Trains to Bournemouth Station

Bournemouth is a major rail destination on the south coast. South Western Railway operates trains to Bournemouth, while CrossCountry also runs trains to the resort. CrossCountry connects Bournemouth with major cities across the UK, including Birmingham; Bristol is on the wider CrossCountry network but is not on the regular direct Bournemouth route. The present Bournemouth railway station opened on 20 July 1885 and replaced an earlier terminus on the opposite side of the road.

Trains from London Waterloo to Bournemouth take around 1 hour 43 minutes on some journeys. Typical off-peak service includes two trains per hour to London. South Western Railway operates frequent trains to Bournemouth, including direct departures from London Waterloo and connections via Southampton Central. CrossCountry runs trains to Birmingham and Manchester; journeys to Bristol generally require a change. Trains also run west towards Poole and Weymouth. Other trains provide connections through Southampton, and trains for London operate throughout most of the day.

London Waterloo is the main long-distance destination for many passengers travelling east. Trains to London Waterloo run throughout the day, and departures from London Waterloo normally include fast and semi-fast options. Check live times before travelling, as engineering work can affect London Waterloo schedules. During busy times, trains may use different platforms than expected.

The current building dates from July 1885 and was originally called Bournemouth East. It later became Bournemouth Central before receiving its present name in 1967. Bournemouth railway station features an impressive glass canopy roof. In May 1994, services extended from London Victoria to Bournemouth. Platforms 3 and 4 are continuous, creating one of the longest platform faces in the country.

Bournemouth Lower Gardens are Grade II-listed Victorian gardens. Bournemouth Pier is around a mile from the rail hub, while Hengistbury Head is a scenic headland with diverse nature trails.

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Address

Station Address

Holdenhurst Road

Bournemouth

Dorset

BH8 8HX

The postal address is Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8HX.

Ticket Office And Self-Service Ticket Machine

The main ticket office is located on Platform 2. An additional ticket office operates on Platform 3 during weekday daytime hours. Ticket offices are located on Platforms 2 and 3. Ticket vending machines are located outside both station entrances and in the booking hall.

Ticket Office Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 05:45–19:15

Saturday: 06:15–18:00

Sunday: 07:45–18:30

The additional counter normally operates Monday to Friday from 07:35 to 16:10. Both counters handle sales and collection.

Station Opening / Staffing Hours

The station is open seven days a week with friendly staff available. Station staff are available 24 hours a day while trains are running.

Ticket Barriers

A ticket gate line controls entry to the platforms.

Ticket Machines

The ticket vending machines at the entrances sell tickets for a wide range of journeys. The vending machines can also sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts where eligible.

Smartcards

Smartcard Issued / Validator / Top Up

New smartcards can be issued, topped up, and validated here. Smartcards can also hold eligible Flexi Seasons.

Pre-Purchase Collection

Pre-purchased train tickets can be collected from the machines. E-tickets are available for many train journeys to Bournemouth. Train tickets bought in advance can also be collected before boarding.

Station Accessibility And Step-Free Routes

Step-Free Access

Official accessibility information classifies the site as step-free category B2. There is level access to both sides from separate entrances, but step-free access is only partial because movement between the two sides uses a long, steep ramped subway with gradients of up to 1:8. This is why the official page does not describe the whole site as fully step-free.

Lift Access

There are no passenger lifts. Platforms on each side are accessible directly from their respective entrances, while the ramped subway connects the two sides.

Ramps For Train Access

Boarding ramps are kept here to assist customers boarding and alighting trains.

Induction Loop

An induction loop is available throughout passenger areas.

Accessible Ticket Machines

The machines are accessible and can sell fares with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Check the station access note for further details.

Impaired Mobility Set Down

Accessible drop-off and pick-up points are provided near the entrances.

Assistance Meeting Point

Passengers needing help should make themselves known to staff at the ticket gate line.

Helpline

Assisted Travel: 0800 528 2100. The helpline is available 24 hours a day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Customer Help Points

Customer help points are located on every platform.

Staff Help

Assistance is available 24 hours a day. Station staff can assist customers boarding and alighting trains and moving between platforms. You can book assistance up to two hours before travel; staff will still try to help you board your preferred train if you turn up without a booking.

Accessible Toilets

National Key Toilets are available on both sides of the main platform and are operated with a RADAR key. A RADAR key can be requested from station staff.

Getting To And From the Station

Accessible Taxis

Accessible taxis are available, although pre-booking can be useful at quieter times.

Bus Services

Bournemouth is a hub for local bus services. Buses connect the rail hub with central Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas.

Station Facilities

Telephones

Public telephones are available.

ATM

There is no ATM listed inside the building.

Toilets

Standard and accessible toilets are available on both sides of the platform. The National Key Toilets use a RADAR key.

Baby Changing

Baby-changing facilities are available.

Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is available.

Refreshments

Starbucks and snack machines provide refreshments. Snack machines are on Platforms 2 and 3.

Waiting Room

A waiting room is available, with waiting accommodation on Platforms 2 and 3. It normally opens from 05:00 to 21:00.

Seated Areas

Seating is provided around the platforms.

CCTV

CCTV is in operation.

Post Box

There is no post box listed. There are no shops inside the building, although shops are available nearby.

Trolleys

Luggage trolleys are available.

Passenger Services

Ticket Gate

The gateline controls access to the platforms.

Customer Services

For further details, contact the Customer Service Centre on 0345 6000 650. The Customer Service Centre can provide general travel information and further details about facilities.

Lost Property Contact Available

There is no lost-and-found office here. Enquiries are handled by South Western Railway, whose Lost Property office is at London Waterloo.

Car Parking

Car Parking

The main car park has 362 spaces and CCTV. A separate premium car park has 52 spaces. Together, the two parking areas provide 414 spaces.

Name

Bournemouth Main Car Park and Bournemouth Premium Car Park.

Operator

The parking areas are operated through the rail operator's parking arrangements.

Spaces

The main car park includes five accessible spaces. The premium car park has no dedicated accessible spaces. National Rail currently provides seven accessible bays across its parking provision.

Daily Charge / Notes

The main car park currently costs £6 on peak days and £3 on off-peak days, Saturdays, or Sundays. The premium car park costs £11 per day and £5.50 off-peak. Bank Holiday tariffs may differ.

Accessible Spaces

Parking is complimentary for registered Blue Badge holders who follow the registration requirements. Blue Badge holders must display a valid badge in designated bays.

Cycling

Cycle Storage Availability

Sheltered cycle storage is available.

Sheltered

Yes.

Spaces

There are 118 cycle spaces.

Type

Compounds and racks.

Location

Cycle storage is near the entrances.

Cycle Storage CCTV

Yes.

Other Transport

Location For Rail Replacement Services

For Southampton and Brockenhurst, replacement buses leave from the station entrance on the Halfords side. For Poole, they leave from the station entrance on the Asda side.

Taxi Rank

A taxi rank is available outside.

Bus Service

Local buses provide links to central Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding districts.

General Information

Station Operator

South Western Railway. It manages the site.

Station Code

BMH.

Staffing Level

Full-time.

There are four platforms for train services. Platforms 1 and 2 are on the north side; Platforms 3 and 4 are on the south side. Platforms 2 and 3 are linked by the underpass. Platforms 1 and 4 are used less frequently than the principal platforms. Platforms 2 and 3 handle most through trains, while the bay and less-used platforms support selected departures. All four platforms have passenger information, and help points are available across the platforms. The platforms are clearly signed. Platforms 1 and 2 face east. Platforms 3 and 4 share the long southern side. The platforms on each side have separate access. Passenger information is displayed across the platforms. Boarding ramps can be used at the platforms when required.

For journeys to London Waterloo, check the display for the correct Waterloo platform. The Waterloo platform can change depending on the work. Trains for London Waterloo often depart from the eastbound side, but always confirm the Waterloo platform before boarding. If the Waterloo platform changes, allow time to use the subway. The correct Waterloo platform is shown on departure screens. Staff can also direct passengers to the Waterloo platform. London Waterloo trains can be busy at peak times, so reach the Waterloo platform in good time.