Watford to Bournemouth train with South Western Railway

Thu 03 Sept
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South Western Railway
CrossCountry
London Overground
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
South Western Railway
CrossCountry
London Overground
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Bournemouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 03 Sept

Cheapest price on 03 Sept

£39

Average ticket price on 03 Sept

£39

Fastest journey on 03 Sept

3 h 5 m

Average journey duration on 03 Sept

3 h 5 m

Trains on 03 Sept

1

Distance

147 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Watford to Bournemouth will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.

Fast trains

On Thu 03 Sept, we found 1 trains from Watford to Bournemouth, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 147 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 5 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.

  • South Western Railway
    7:153h05
    Watford
    10:20Bournemouth
    £391One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Watford to Bournemouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 1m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £40.

Distance: 147 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£40

Average Price

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£30

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

3h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 57m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Bournemouth is a coach with an average price of £29.

This is compared to other travel options from Watford to Bournemouth:

A coach is £11 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Bournemouth costing on average £40.

The fastest way to travel from Watford to Bournemouth is by train with an average journey time of 2h 31m.

Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 16m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Watford and Bournemouth including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £40 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-10.52. The journey takes 2h 31m versus 1h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Watford to Bournemouth train times

The table below shows live departures for Watford to Bournemouth trains for today, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
South Western RailwayL80102+TubeTube from Queens Park (London) to London Waterloo+London OvergroundL22361
Delayed
9:35 9:03Watford High Street (WFH)
3h22
12:25 Bournemouth station (BMH)
2 changes
South Western RailwayL80102+West Midlands TrainsC24675+TubeTube from London Euston to London Waterloo
Delayed
9:35 9:16Watford Junction (WFJ)
3h09
12:25 Bournemouth station (BMH)
2 changes
South Western RailwayL80242+London OvergroundL22369 · L24754
Delayed
10:12 9:48Watford High Street (WFH)
3h17
13:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)
2 changes
Thursday 3 September
South Western Railway7:15 Watford
3h05
10:20 Bournemouth0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Watford to Bournemouth by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept

Why should you book Watford to Bournemouth trains with Omio?

South Western Railway as well as CrossCountry, London Overground, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and more offer trains services from Watford to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Bournemouth.

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 CrossCountry, London Overground, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Bournemouth.
  • 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford to Bournemouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, London Overground, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Bournemouth.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Bournemouth.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Watford to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Watford to Bournemouth run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:14, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 3h 5m.

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
147 km
Average train duration
2h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
£27
Trains per day
19
Fastest train
3h 5m
First train
4:14
Last train
23:00
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
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, CrossCountry, London Overground, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Watford to Bournemouth trainsSouth Western Railway, CrossCountry, London Overground, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Watford and Bournemouth from £27. 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
3h 5m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£27
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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£60
CrossCountry frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£176
Avanti West Coast frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

London Overground

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London Overground Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest London Overground Price
£117
London Overground frequency
17 a day

West Midlands Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
2h 40m
West Midlands Trains frequency
6 a day

Complete guide to Bournemouth

Things to do in Bournemouth

Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Small local museum on Hengistbury Head covering archaeology, wildlife and the headland's long human history in a scenic coastal setting.

The Gallery at The Library

Free gallery inside Bournemouth Library showing contemporary art exhibitions, talks and touring displays in a central location.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside resort. Hotels rise in summer, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London or Bath.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Watford to Bournemouth train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Watford to Bournemouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train journey from Watford to Bournemouth covers a distance of 147 km and takes approximately 3h 5m. Trains run 19 per day.
The train distance from Watford to Bournemouth is 147 km.
The first train from Watford to Bournemouth leaves at 4:14.
The last train from Watford to Bournemouth departs at 23:00.
Trains from Watford to Bournemouth run approximately 19 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Watford to Bournemouth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Watford to Bournemouth.
To get from Watford to Bournemouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Watford to Bournemouth.
The train station in Watford that goes to Bournemouth is Watford Junction (WFJ), and it arrives at Bournemouth station (BMH).
The cheapest way to get from Watford to Bournemouth is by train, costing approximately £27.
Booking trains from Watford to Bournemouth in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Watford to Bournemouth offers a moderately scenic experience, passing through the picturesque English countryside, including views of fields, quaint villages, and wooded areas.
A day trip from Watford to Bournemouth is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 5m each way. However, there are 14 trains operating per day.
In Bournemouth, you can explore the Oceanarium, which showcases marine life from around the world, and enjoy the Lower Gardens with its floral displays and seasonal events. Visit Boscombe Chine Gardens for a mini-golf course and water play area, or head to Hengistbury Head for hiking and birdwatching. Discover the Bournemouth Aviation Museum's interactive exhibits on aviation history. Relax at Bournemouth Beach, known for its sandy stretch and water activities, and stroll along the Victorian Bournemouth Pier for entertainment and dining. Art lovers should visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, while St. Peter's Church offers stunning architecture and is the resting place of Mary Shelley. The Bournemouth Gardens provide a perfect setting for leisurely walks and picnics.
A 2 to 3-day visit to Bournemouth is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including its beaches, parks, and cultural sites.
Yes, you can take the train from Watford to Bournemouth.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Bournemouth

Most Watford to Bournemouth trains use the Watford Junction to Bournemouth station pair, with some services arriving at Pokesdown. Use this guide to compare Watford and Bournemouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Watford
Arrival train stations in Bournemouth

Which Watford station do trains to Bournemouth leave from?

Trains from Watford to Bournemouth leave from Watford Junction. The station is 1 km from Watford city centre at Watford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU.
Watford JunctionWatford Junction station, Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU+44 3301235247ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre

TrainLondon Euston - Watford Junction, Kilburn High Road - Watford Junction, Willesden Junction Low Level - Watford Junction · 5m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
BusW20 · 5m · £2 · every ~1 min
635 · 7m · £4 · every ~2 min
322 · 20m · £2 · every ~6 min

Watford Junction train station facilities and services

Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Watford Junction.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Watford High StreetWatford High Street station, 182 Watford High Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2NW+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre

Bus321 · 3m · £4 · every ~10 min
306 · 6m · every ~4 min

Watford High Street train station facilities and services

Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Watford High Street: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

BusheyBushey station, Pinner Road, Watford, Greater London, WD19 4EA+44 343 222 1234WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre

Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainWatford Junction - London Euston, Watford Junction - Willesden Junction Low Level, Watford Junction - Kilburn High Road · 2m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus306, 832 · 9m · £4 · every ~4 min
602 · 11m · £2 · every ~5 min
885 · 14m

Bushey train station facilities and services

Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bushey.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bushey: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Bournemouth Watford to Bournemouth train

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