- Must visit
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Victorian villa museum with local history, archaeology, and rotating exhibitions in one of Bournemouth’s most important heritage buildings.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Bournemouth will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 4 trains from Reading to Bournemouth, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct trains cover the 104 km distance in an average of 1 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 19 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 23 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.

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Trains from Reading to Bournemouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:09, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 64 miles (104 km) distance in 1h 19m.
Distance 64 miles (104 km) |
Average train duration 1h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 19m |
First train 5:09 AM |
Last train 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Reading to Bournemouth.
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Bournemouth trains for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80273+ C48496 | 2:16 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h49 | 4:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
G01018 | 2:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1h23 | 4:15 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80281+ C48501 | 3:08 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h58 | 5:06 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
G01022 | 3:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1h29 | 5:21 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80293+ C48506 | 4:10 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h51 | 6:01 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
G01024 | 4:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1h27 | 6:19 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80301+ C48510 | 5:19 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h38 | 6:57 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
G01027 | 5:51 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1h26 | 7:17 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80307+ C48516 | 6:00 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h54 | 7:54 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
G01032 | 6:52 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1h24 | 8:16 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80317+ C48521 | 7:08 PM Reading West (RDW) | 1h51 | 8:59 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
G01035 | 7:50 PM Reading station (RDG) | 1h29 | 9:19 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.
Victorian villa museum with local history, archaeology, and rotating exhibitions in one of Bournemouth’s most important heritage buildings.
Volunteer-run local museum covering Christchurch history, archaeology, and community life in a characterful period setting.
Specialist aviation museum at Bournemouth Airport displaying historic aircraft, cockpits, and memorabilia for enthusiasts and families.
Long sandy beach and promenade area at the resort’s core, ideal for classic seaside walks, sunsets, and easy access to the pier.
Victorian gardens running through the town center, popular for strolling, seasonal events, and a green link from square to sea.
Clifftop and chine with woodland paths descending to a quieter beach, loved for views and a more local atmosphere.
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, often served simply in salads or sandwiches. It is prized locally for its sweet flavour and seaside freshness.
A traditional Dorset blue cheese with a crumbly texture and strong savoury taste. It reflects the county’s long farmhouse cheesemaking heritage.
Classic fish and chips made with fresh south coast fish. It is a staple British seaside meal strongly associated with Bournemouth beach outings.
Casual Bournemouth institution famous for hearty fish and chips close to the beach, ideal for a classic seaside meal.
Refined seafood-focused fine dining in a stylish setting near the coast, known for tasting menus and polished service.
Busy traditional seafood spot by the seafront, popular for fish and chips, shellfish, and relaxed coastal dining.
Moderate for a UK seaside town: hotels peak in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if not already added. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but spare change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Bournemouth Railway Station -> Bournemouth Square
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Bournemouth.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Reading to Bournemouth trains use the Reading to Bournemouth station pair. Use this guide to compare Reading and Bournemouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
ATMs are available at Reading.
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Reading West is 1 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Reading West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Reading West.
Ticket office support is available at Reading West.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Reading West: Parking.
Available at Reading West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category B3 - This station has a degree of step free access but only to Platform 1 and only if accessed via Tilehurst Road. Otherwise this station can be classified as Category C. 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. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bournemouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.
Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bournemouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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.
Check train stations information for Reading and Bournemouth, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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