- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
Cheapest price
£25
Average price
£25
Fastest journey
2 h 44 m
Average duration
2 h 44 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
104 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swindon to Dorchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swindon to Dorchester will cost around £25 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.
Of the 1 trains that leave Swindon 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 104 km distance in an average of 2 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 44 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 44 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.


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 prices starting from £25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £25, and a coach costs an average of £60.
Distance: 104 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£25 Average Price Cheapest | £60 Average Price |
2h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration 6h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Swindon to Dorchester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 5 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:22 Swindon | 2h44 | 13:06 Dorchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and 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 Swindon to Dorchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 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 44m.
Distance 104 km |
Average train duration 2h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 44m |
First train 5:52 |
Last train 21:19 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 1 day |
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.
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.

Most Swindon to Dorchester trains use the Swindon to Dorchester West station pair, with some services arriving at Dorchester South. 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.
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 options are available at Swindon.
Wi-Fi is available at Swindon. ATMs are available at Swindon.
Ticket office support is available at Swindon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swindon: Parking, WC.
Available at Swindon: Bike Parking.
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.
Dorchester West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dorchester West: Parking.
Available at Dorchester West: Bike Parking.
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.
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.
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