There are plenty of ways to get to the New Forest National Park, whether you’re travelling by train, car, coach or plane. With excellent transport links from London and across the UK, travelling to the New Forest is simple, convenient and stress-free.
Getting to the New Forest by Bus
The New Forest is well connected by public transport, with bus services providing access to towns, villages and key attractions.
New Forest Breezer 81 – Bournemouth | Christchurch | New Milton | Lymington
New Forest Breezer 82 – Bournemouth | Christchurch | New Milton | Lymington
New Forest Breezer 86 – Southampton | Totton | Ashurst | Lyndhurst | Brockenhurst | Lymington
112 – Hythe | Beaulieu | Lymington
For timetables and journey planning, visit morebus.co.uk.
If you have any queries about travelling by bus, please contact morebus on 01202 338421.
Driving to the New Forest
If you’re driving, the New Forest is easily accessible via major routes, with clear directions from London, Southampton and the surrounding areas.
Travelling from Southampton, London or the East: exit M27 at Junction 1, signed Cadnam and head southwards into The New Forest.
Travelling from the West: use A31 from Dorset. Travelling from the North: take either A338 from Salisbury to Ringwood in the west of the Forest, or A36 to Totton in the east.
Car hire is available at Southampton, Bournemouth and Salisbury.
Getting to the New Forest by Air
The nearest international airports to the New Forest are Bournemouth Airport and Southampton Airport, both offering convenient access to the area.
Heathrow Airport is approximately 65 miles from the New Forest.
Gatwick Airport is approximately 60 miles from the New Forest.
Getting to the New Forest by Train
Travelling by train to the New Forest is one of the easiest ways to reach the area, with direct services from London Waterloo and other major cities. The New Forest is located just 89 minutes away from London Waterloo Station by train. Travel with South Western Railway to the New Forest straight from London Waterloo, Basingstoke, Winchester, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.
With eight train stations in the New Forest you will be sure to be just a short distance away from your final destination, making it easy to reach different areas. You can find a train station in the following New Forest locations:
- Ashurst
- Beaulieu Road
- Brockenhurst
- Hinton Admiral
- Lymington
- New Milton
- Sway
- Totton
To find out more information about Rail travel and to book train travel to the New Forest, please click here.
If you have any queries regarding Rail travel, please contact National Rail on 0345 748 4950.
Please note wild camping is not permitted in the New Forest.
Getting to the New Forest by Coach
Travelling by coach to the New Forest is a cost-effective option, with regular National Express services from London and other UK cities. The National Express coaches stop at Lyndhurst, Lymington and Ringwood, and occasionally other stops within the New Forest. The coaches regularly travel from central London (from London Victoria Coach Station) and Heathrow Airport.
To find out more information about Coach travel to the New Forest and to book please click here.
Getting to the New Forest by Ferry
Have a scenic journey with Wightlink to get to and from Lymington and Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. For more information on this contact 0333 999 7333. Or, travel with Red Funnel between Cowes (on the Isle of Wight) and Southampton. For more information on this contact 0844 844 9988.
You can travel to the New Forest by ferry via nearby ports, including Southampton and Portsmouth.
