Dorset Travel Information

Getting to Dorset couldn't be easier. The county’s excellent connections via international airports, ferry ports, national and local railway, coach and bus services and a comprehensive road system, makes Dorset one of the most accessible holiday destinations in the South West.

Are you an international visitor wanting to experience the local history and culture of rural England, and take a break away from the city of London? Why not combine your trip to the capital with a visit to Dorset - travel with ease and arrive from central London in just over 2 hours.

Dorset’s wildlife and beauty can be enjoyed much more without a car and there are so many travel options available that you can happily leave your car at your accommodation. Take a look at our suggestions for travelling around Dorset using our public transport network and cycling routes.

Arriving by train

Dorset is served by a reliable rail network between many of the UK’s towns and local railway stations throughout the county.

South Western Railway operates direct trains from London Waterloo station stopping at Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole, Wareham, Dorchester and Weymouth as well as Gillingham, Sherborne and Axminster (for Lyme Regis).

Dorset also has connections from Bath, Bristol and Gloucester with Great Western Railway train services.

Arriving by road

Whether you are arriving by coach or car, Dorset is easily accessible by road. Travelling to the county is an enjoyable and scenic journey, passing through beautiful countryside along the way.

And once here, enjoy the peace and quiet – 5 English counties do not have a motorway and Dorset is one of them! Driving is a pleasure on our traffic-light country lanes - just make sure you don’t get distracted by the incredible views! 

Arriving by sea

As Dorset is situated on the south coast of England, there are a number of ferry services from European ports arriving in or close to the county.

Ferry services run to and from Poole, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton. A warm welcome is also extended to cruise ship passengers arriving at Portland Port.

There are also a number of harbours along the Dorset coast which welcome visitors travelling with their own boat, offering a place to berth overnight, showers and other facilities.

Arriving by air

Dorset is easy to get to from anywhere in the world!

The main airports for Dorset are at Bournemouth, Southampton, Exeter and Bristol. All are less than 90 minutes drive away.

If you are arriving at London Gatwick or London Heathrow airports, you can get a connecting train or coach, or it is a 2-3 hour drive.

Need more information?

Find out more about getting around Dorset using our car free days out ideas and discover beautiful landscapes by using cycle networks or walking trails whilst you are here.

For the latest up-to-date travel information for Dorset, visit the Travel Dorset website.