Trains to Margate
Planning a weekend away or a sunny day out at the beach? Trains to Margate take less than 10-minutes from Ramsgate and Broadstairs and around an hour and a half from London on high-speed Javelin services.
We’re here to be your one-stop-shop for cheap train tickets, times and info about how to get to Margate by train. If you want to get straight to booking, start a search for times and tickets above, or keep reading to find out more about trains to Margate.
How to buy cheap train tickets to Margate
There are a few ways you can save money on train travel this summer. Some of our top tips for booking cheap train tickets to Margate include:
Travel Off-Peak
Tickets are usually cheaper to Margate if you travel during Off-Peak hours. This is normally outside of rush hours during Monday to Friday, and anytime during the weekend. We’ll highlight whether a journey is during Off-Peak train times as your search for tickets.
Book in advance
Train tickets to Margate normally go on sale around 12 weeks in advance, usually at their cheapest price. If Advance train tickets aren’t on sale yet, why not sign up to our Ticket Alert tool, and we’ll email you as soon as you can buy tickets for your chosen date.
Save up to 1/3 with a Railcard
Railcards can save you to 1/3 on the price of eligible train tickets to Margate. Costing just £30 for one year, it doesn’t take long to make your money back either. Find out if you qualify for one and buy a Railcard online with us today.
Save up to 34% with GroupSave
If you’re heading to Margate with three to nine of your favourite pals, we’ll let you know if you qualify for GroupSave when you search. This discount allows groups that are travelling together to save up to 34% on rail fares.
Split your train tickets
Splitting your journey into several sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Our ticket-splitting app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.
Why not check out our train deals and discounts guide to discover the latest offers from train companies you can book with us.
Popular train routes to Margate
Travelling by train is the fastest, easiest and greenest way to get to Margate from the other UK destinations. Southeastern services run frequent services to Margate. Have a look at our table below for more information about the most popular routes to Margate, or start your search for a different station in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Margate | 1h 24m | Southeastern |
| Canterbury to Margate | 29m | Southeastern |
| Ramsgate to Margate | 9m | Southeastern |
| Broadstairs to Margate | 8m | Southeastern |
| Herne Bay to Margate | 13m | Southeastern |
High-speed Javelin trains from London to Margate
Southeastern's high-speed Javelin trains can whisk you from London to Margate in just an hour and a half. Reaching speeds of up to 140 mph, these trains were originally commissioned to ferry spectators to and from the Olympic Park during the London 2012 Olympics, and the nickname Javelin stuck. All trains are modern and comfortable, so you'll enjoy free WiFi and power sockets at your seat to keep you connected during your journey.
Getting from the station to Margate beach
it takes just five minutes to walk from the station to Margate beach. Turn left out of the station towards the roundabout and you'll see the beach in front of you. How easy is that!
Visting Margate
Margate is the kind of British seaside resort all the others are probably a bit jealous of. In recent years, it has reinvented itself to combine the charming nostalgia of traditional bucket-and-spade holidays with a fresh, exciting and internationally-recognised art scene. Check out our guide to the best beaches near London to reach by train for more details on Margate beach.
To find out what all the hype is about, head for the Turner Contemporary art gallery at the edge of the harbour. You can't miss its striking white steel design. It opened in 2011, and in its first year, supported by artist Tracy Emin who grew up in the town, attracted over 500,000 visitors, which boosted the economy by nearly £14m and created over 130 jobs. And the added bonus? It's all free to get in.
Just along the seafront is Dreamland, the UK's original pleasure park, re-imagined, which was saved by a campaign in 2003 and has been regenerated with input from award-winning designer Wayne Hemmingway. When it's fully reopened it'll be packed with retro rides and feature a scenic railway and cinema complex, all suggesting it's set to be the next must-visit attraction in Margate.
If you prefer a spot of shopping, take a stroll to the old town where you'll find the cobbled streets lined with an eclectic mix of trendy eateries, boutiques, vintage shops alongside everyone's favourite seaside fixtures, like fish-and-chip shops and candy-floss stands.
And for evening entertainment, take in a show at the Winter Gardens, Theatre Royal or Tom Thumb Theatre, one of the smallest theatres in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Margate?
The main train station in Margate is Margate railway station. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Margate railway station.
Which train companies run trains to Margate?
The primary operator of trains to Margate is Southeastern.
How do I find cheap tickets to Margate?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Margate. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Margate running?
There are frequent daily services to Margate, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Margate.