- 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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Travel Information
Compare train for Swindon to Dorchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swindon to Dorchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £50 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £50, while a coach costs an average of £60.
Distance: 104 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£50 Average Price Cheapest | £60 Average Price |
2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Swindon to Dorchester is a train with an average price of £50.
This is compared to other travel options from Swindon to Dorchester:
A train is £10 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Swindon to Dorchester costing on average £60.
The fastest way to travel from Swindon to Dorchester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 26m.
Other travel options to Dorchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 43m.
Yes, you can take a between Swindon and Dorchester.
Compare prices and tickets Swindon 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 Swindon to Dorchester trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Swindon to Dorchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swindon to Dorchester.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Swindon to Dorchester.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Swindon to Dorchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Swindon to Dorchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Swindon to Dorchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:52, the last at 21:19. The fastest train covers the 104 km distance in 2h 6m.
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 104 km |
Average train duration 2h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 2h 6m |
First train 5:52 |
Last train 21:19 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 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, Great Western Railway from Swindon to Dorchester trainsSouth Western Railway, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Swindon and Dorchester from £23. 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 South Western Railway Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£53
South Western Railway frequency
11 a day
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
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 6m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£23
Great Western Railway frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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: Swindon to Dorchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swindon 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 Swindon to Dorchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £50.
The train journey from Swindon to Dorchester covers a distance of 104 km and takes approximately 2h 6m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Swindon to Dorchester is 104 km.
The first train from Swindon to Dorchester leaves at 5:52.
The last train from Swindon to Dorchester departs at 21:19.
Trains from Swindon to Dorchester run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Swindon to Dorchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Swindon to Dorchester.
To travel from Swindon to Dorchester, you can take a .
There is no night train service from Swindon to Dorchester.
The train station in Swindon that goes to Dorchester is Swindon station (SWI), and it arrives at Dorchester South (DCH).
The cheapest way to get from Swindon to Dorchester is by train, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Swindon 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 Swindon to Dorchester offers picturesque views of the English countryside, including rolling hills and charming rural landscapes.
A day trip from Swindon to Dorchester is not feasible as the journey time is 2h 6m. Trains are available 3 times per day, covering a distance of 104 km.
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 Swindon to Dorchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swindon and Dorchester
Most Swindon to Dorchester trains use the Swindon to Dorchester South station pair, with some services arriving at Dorchester West. Use this guide to compare Swindon and Dorchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Swindon
Arrival train stations in Dorchester
Which Swindon station do trains to Dorchester leave from?
Trains from Swindon to Dorchester leave from Swindon. The station is 1 km from Swindon city centre at Swindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ.
SwindonSwindon station, Station Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1DQ+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Swindon from Swindon city centre
Bus82, 49 · 6m · £4 · every ~6 min
Swindon train station facilities and services
Swindon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swindon.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Swindon.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swindon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via subway and the lifts via the main entrance subway, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Dorchester station do trains from Swindon arrive at?
Trains from Swindon to Dorchester most often arrive at Dorchester South. Some services arrive at Dorchester West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Dorchester arrival station.
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.
Dorchester WestDorchester West station, Damers Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2LB
City-centre transport
Getting to Dorchester West from Dorchester city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesFront of the station
Dorchester West train station facilities and services
Dorchester West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dorchester West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Dorchester West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dorchester West: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station - “Some step-free access to all platforms.”- This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms. Access between platforms is via a stepped footbridge. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Swindon to Dorchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dorchester and Swindon
Most popular train connections to Dorchester
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