- 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 08
$25
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$86
Fastest journey on Sep 08
2 h 31 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
2 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 08
6
Distance
184 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Dorchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Dorchester will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 6 trains from London to Dorchester, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct trains cover the 184 km distance in an average of 2 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 31 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest trains will take 2 h 56 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.
L80222
L80214
L80084
L80222+
G26284
L79329 · L80084+
C93052
L80084
L80214
L80222
L80222+
G26284
L79342 · L80092+
C93059Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Dorchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 15m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, while a flight costs an average of $491.
Distance: 114 miles (184 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $491 Average price |
3h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Dorchester:
A bus is $45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Dorchester costing on average $74.
A bus is $461 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Dorchester costing on average $491.
Other travel options to Dorchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 45m.
Bus takes on average 3h 51m.
The table below shows live departures for London to Dorchester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80214 | 8:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h44 | 10:49 AM Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L79329 · L80084+ C93052 | 8:08 AM London Victoria (VIC) | 2h58 | 11:06 AM Dorchester South (DCH) | 2 transfers | |
L80084 | 8:35 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h31 | 11:06 AM Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L80222+ G26284 | On time 8:54 AM London Victoria (VIC) | 2h55 | 11:49 AM Dorchester South (DCH) | 1 transfer | |
L80222 | 9:05 AM London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h44 | 11:49 AM Dorchester South (DCH) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L79342 · L80092+ C93059 | 9:08 AM London Victoria (VIC) | 2h56 | 12:04 PM Dorchester South (DCH) | 2 transfers | |
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 London to Dorchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 but you can travel from only $17 by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (184 km) distance in 2h 3m.
Distance 114 miles (184 km) |
Average train duration 2h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 3m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 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 London 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 London to Dorchester trains use the London Waterloo to Dorchester South station pair, with some services arriving at Dorchester West. Use this guide to compare London and Dorchester 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 Paddington has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
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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