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Trip Summary
11 trains operate daily from Manchester to Bournemouth. The train trip from Manchester to Bournemouth is usually about 4 hours and 54 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Avanti West Coast train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 191 mi (308 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 45m |
| Lowest price | RON 446.51 |
| Trains per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Avanti West Coast |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Bournemouth?
2 train services operate from Manchester to Bournemouth. Avanti West Coast usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 7 | 4h 56m | RON 807.20 |
| CrossCountry | 4 | 4h 53m | RON 944.58 |
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail links between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. On any given day, Avanti West Coast operates almost 300 routes and departs hourly from select destinations.
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Manchester to Bournemouth usually takes about 4 hours and 53 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 4 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Manchester and Bournemouth is approximately 191 miles, or 308 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Manchester to Bournemouth are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 11 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Bournemouth. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Bournemouth to Manchester.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Bournemouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Bournemouth, in picturesque Dorset County, is located on the South Coast. As such, you can enjoy several miles' worth of beaches. But aside from the world-class resorts and water activities in Bournemouth, this city also reflects England's rich history, culture, and heritage.
If you're drawn to Bournemouth's museums and galleries, you must visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. This museum, styled as an Italian villa, sits atop a cliff, ensuring the views outside are as gorgeous as the art inside. The Poole Museum, housed in a Victorian warehouse, offers impressive exhibits to art, archeology, pirate, and pottery enthusiasts.
But if you're here for the beach, head straight to the Fisherman's Walk Beach, ideal for relaxation because of its quiet atmosphere. If you’d like to stay in a dog-friendly beach lined with pretty beach huts, then it's Southbourne for you. The Alum Chine Beach is recommended for families because of its pirate-themed playground, ice cream kiosks, and restaurants.
Bournemouth also offers cliff hiking, golfing, bowling, and tennis. Of course, you can also do some watersports on a kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard. Diehard sports fans shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Bournemouth’s premier league stadium, Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth Airport is about 7 miles from the center of town. The South Western Railway or CrossCountry trains are available to travel to Bournemouth from Liverpool, Manchester, or other destinations. In addition, Megabus provides bus service in and out of Bournemouth.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main departure station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
There is one train station in Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Where is the train station in Bournemouth?
Image credit: philipweaver
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bournemouth Coach Bus Station
Bournemouth Coach Bus Station is a bus and coach station that forms a travel interchange with the adjacent Bournemouth Train Station. The outdoor bus bays are located outside of a large Asda Superstore. Megabus, National Express, and local buses operate service with stops at Bournemouth Station. Inside the station building, travelers can access travel information, luggage storage, restrooms, and a coffee shop. Direct bus services depart from Bournemouth to Brighton, London, Manchester, Heathrow Airport, and more destinations across England.
Train stations in Bournemouth:
Bournemouth Coach Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Bournemouth to Manchester?
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