How to get to Ipswich from Bournemouth

Sun 18 Oct
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South Western Railway
National Express
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Greater Anglia
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South Western Railway
National Express
CrossCountry
Greater Anglia
FlixBus
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Bournemouth to Ipswich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £64 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £64, while a coach costs an average of £65.

Distance: 258 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£64

Average Price

Cheapest

£65

Average Price

£48

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 59m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 26m

Average total duration

5h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 35m

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 Bournemouth to Ipswich is a train with an average price of £64.

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

A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich costing on average £65.

The fastest way to travel from Bournemouth to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 3h 59m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 26m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bournemouth and Ipswich including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 6m sooner (3h 29m by train vs 3h 35m by car). Tickets start at around £64 compared to roughly £48 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

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.

Sun
18 Oct
Mon
19 Oct
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20 Oct
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21 Oct
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22 Oct
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23 Oct
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24 Oct

Best day trips from Ipswich by train

The most popular day trips by train from Ipswich are London, Colchester, Norwich, Cambridge and Bury Saint Edmunds. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Ipswich on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Ipswich to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

A view of Colchester

Day trip from Ipswich to Colchester by train

Why visit Colchester for the day?

Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.

A view of Norwich

Day trip from Ipswich to Norwich by train

Why visit Norwich for the day?

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.

A view of Cambridge

Day trip from Ipswich to Cambridge by train

Why visit Cambridge for the day?

Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.

A view of Bury Saint Edmunds

Day trip from Ipswich to Bury Saint Edmunds by train

Why visit Bury Saint Edmunds for the day?

Bury Saint Edmunds is a historic Suffolk market town known for its abbey ruins, cathedral and Georgian centre. It has a compact feel, with Abbey Gardens, independent shops and a long brewing heritage giving it character.

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FAQs: Bournemouth to Ipswich

Travel to Ipswich easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Bournemouth to Ipswich.

FAQs
There are 2 options to travel between Bournemouth and Ipswich including taking a coach and train.
The cheapest way to travel from Bournemouth to Ipswich is a train with an average price of £64.

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

A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bournemouth to Ipswich costing on average £65.

The fastest way to travel from Bournemouth to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 3h 59m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 26m.

The Bournemouth to Ipswich distance is approximately 258 km.
The average frequency per day from Bournemouth to Ipswich is:
  • Around 18 trains per day.
  • Around 9 coaches per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Bournemouth and Ipswich as scheduled services by coach and train can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Bournemouth to Ipswich:
  • Trains mostly depart from Bournemouth station (BMH) and arrive in Ipswich station (IPS).
  • Coaches mostly depart from Bournemouth, Coach Station and arrive in Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Bournemouth to Ipswich, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with National Express to go to Ipswich by coach.
  • Travel with South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Greater Anglia to go to Ipswich by train.
Omio customers who travel from Bournemouth to Ipswich often also extend their vacation to go to London Liverpool Street (LST), London, Stratford (London) (SRA), London Stansted Airport, Norwich station (NRW). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Ipswich and these popular destinations at a great price.
To get from Bournemouth to Ipswich, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
In Ipswich, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as catching a performance at the New Wolsey Theatre, exploring the scenic walking trails at Orwell Country Park, or learning about local transport history at the Ipswich Transport Museum. Dance enthusiasts can attend performances and workshops at DanceEast, while families might enjoy a visit to Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. For sightseeing, visit the vibrant Ipswich Waterfront, the historic Christchurch Mansion, or the informative Ipswich Museum. Relax in the picturesque Holywells Park or savour local produce at the Suffolk Food Hall.
For a fulfilling visit to Ipswich, three to four days are typically recommended to explore its historic sites, enjoy the waterfront, and experience the local culture.

Travelling from Bournemouth to Ipswich: related information

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTravelTravel to United KingdomTravel to IpswichHow to get to Ipswich from Bournemouth

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