Getting There & Away: Dorset

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Dorset

These are the main entry points for visitors to Dorset, with London airports handling most long-haul flights.

Airport Overview

Bournemouth Airport (BOH): Closest, domestic and European routes.
Southampton Airport (SOU): 40-60 mins drive, domestic and European connections.
Bristol Airport (BRS): 1.5-2 hours drive, wider European flights.

London Airports & Transfers

London Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) are the largest international hubs with global connections. From these, onward travel is via train, coach, or car.

Transfer Options

Heathrow: Heathrow Express to Paddington for train connections.
Heathrow/Gatwick: National Express coaches offer direct services to Dorset towns.
Car rental at all airports for flexibility.

Seasonal Availability

Flight frequency to smaller airports increases significantly in summer.

Price Fluctuations

Prices generally rise during peak travel periods and school holidays.

Airport Facilities

All major airports offer car rental, taxis, shops, restaurants, and lounges.

Onward Travel from London

Heathrow Connections

Heathrow Express to London Paddington.
Great Western Railway services towards northern Dorset from Paddington.
Connect to London Waterloo for South Western Railway to southern Dorset.
National Express coaches direct to major Dorset towns.

Gatwick Connections

Gatwick Express to London Victoria.
Use London Underground to connect to other train stations.
National Express coaches also serve Dorset towns directly from Gatwick.
Booking flights well in advance is recommended.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

South Western Railway from London Waterloo serves southern Dorset. Great Western Railway from Paddington serves northern Dorset. Book tickets in advance for "Advance" fares.

Long-Distance Buses

National Express and Megabus coaches offer budget-friendly direct routes from London and other UK cities to Dorset towns. Book online for best prices.

Self-Driving

Drives on the left. A valid home license is often sufficient; IDP may be needed. Major rental companies operate at airports and towns. Road conditions vary; rural roads are narrow.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Dorset's coastal location means sea travel presents another way to arrive, especially from mainland Europe.

Port Details

Poole Ferry Port: Regular services to Cherbourg and St Malo (France) via Brittany Ferries.
Portland Port: Increasingly used for cruise ships, with day excursions to Dorset attractions.
Book ferry passages well in advance, especially for peak seasons.

Immigration & Connections

Have your passport and any required visa documentation ready.

Onward Journey

Poole Ferry Terminal has access to local buses and taxis.
Portland Port: Cruise passengers have pre-arranged coaches or local taxis.
River transportation for arrivals is not common; it is mainly for local leisure tours.

Train Bookings

Booking train tickets in advance for longer journeys often results in cheaper "Advance" fares.

Parking in Dorset

Parking can be difficult and expensive in popular coastal towns during peak season.

Rural Road Driving

Many minor roads are narrow, winding, and challenging for unfamiliar drivers. Drive slowly.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific departure taxes for tourists leaving the UK by air, land, or sea. Any taxes appear as part of the overall ticket fare.

Timing Recommendations

International Flights: Arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic/Short-Haul European Flights: Arrive 1-2 hours before.
Train/Coach Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before.

Ferry Departure & Amenities

Confirm check-in times with your ferry operator. Foot passengers arrive 60-90 minutes before; vehicles 90-120 minutes.

Station Facilities

All major departure points (airports, stations, terminals) offer shops.
Cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Restrooms and information desks.

Departure Checklist

Passport & Boarding Pass

Have these ready for check-in and security. Check airline specific recommendations.

Baggage Weight

Weigh luggage before arriving to avoid excess fees. Know airline carry-on rules.

Ground Transport

Pre-book taxis or check public transport schedules to the airport/station.

Smooth Departure Tip

For seamless onward travel from London airports, consider booking a National Express coach directly to your chosen Dorset town. This avoids navigating central London.

Getting There & Away