Located on the stunning south coast of England, Christchurch is easy to reach whether you're travelling on foot, by bike, car, train, coach, air or sea. With beautiful beaches, historic sites and a charming town centre, getting here is simple - and well worth the journey.
By Car
Christchurch is well connected by road and is easily accessible by car, motorhome or motorcycle.
From London, take the M3 southbound, joining the M27 and then the A31 before following signs to Christchurch via the A338.
Visitors travelling from the North can connect to the A34 before joining the M3 and M27 towards the south coast.
Before travelling, it may be useful to check the Travel Dorset website for the latest travel updates, public transport information and journey planning tools.
By Train
Christchurch has its own mainline railway station, with direct services to and from London Waterloo, Southampton, Bournemouth and other destinations across the South West.
Journey times include:
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London Waterloo – approximately 2 hours
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Southampton – approximately 30 minutes
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Bournemouth – approximately 10 minutes
Services are operated by South Western Railway. From the station, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the town centre.
By Bus and Coach
National Express and other coach operators provide services to nearby Bournemouth, with onward connections to Christchurch by local bus or taxi.
The morebus network provides regular services linking Christchurch with Bournemouth, Poole, the New Forest and surrounding areas.
By Bike or On Foot
Christchurch is easy to reach by bike and is connected to a network of scenic cycling and walking routes across Dorset and Hampshire.
The Castleman Trailway provides a largely traffic-free route linking Christchurch with Ringwood and the surrounding countryside, while the Avon Valley Path offers attractive walking routes through the area.
National Cycle Network routes also connect Christchurch with Bournemouth, Poole and the wider region, making active travel a great way to arrive and explore.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bournemouth Airport, located around 15 minutes from Christchurch by car or taxi. The airport offers a range of domestic and European flights.
Alternative airports include:
Both airports offer convenient onward rail and coach connections.
By Sea
Poole Ferry Port, approximately 12 miles from Christchurch, provides ferry connections to France and the Channel Islands.
Routes are available to destinations including:
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Cherbourg, France
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Saint-Malo, France
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Guernsey
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Jersey
Southampton and Portsmouth ferry ports are also within easy reach and offer additional ferry services
Visitors travelling by private boat can make use of facilities at Christchurch Harbour, located midway between the Solent and Poole Harbour. Information on moorings, marine services and harbour facilities is available from Christchurch harbour, mooring and dinghy park.
