- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major historic dockyard museum with warships, galleries and dock buildings. One of the area's key heritage attractions.
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Trains from Basingstoke to Gillingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:36, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 1h 9m.
Distance 87 km |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 9m |
First train 5:36 |
Last train 23:07 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Major historic dockyard museum with warships, galleries and dock buildings. One of the area's key heritage attractions.
Art and history museum in nearby Rochester with changing displays, local collections and works by Dickens-era artists.
Compact local museum exploring the history of the Royal Engineers through objects, medals, maps and military stories.
Large hilltop park with open lawns, military history and sweeping views over Chatham and the Medway towns.
Waterside marina quarter with promenades, modern architecture and river views. Popular for a relaxed walk near the docks.
Riverside country park with broad estuary views, birdlife and paths through former military land and open grassland.
Kentish huffkins are soft round bread rolls from Kent, traditionally eaten with cheese, ham or jam and long associated with local baking.
Canterbury tart is a Kent dessert tart, usually filled with apple or lemon curd and almonds, linked with historic baking traditions in the county.
Gypsy tart is a classic Kent school pudding with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar, loved locally for its rich, caramel flavour.
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and a lively yet relaxed setting.
Established Nepalese and Indian venue serving curries, tandoori dishes and friendly sit-down dining in central Gillingham.
Modern Indian restaurant with a broad menu of regional favourites, suited to casual dinners and group meals.
Moderate for south-east England. Hotels can be cheaper than London, but dining and rail fares are still relatively costly for tourists.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basingstoke to Gillingham by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Basingstoke to Gillingham trains use the Basingstoke to Gillingham (Dorset) station pair. Use this guide to compare Basingstoke and Gillingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basingstoke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Basingstoke.
Wi-Fi is available at Basingstoke. ATMs are available at Basingstoke.
Ticket office support is available at Basingstoke.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basingstoke: Parking, WC.
Available at Basingstoke: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basingstoke: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. This station has step-free access to all platforms via lifts from the main entrance. The rear entrance has level access to Platforms 4 and 5 (and to other platforms via lifts) but is only open Monday-Friday 0600 until 1000 and from 1500 until 2345 (closed at weekends) - outside these times a stepped subway must be used. The alternative step-free route from the rear to the main entrance via the street is approximately 380m and includes missing dropped kerbs and sections of route without a pavement. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Gillingham (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham (Dorset).
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Dorset). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Parking, WC.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Dorset): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details. Step-free access to Platform 1 (most trains in both directions) via level access, or short ramp. Steps to Platform 2 (some trains in both directions) or step-free approximately 100m via barrow crossing with assistance only, when station is staffed, Accessible taxis: Pre-booked only, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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