However you choose to travel, think carefully about how much luggage you bring with you... are there things you can buy when you get here, will you be able to carry your luggage by yourself and are there any luggage restrictions with your plane/bus/train ticket? You can read more about what you need to bring with you on our what to bring webpage.
Below you will find details about how to travel from UK airports to Bournemouth, as well as any travel support available to you:
Airport taxi transfers
If you would like to arrange a taxi transfer from the airport to Bournemouth, it is important that you do this before you travel. If you don’t have an advance booking it will be a lot more expensive.
BU has a good relationship with two local airport taxi companies – Travel Link ([email protected]) and Bournemouth Airport Transfers. Please contact them directly and keep in mind that they are more likely to be able to help you if you book at least two weeks in advance of your travel date.
Alternatively, if you look on the website for your airport (e.g. Heathrow, Gatwick etc.) you will find information about reputable taxi companies which you can contact to arrange your travel.
Airport coach travel
It’s possible to travel from the airport to Bournemouth by coach. The main coach operator in the UK is National Express and we're working with them to offer discounted airport transfers to new international students starting at BU in September 2024.
If you're a new student* arriving at Heathrow and Gatwick airport between Friday 20 and Sunday 22 September, you can claim a voucher from us which will entitle you to a free journey. Please complete this form to claim your voucher.
If you're not able to claim your voucher, you can get a 20% discount when booking with National Express for journeys to Bournemouth from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports between Sunday 15 and Wednesday 25 September. To make your booking, please visit the National Express website.
*If you're an incoming exchange student and eligible for free travel, you will need your BU Student ID before completing the online form. This ID will be included in one of the Online Registration emails; if you haven't yet received this, it will be sent to you shortly. We will email you at the start of September with your free travel voucher so you can book your coach ticket.
Rail services
It’s possible to travel by train from most airports to Bournemouth. When planning your journey, consider how many times you would need to change trains, how much luggage you’ll have and how much it costs. It is often more expensive to travel by train than coach.
How to reach us from different UK airports
If you’ll be making your way to Bournemouth via an airport, the way you make your onward journey will, of course, depend on where you land. That’s why we’ve outlined some helpful tips below. Please note that journey times and prices are only approximate.