- 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 on 03 Oct
£42
Average ticket price on 03 Oct
£86
Fastest journey on 03 Oct
5 h 52 m
Average journey duration on 03 Oct
6 h 10 m
Trains on 03 Oct
2
Distance
343 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Bournemouth will cost around £86 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £42.
On Sat 03 Oct, we found 2 trains from Preston to Bournemouth, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 343 km distance in an average of 6 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 28 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 Preston to Bournemouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £128 but you can travel from only £50 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:12, the last at 21:18. The fastest train covers the 343 km distance in 4h 29m.
Distance 343 km |
Average train duration 5h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £128 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 29m |
First train 5:12 |
Last train 21:18 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 28 days |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Bournemouth trains for tomorrow, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:20 Preston | 5h52 | 13:12 Bournemouth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Preston 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 Preston to Bournemouth trains use the Preston to Bournemouth station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Bournemouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
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.
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