Trains to Bournemouth
A brilliantly British seaside town full of culture and entertainment
A coastal gem in the county of Dorset, Bournemouth attracts holiday-makers and tourists year-round. Stunning beaches and artisan cafés come alive with happy families in summertime, and during the winter Bournemouth’s great shopping facilities and abundance of entertainment venues keep people coming back for more. Whether you want to chill out at the beach or enjoy the town's heritage and culture, hop on a train to Bournemouth station and discover this fantastic destination, whatever the weather.
Popular routes to Bournemouth
With one of the best stretches of coast in the UK, it’s no wonder that Bournemouth is a popular destination, especially in the summer. The station is located within walking distance of the city and beaches, so hopping on a train to Bournemouth is a great idea. We have direct trains running to the coastal town from cities across the country. Below are our most popular routes.
Southampton to Bournemouth
Derby to Bournemouth
Edinburgh to Bournemouth
FAQ
Bournemouth Station is the only train station in the city.
Bournemouth Station is situated to the west of the town. It is around a 20 minute walk to the main square, and you will find loads of bars, cafes and restaurants in the area. If you don’t fancy walking, a choice of buses depart from the station and take around 10 minutes to get to The Square.
If you’re heading straight to the beach from Bournemouth station, it takes around 25-minutes to walk to Bournemouth Pier. But, the beach stretches for miles, so if you’re looking for a spot away from the Pier, walk directly south and you’ll reach Boscombe Beach in 20-minutes.
Bournemouth Airport is the closest airport to the city, with many international flights operating daily. You can get to the airport in around 40-minutes on the 737 Jetbus that departs from the train station and various other stops around town.
There is also the nearby option of Southampton Airport. Just hop on one of our direct train services – they only take around 40 minutes.
It is possible to save money on your train to Bournemouth if you know how. Getting cheap ticket alerts, booking early and travelling off-peak can reduce costs. You may also be eligible for a railcard or student perks, so it’s worth checking. Take a look at our cheap train ticket page as it has lots more suggestions on how to travel cheaply.
If you have any further questions about the station in Bournemouth, check out our station guide.
Shopping in Bournemouth
Whether you want the latest trends, unique antiques, vintage clothing, or local artisan products, Bournemouth’s a great place to shop. The centre of Bournemouth is pedestrianised making it perfect for browsing, and there’s plenty of cafés and restaurants to stop off for a refreshment. Make sure you check out Pokesdown, a fascinating vintage quarter situated on Christchurch Road. The town is also home to Castlepoint, the UK’s biggest shopping park. Alternatively, if you’re looking for boutique shops with a more traditional feel, you can head out of the centre and into the suburbs. Boscombe is full of retro boutiques and cafés, while Southbourne is home to quirky arts and crafts shops and galleries.
Food & Drink in Bournemouth
Whether you want some fresh seafood, your favourite chain restaurant or a traditional cream tea, Bournemouth will provide. Located on the coast, it’s no surprise that Bournemouth serves up some of the best seafood in the country. Enjoy plump juicy prawns in a gourmet restaurant or greasy fish and chips on the beachfront; whatever you choose, you can’t leave Bournemouth without sampling some fresh fish. Head to Winton or Charminster for some tasty international cuisine; you’ll find everything from Italian and Indian to Lebanese and Mexican. If you’re looking for a night out, Bournemouth’s bustling town centre is home to many pubs and clubs, as well as more intimate cocktail venues.
Culture in Bournemouth
The waves that lap on the shore of the beautiful beaches of Bournemouth are some of the warmest in the UK but that’s not the only reason people have flocked here for centuries. Bournemouth Pier is a day out in itself with traditional attractions and pulse-racing activities for all ages. Or why not take a stroll through some of Bournemouth’s gardens which are well-kept and a peaceful hub away from the lively town? If it’s raining, no fear, there’s plenty of museums, galleries and even an aquarium to keep you entertained. The town has two theatres showing a variety of performances throughout the year, or, if cinema is more your thing, Bournemouth is home to the UK’s first 6D cinema, so you can see, hear and feel your film.
Catching a train to Bournemouth
We want to help you travel cheaply, so encourage you to book an advanced ticket via our website or app. To get the very best out of your journey with us, read about our exclusive benefits offered to registered customers. If you’re looking for some staycation inspiration, our UK Holidays hub also has lots of great ideas.
If you want to explore Bournemouth and all it has to offer, you’ll want to stay longer than a day! So, make sure you book a great value hotel in Bournemouth before you arrive.
Things to do in Bournemouth
From the pier to the aquarium, we've picked out best things to do in Bournemouth
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