- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
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.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 1 trains from Poole to Dorchester, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 31 km distance in an average of 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 33 m .
The slowest trains will take 33 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.

|
| ||||||||||||

|
| ||||||||||||
Trains from Poole to Dorchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 8 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.
Distance 31 km |
Average train duration 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 27m |
First train 5:25 |
Last train 23:52 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Poole to Dorchester.
The table below shows live departures for Poole to Dorchester trains for tomorrow, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:01 Poole | 0h33 | 8:34 Dorchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Dorchester.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Check train stations information for Poole and Dorchester, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need