Getting around the Jurassic Coast

By train

Visit Dorset says South Western Railway runs trains from London Waterloo to Weymouth, calling at Wareham and Dorchester South among others, and an hourly service from Waterloo to Exeter St Davids; it says to change to a frequent bus at Axminster station for Lyme Regis, about 5 miles away. Great Western Railway’s Heart of Wessex Line brings trains from Bristol to Dorchester West and Weymouth. Visit Dorset adds that CrossCountry links Manchester with Bournemouth. ¹

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By heritage railway to Swanage

The Swanage Railway runs steam and diesel trains from Norden through Corfe Castle to Swanage, with stations at Harman’s Cross and a halt at Herston. Its site lists parking at Purbeck Park next to Norden station. Check its timetable, as services follow a seasonal programme. ²

Swanage Railway (opens in new tab)

By bus

Visit Dorset names the Jurassic Coaster and the Purbeck Breezer as buses suited to walkers, and says contactless payment works on Purbeck Breezer, More Buses and First Dorset services including the Jurassic Coaster. First Bus lists route X51 from Weymouth to Axminster via Dorchester, Bridport and Lyme Regis, and X53 from Weymouth to Axminster via Abbotsbury, Burton Bradstock, West Bay, Bridport, Charmouth and Lyme Regis. Its timetable page also lists a Lyme Regis Park and Ride. Timetables change, so check the operator. ³

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By coach

Visit Dorset says National Express coach journeys from London Victoria Coach Station or London airports start at 2 hours 15 minutes to Bournemouth, the first major stop east of the county, and that most large Dorset towns have a stop. ⁴

National Express (opens in new tab) · Visit Dorset: by coach and bus (opens in new tab)

By air

Visit Dorset says Bournemouth Airport, near Christchurch, has scheduled and charter flights and a number 737 bus to Bournemouth town centre and railway station. It also lists Exeter, Southampton, Bristol, Gatwick and Heathrow airports as ways to reach the county. ⁵

Visit Dorset: by air (opens in new tab)

Buses, trains and boats

Visit Dorset says contactless payment works on Purbeck Breezer, More Buses and First Dorset services including the Jurassic Coaster, and that the Jurassic Coaster and Purbeck Breezer suit walkers on the South West Coast Path because you can travel one way and walk the other. It lists 23 rail stations in Dorset, boat trips from Poole, Wareham, Swanage, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth and West Bay, and the Sandbanks Ferry to Studland. It gives no bus frequencies, so check the operator or Traveline. ⁶

Taxis

Visit Dorset says taxis are available at railway stations and airports and in towns and villages, and suggests booking ahead at stations. ⁶

Walk the coast path

Visit Dorset says the South West Coast Path runs the length of the Jurassic Coast. Many places in this guide sit on it, and walkers can go one way and return by bus. ⁷

Use the Jurassic Coaster and Purbeck Breezer

Visit Dorset recommends both for walkers who want a section of the path, and suggests sitting on the top deck. Check Traveline or the operator for current routes. ⁸

Take the heritage trains and trams

The Swanage Railway links Norden, Corfe Castle and Swanage, and Seaton Tramway runs between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton along the Axe estuary. ²

Check the firing notice before Lulworth walks

The Ministry of Defence publishes monthly times of live firing and road closures around the Lulworth ranges. Do not enter the danger area when the range is in use. ⁹

By car

Visit Dorset says the M5 brings visitors from the west and joins the A37 at Yeovil or the A35 at Honiton, and that routes from the Midlands and north use the M3, M27 and A31. Visit Dorset says there are no motorway services once you enter Dorset. Dorset Council runs most car parks except in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Swanage, and Visit Dorset says charges apply in most of them. The Lulworth Estate runs its own paid car parks at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. ¹⁰

Parking

Visit Dorset says parking charges apply in most car parks seven days a week between 8am and 6pm, that some car parks are free, and that roadside parking may be free but can carry time restrictions. It lists Park and Ride at Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Kings Park in Bournemouth, Poole Civic Centre and Purbeck Park. It states no amounts. ¹¹

Electric cars

Visit Dorset says electric vehicle charging points are available in council car parks and towns. Use Zapmap to find them. ^11,12

Plan parking at Lulworth

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door have separate car parks run by the Lulworth Estate, which charges for parking all year. Durdle Door car park cannot take coaches. ¹³