Getting to Bournemouth is easier than reaching most of the south coast, with good links from London and the rest of the UK. This is how to do it, by whichever means suits you.
By train
Direct trains from London Waterloo run regularly and take around two hours, with services continuing to Poole, Dorchester and Weymouth. The station is roughly a mile from the sea; from there you can walk into the town centre or pick up a bus or a taxi.
By car
Leaving London on the M25, take the M3, then the M27 westbound, and follow the A31 onto the A338 spur road, which delivers you straight into Bournemouth. Allow between two and two and a half hours, traffic permitting. Parking near the seafront, gardens and town centre is plentiful but goes quickly on sunny summer days, so get there early.
By coach
National coach services run between London Victoria, cities around the country and Bournemouth. This is the cheapest way to travel, and the main stop is near the travel interchange and the town centre.
By air
Bournemouth Airport sits near Hurn, a few miles to the north of the town, and flies a mix of domestic and European routes. Southampton Airport, about 45 minutes away, has a wider choice of routes, and the onward train is simple.
Getting around
Once you have arrived, the compact centre, the seafront promenade and the land train mean most journeys can be made on foot. For what to see, look through our things to do guide, and consider accommodation near the station or the seafront.