A31 bypasses the town from south and further connects to M27 to go to Southampton in the north-east. B3078 goes towards Southampton as well, via a longer route. Bournemouth lies on the coast, to the south-east of town.
Poole Ferry Port is about 6.5 miles to the south via B3073/A349/A350. Brittany Ferries operate weekly crossings to Cherbourg, while Condor Ferries operate weekly crossings to Guernsey, Jersey and St Malo. Sandbanks Ferry operates the chain ferry service between Sandbanks and Shell Beach, thus saving the driving distance from Poole to Bournemouth.