- Must visit
Folkestone Artworks
An outdoor public art collection spread across the town, featuring permanent works by contemporary artists in everyday settings.
Cheapest price
£17
Average price
£20
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 13 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
33 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birchington-on-sea to Folkestone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birchington-on-sea to Folkestone will cost around £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.
Of the 20 trains that leave Birchington-on-sea for Folkestone every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 33 km distance in an average of 1 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 19 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Birchington-on-sea to Folkestone run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:44, the last at 22:02. The fastest train covers the 33 km distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 33 km |
Average train duration 1h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 1h 10m |
First train 0:44 |
Last train 22:02 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Folkestone — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Folkestone trip today.
An outdoor public art collection spread across the town, featuring permanent works by contemporary artists in everyday settings.
A local history museum in the old town covering Folkestone's past, from seaside life to wartime and archaeology.
A contemporary art venue in a former church, showing changing exhibitions by British and international artists.
A broad clifftop promenade with sea views, gardens and major public artworks, ideal for a classic Folkestone walk.
A revitalised waterfront pier and promenade popular for strolling, sea air, events and views across the harbour.
A creative quarter of lanes and workshops with independent shops, murals and regular cultural events in the old centre.
Fresh Dover sole landed from the Channel, usually simply grilled or pan-fried. It is a Kent coast classic prized for its sweet, delicate flesh.
Whitstable or Kent oysters are widely eaten along this coast, served raw with lemon. They reflect the long shellfish tradition of the Kent shoreline.
A rich fish stew from Kentish fishing communities, made with mixed local fish and shellfish in a savoury broth. It showcases the catch from nearby waters.
Well-known bistro and wine bar in the old high street area, offering seasonal small plates and a cosy, contemporary setting.
Popular independent café and brunch spot on the Harbour Arm, serving coffee, breakfasts and casual plates in a lively seaside atmosphere.
Long-established seafood smokehouse and deli near the harbour, known for smoked fish, shellfish and simple coastal meals.
Moderate for a UK seaside town: dining is manageable, but hotels in peak season can rise; local buses are reasonably priced.
Service is sometimes included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares; cafés may use tip jars, but tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Folkestone Central -> Folkestone Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birchington-on-sea to Folkestone 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 Folkestone, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birchington-on-sea to Folkestone trains use the Birchington-on-Sea to Folkestone Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Birchington-on-sea and Folkestone train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Birchington-on-Sea has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birchington-on-Sea.
Ticket office support is available at Birchington-on-Sea. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birchington-on-Sea: Parking, WC.
Available at Birchington-on-Sea: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birchington-on-Sea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B1. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services towards London via main entrance or side entrance ramp. Step free access to platform 2 for services towards Margate via side entrance path from Lyell Road. Step free interchange via road and steep paths in excess of 250 metres. Stepped interchange within station via footbridge, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Station forecourt, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Folkestone Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Folkestone Central.
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Folkestone Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Folkestone Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access via lift or steep ramps from main entrance, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: In the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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