- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Modern county museum showcasing Dorset archaeology, geology, literature, and local history through well-curated galleries and family displays.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$80
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$174
Fastest journey on Sep 20
5 h 26 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
5 h 43 m
Trains on Sep 20
12
Distance
308 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Dorchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Dorchester will cost around $174 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Dorchester without transferring at least once.
G01036+
L80266
G01034+
L80246
G38930+
W35050 · C47819
G38918+
C47818 · W35018
G38897+
L80194+
W35012
G01029 · G01152+
C47818
G01036 · G01165+
C47819
W29887+
C47818
W29907+
C47819
G01036+
L80266Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Dorchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $59 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, while a train costs an average of $297.
Distance: 191 miles (308 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$297 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $220 Average price |
6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration 10h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 53m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Dorchester:
A bus is $161 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Dorchester costing on average $220.
A bus is $238 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Dorchester costing on average $297.
Other travel options to Dorchester take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 30m.
Bus takes on average 10h 5m.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Dorchester trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33397+ W34762+ L80111+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | Delayed 7:13 AM 8:14 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h08 | 2:22 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 4 transfers | |
W33397+ L80255+ Tube from London Euston to London Waterloo | Delayed 7:13 AM 8:14 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h35 | 2:49 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
G38897+ W35012+ L80194 | 11:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 7h55 | 7:24 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 2 transfers | |
G38918+ W35018 · C47818 | 12:31 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 7h20 | 7:51 PM Dorchester West (DCW) | 2 transfers | |
G01026+ L80194 | 1:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h59 | 7:24 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 1 transfer | |
W29887+ C47818 | 2:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h48 | 7:51 PM Dorchester West (DCW) | 1 transfer | |
G01029 · G01152+ C47818 | 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h26 | 7:51 PM Dorchester West (DCW) | 2 transfers | |
G01029+ L80206 | 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h59 | 8:24 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 1 transfer | |
G01030+ L80226 | 3:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h59 | 9:24 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 1 transfer | |
G01034+ L80246 | 4:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h59 | 10:24 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 1 transfer | |
G38930+ W35050 · C47819 | 4:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h25 | 10:55 PM Dorchester West (DCW) | 2 transfers | |
W29907+ C47819 | 5:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h52 | 10:55 PM Dorchester West (DCW) | 1 transfer | |
G01036 · G01165+ C47819 | 5:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h30 | 10:55 PM Dorchester West (DCW) | 2 transfers | |
G01036+ L80266 | 5:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h59 | 11:24 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Manchester to Dorchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $98 but you can travel from only $59 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:11, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 191 miles (308 km) distance in 4h 53m.
Distance 191 miles (308 km) |
Average train duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $98 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 5:11 AM |
Last train 10:14 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Dorchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dorchester trip today.
Modern county museum showcasing Dorset archaeology, geology, literature, and local history through well-curated galleries and family displays.
Museum in the old courthouse exploring justice, prisons, and civil rights, including the Tolpuddle Martyrs story and historic cells.
National Trust house designed by Thomas Hardy, preserved with original interiors and personal objects reflecting his life and work.
Main civic square with markets, events, and historic buildings; a practical starting point for exploring central Dorchester on foot.
Attractive riverside park with open lawns, play areas, and gentle walks, popular for a relaxing break near the town center.
Major new development with broad public spaces, modern architecture, and useful access to shops, cinema, and walking routes.
A flaky Dorset pastry filled with apple, onion and cured pork. It is a county classic linked to farm workers and old West Country baking traditions.
A soft yeasted tea bread from Dorset, often eaten sliced with butter. It is a beloved regional bake with links to village bakeries and county fairs.
A hard, twice-baked bread roll from Dorset, traditionally paired with cheese or ale. It is one of the county’s best-known historic bakery products.
Refined modern British dining in a smart setting, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service. A leading fine dining choice near Dorchester.
Popular bistro-style restaurant with modern British cooking and a friendly town-centre feel. Known for well-prepared seasonal dishes.
Traditional pub in central Dorchester serving local ales and hearty British dishes. Relaxed atmosphere and a reliable stop for classic comfort food.
Moderate for southern England. Hotels and dining cost more than many UK towns, but buses are affordable and budget meals are easy to find.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Dorchester South -> South Street, Dorchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Dorchester 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 Dorchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Dorchester trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Dorchester South station pair, with some services arriving at Dorchester West. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Dorchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Dorchester South has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester South.
Wi-Fi is available at Dorchester South.
Ticket office support is available at Dorchester South.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dorchester South: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Dorchester South: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dorchester South: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details - Ramp to Platform 1 at approx 1:14 gradient (to London) via Booking Hall, or level via car park (1 step via side gate next to Booking Hall when closed). Ramp at approx 1:20 to Platform 2 (to Weymouth) from separate entrance. Interchange via street over 1km so no reasonable step-free access between platforms, 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Dorchester West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dorchester West: Parking.
Available at Dorchester West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dorchester West: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station - “Some step-free access to all platforms.”- This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms. Access between platforms is via a stepped footbridge. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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