance of 31 km and takes approximately 27m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Poole to Dorchester is 31 km.
The first train from Poole to Dorchester leaves at 5:25.
The last train from Poole to Dorchester departs at 23:52.
Trains from Poole to Dorchester run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Poole to Dorchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Poole to Dorchester.
To travel from Poole to Dorchester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Poole to Dorchester.
The train station in Poole that goes to Dorchester is Poole station (POO), and it arrives at Dorchester South (DCH).
The cheapest way to get from Poole to Dorchester is by train, costing approximately £11.
Booking trains from Poole 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 Poole to Dorchester offers scenic views of the Dorset countryside, including glimpses of rolling hills, fields, and picturesque landscapes typical of the region.
Yes, a day trip from Poole to Dorchester is feasible. The journey takes 27m and the distance is 31 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
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 Poole to Dorchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Poole and Dorchester
Most Poole to Dorchester trains use the Poole to Dorchester South station pair. Use this guide to compare Poole and Dorchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Poole
Arrival train stations in Dorchester
Which Poole station do trains to Dorchester leave from?
Trains from Poole to Dorchester leave from Poole. The station is 1 km from Poole city centre at Poole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ.
PoolePoole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole from Poole city centre
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Serpentine Road
Poole train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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)Parkstone station, Station Road, Parkstone, Dorset, BH14 8UD
City-centre transport
Getting to Parkstone (Dorset) from Poole city centre
Parkstone (Dorset) is 3 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPoole - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Southampton Central, Weymouth - Bournemouth, Poole - Brockenhurst, Poole - Winchester, Poole - Bournemouth, Weymouth - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Poole - Southampton Central · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Buscity_sightseeing_bournemouth · 7m · every ~2 min
m1, 419, 449, N1 · 13m · £2 · every ~34 min
m1, U2, N1 · 14m · £2 · every ~47 min
Parkstone (Dorset) train station facilities and services
Parkstone (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Which Dorchester station do trains from Poole arrive at?
Trains from Poole to Dorchester arrive at Dorchester South. Dorchester South is 1 km from Dorchester city centre.
Dorchester SouthDorchester South station, Station Approach, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1QX
City-centre transport
Getting to Dorchester South from Dorchester city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Weymouth Avenue
Dorchester South train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester South.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dorchester South.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dorchester South.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dorchester South: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Dorchester South: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
More options for your journey from Poole to Dorchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dorchester and Poole
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