- 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
$96
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
7 h 19 m
Average duration
7 h 19 m
Trains per day
1
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 $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
Of the 1 trains that leave Manchester for Dorchester on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 308 km distance in an average of 7 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 19 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 7 h 19 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.


Trains from Manchester to Dorchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 but you can travel from only $34 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 5h 41m.
Distance 191 miles (308 km) |
Average train duration 5h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 41m |
First train 5:11 AM |
Last train 10:14 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 77 days |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Dorchester trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33953+ W34788 · C48131+ Tube from London Euston to London Paddington | Delayed 5:29 AM 6:29 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h39 | 12:08 PM Dorchester West (DCW) | 3 transfers | |
| Thursday, August 6 | |||||
![]() | 9:30 AM Manchester | 7h19 | 4:49 PM Dorchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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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