How to travel from Dover to Bournemouth, United Kingdom

The distance between Dover and Bournemouth is around 283km (176 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 55m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Dover to Bournemouth by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out BournemouthDover if you're planning a return trip.

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Train

Take the train to Stratford International and then to Bournemouth.

  • Duration3h 20m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    £95($115)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

2 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to London Victoria Coach Station and then to Bournemouth Station off Holdenhurst Rd.

  • Duration5h 15m
  • Departsevery 3 hours
  • Typical cost
    £19($23)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
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Drive

Drive to Bournemouth.

  • Duration2h 55m
  • Distance283km (176 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Dover and Bournemouth

There are several options for getting from Dover to Bournemouth by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £19 ($23) and will take around 5h 15m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £49 ($58).

The distance between Dover and Bournemouth is around 283km (176 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 228km (142 miles)

It takes around 3h 20m to get from Dover and Bournemouth by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 55m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Dover to Bournemouth is to drive which takes around 2h 55m and will set you back approx £49 ($58).

The cheapest way to travel between Dover and Bournemouth, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £19 ($23) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Dover and Bournemouth. It typically takes around 3h 20m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Dover to Bournemouth. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Stratford International, Stratford station and Waterloo station. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 3h 20m.

South Eastern Trains Service, South Western Railway, Southern Service and CrossCountry run train services between Dover and Bournemouth. Trains depart hourly and will take around 3h 20m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Dover and Bournemouth. It typically takes around 5h 15m and departs every 3 hours.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Dover to Bournemouth. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Canterbury Bus Station and London Victoria Coach Station. These services run every 3 hours and will take a minimum of 5h 15m.

National Express and Megabus UK run regular bus services between Dover and Bournemouth. Buses run every 3 hours and take around 5h 15m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Dover to Bournemouth. We recommend that you take the train to Stratford International and then to Bournemouth. instead which will take 3h 20m.

The closest major airport to Bournemouth is Bournemouth Airport (BOH) (BOH) which is approximately 7km (4 miles) from Bournemouth. Southampton Airport (SOU) (SOU) and Bristol Airport (BRS) (BRS) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Dover and Bournemouth. The distance is around 283km (176 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 55m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Dover to Bournemouth is to take the train which takes, on average, 3h 20m and will usually cost around £95 ($115).

How do I get from Dover to Bournemouth

Compare travel optionsbetween Dover and Bournemouth

Transport options from Dover to Bournemouth
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 2 similar
3h 20m
£95($115)
hourly302km (188 miles)
Train via London Bridge3h 35m
£100($120)
hourly295km (184 miles)
Train via London Victoria5h 5m
£90($105)
hourly334km (208 miles)
Bus
5h 15m
£19($23)
every 3 hours305km (190 miles)
Drive
2h 55m
£49($58)
on demand283km (176 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Dover and Bournemouth

Train operators

Airports near Bournemouth

The following major airports near Bournemouth offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

BOH
Bournemouth Airport (BOH)
International Airport
Distance
7km (4 miles) from Bournemouth
SOU
Southampton Airport (SOU)
Domestic Airport
Distance
44km (28 miles) from Bournemouth
BRS
Bristol Airport (BRS)
International Airport
Distance
94km (59 miles) from Bournemouth