Getting to Bournemouth

Travellers heading for Bournemouth have a good choice of transport options including roads, flights, trains and ferry connections. Bournemouth International Airport (BOH) is located in nearby Christchurch, on the outskirts of Bournemouth.

By car

The M3 and M27 lead to Bournemouth from London in the north. The A31 provides access from Poole in the west, while the A27 leads in from Portsmouth and Brighton to the east. Access is also available from Europe via the Euro Tunnel link.

By rail

Services to Aberdeens train station are operated by South West Trains. The trip from London to Bournemouth takes 1 hour 45 minutes. The train journey from Plymouth takes around 5 hours, while from Brighton, the journey can be made in less than 3 hours. The main train station is located in Holdenhurst Road. For further information, call the train operator: +44 845 6000 650; or visit their website: www.nationalrail.co.uk.

By bus

Coaches in Bournemouth are operated by National Express and provide frequent connections to London Victoria Coach Station, London Heathrow Airport and also direct links to Bristol, Birmingham, Brighton, Eastbourne, the Midlands, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The main bus station is located next to the main train station. For further information, call the bus operator: +44 121 625 1278; or visit their website: www.nationalexpress.com/.

By ferry

Ferry ports on the continent are easily reached via Poole Harbour, only six miles from Bournemouth, as well as from nearby Southampton and Portsmouth. Brittany Ferries, Condor Ferries and P&O Ferries all provide regular sailings from Poole to mainland Europe.

By air

Bournemouth International Airport serves 45 destinations across the UK and Europe, with its single terminal mainly serving charter airlines. Nearby Southampton Airport (SOU) also provides good connections, while several London airports including London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN) and London City Airport (LCY) also provide easy access to Bournemouth by train, coach or taxi.

Bournemouth International Airport

Bournemouth International Airport is located five miles to the northeast of Bournemouth and operates one terminal that handles all domestic and European flights. The single terminal building serves a large number of different airlines. The terminal provides bureaux de change and cash machines, and there is also a post box, baby-changing facilities and a childrens play area. Shopping facilities are good and include retailers such as WH Smith and a variety of duty-free shops which are located in the Departures lounge. Refreshments are offered by Destinations Cafteria and Bar and an additional bar and coffee lounge in Departures.

Bournemouth airport transportation

Buses connect Bournemouth Airport with the Travel Interchange at hourly intervals, where passengers can transfer to Bournemouth Train Station or the National Express and Flight Link services. Those travelling by car need to exit shortly after the town of Ringwood onto the A338 dual carriageway and follow the signs for Bournemouth. Following the A338 for five miles, you will see the B3073 exit for Bournemouth Airport clearly signposted on your left. Airport-approved taxis meet all arriving flights.