- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbourside museum of Poole's maritime, social, and pottery history in restored quayside buildings. A strong introduction to the town's past and port identity.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
2 h 1 m
Average duration
2 h 3 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
157 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Poole is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Poole will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 25 trains that leave London for Poole on Tue, Aug 04, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 157 km distance in an average of 2 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 1 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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.
L80254
L80128
L80262
L80274
L80120
L80128
L80102
L80120
L80128
L80092Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London to Poole among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 97 miles (157 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Poole:
A bus is $37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Poole costing on average $49.
Other travel options to Poole take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 12m.
The journey is about 15m faster (2h 21m by train vs 2h 36m by car) and roughly $8 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($49 vs $57). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with South Western Railway.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for London to Poole trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80360 | Delayed 7:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h08 | 8:48 AM 8:48 AMPoole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80214 | On time 8:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 10:19 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80084 | On time 8:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h07 | 10:42 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80222 | On time 9:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 11:19 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80222_L84952 | 9:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h20 | 11:25 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80092 | On time 9:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 11:41 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80234 | On time 10:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 12:19 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80102 | On time 10:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 12:41 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80242_L84962 | 11:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h20 | 1:25 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80242 | On time 11:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 1:19 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80110 | On time 11:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h07 | 1:42 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80254 | Delayed 12:05 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h10 | 1:19 PM 1:19 PMPoole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80254 | On time 12:05 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 2:19 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35119+ G01009+ L80120 | Delayed 12:13 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 2h24 | 1:42 PM 1:42 PMPoole station (POO) | 2 transfers | |
L80262+ G27432 | Delayed 12:12 PM 12:20 PMLondon Victoria (VIC) | 2h55 | 3:15 PM Poole station (POO) | 1 transfer | |
L80120 | On time 12:35 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h07 | 2:42 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80262_L84972 | 1:05 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h20 | 3:25 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80262 | On time 1:05 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 3:19 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80128 | On time 1:35 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 3:41 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80274 | On time 2:05 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h14 | 4:19 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80318 | On time 7:05 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h09 | 9:14 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80324 | On time 7:35 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 9:41 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80330 | On time 8:35 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 10:41 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80336 | On time 9:35 PM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 11:41 PM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15439 · C48537+ L78853 | On time 9:38 PM London Paddington (PAD) | 3h03 | 12:41 AM Poole station (POO) | 2 transfers | |
L80344 | 5:18 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h39 | 7:57 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80352+ C82503 | 5:54 AM London Victoria (VIC) | 3h05 | 8:59 AM Poole station (POO) | 1 transfer | |
L80352 | 6:30 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h34 | 9:04 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L78868 | 7:03 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h23 | 9:26 AM Poole station (POO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from London to Poole run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 but you can travel from only $7 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 97 miles (157 km) distance in 1h 57m.
Distance 97 miles (157 km) |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 57m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Poole — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Poole trip today.
Harbourside museum of Poole's maritime, social, and pottery history in restored quayside buildings. A strong introduction to the town's past and port identity.
Contemporary art centre with changing exhibitions, a respected gallery programme, and cultural events. Worth visiting for modern visual art in central Poole.
Volunteer-run museum preserving Poole's RNLI history, lifeboats, and rescue stories. A compact stop for maritime heritage near the quay.
Historic waterfront lined with boats, heritage buildings, and harbour views. A must for atmosphere, walks, and seeing Poole's maritime character up close.
National Trust island of heath, lagoon, and woodland in Poole Harbour. Famous for red squirrels, birdlife, and memorable coastal walking.
Sandy peninsula with sweeping harbour and bay views, beach access, and an easy walking route. Popular for sunsets, watersports scenery, and open space.
Fresh shellfish long landed on Poole Quay. Locally served crab highlights the harbour’s fishing heritage and is prized for sweet, delicate meat.
A Dorset staple of local sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter. It is a comforting pub classic widely eaten across Poole and the county.
Traditional Dorset fruit cake made with dried fruit, spice and tea. It is closely associated with county baking and often served sliced with tea.
Elegant harbourside seafood restaurant known for refined local fish dishes, tasting menus and polished service in a special-occasion setting.
Popular waterside restaurant on Poole Quay serving fresh seafood, grilled fish and shellfish in a relaxed, lively harbour atmosphere.
Well-known traditional fish and chip restaurant near the quay, valued for sustainably sourced seafood and a casual family-friendly setting.
Poole is moderate for UK seaside towns: lodging rises in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes may use tip jars, but small change only.
Official public transport app
Poole Railway Station -> Poole Quay, Poole
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Poole 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 Poole, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London to Poole trains use the London Waterloo to Poole station pair, with some services arriving at Parkstone (Dorset). Use this guide to compare London and Poole train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Clapham Junction is 5 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Clapham Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Clapham Junction.
ATMs are available at Clapham Junction.
Ticket office support is available at Clapham Junction.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Clapham Junction: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Clapham Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Clapham Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access available through Brighton Yard entrance to all platforms via lifts. Step free access available through Grant Road entrance to platform 1 and 2 via lifts, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Parkstone (Dorset) is 3 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Parkstone (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Wi-Fi is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Ticket office support is available at Parkstone (Dorset).
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Parking.
Available at Parkstone (Dorset): Bike Parking.
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