By Coach from Heathrow Airport

Go to the Central Bus (Coach) Station which is between Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Take a ‘National Express’ bus to either Bournemouth or Poole. This is a direct journey, there is no need to change buses on the way. The journey takes 2-3 hours depending upon traffic conditions.

By Coach from Gatwick Airport

Go to the Bus (Coach) Station at the South Terminal, buy a ticket, and take the bus to Bournemouth. It will go via Heathrow Airport before it travels down to Bournemouth and Poole. When you get on the bus check again by saying “Is this the right coach for Bournemouth / Poole please?” The journey takes two-three hours depending on the traffic conditions.

Coach Fares

Fares range from approx £27.00 from Heathrow Airport and £31.00 from Gatwick Airport depending upon the type of ticket you want. Friday is always the busiest day to travel and the most expensive! As a student, you are able to get discounts on fares with a National Express Card.

By Train from Heathrow Airport

Go outside your terminal and find the collection point for the ‘Rail-Air Link’ bus to Woking, these are well signposted. The journey lasts about one hour. At Woking Station take a ‘South West’ train to Bournemouth or Poole. The journey takes about 2 hours. Fares currently are £50.00 - £70.00.

London Waterloo to Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth

There are two trains going each way every hour. This is often the quickest but not necessarily the cheapest way to get to and from London.

Rail Fares

These can become expensive at peak times if you are not careful. Early morning travel by train is to be avoided and if you travel at appropriate times and have a Young Person’s Rail Card you can save money. The Rail Card is available to Students aged 16-25 years – older students can also buy other railcards offering cheaper travel. These cards will save you 30% on each journey you make – well worth thinking about!

By Road

The best route to Bournemouth and Poole by road from Central London, Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport, is M25, M3, A31 and A338. Several major roads lead into Bournemouth and Poole from the surrounding areas. Summer traffic to and from this area can be really heavy.