Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Food available
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£82
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£82
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 15 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 15 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
614 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Folkestone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Folkestone will cost around £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £82.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Edinburgh to Folkestone, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 614 km distance in an average of 6 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 15 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Edinburgh to Folkestone among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £50 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £50, while a train costs an average of £99.
Distance: 614 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£99 Average Price | £63 Average Price | £50 Average Price Cheapest | £153 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 1m Average total duration 5h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 43m Average total duration 12h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Edinburgh to Folkestone:
A flight is £13 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Edinburgh to Folkestone costing on average £63.
A flight is £49 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Edinburgh to Folkestone costing on average £99.
Other travel options to Folkestone take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 31m.
Coach takes on average 12h 13m.
The journey is about 2h 51m faster (5h 31m by train vs 8h 22m by car) and roughly £54 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£99 vs £153). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Folkestone trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:26 Edinburgh | 6h15 | 14:41 Folkestone | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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 Edinburgh to Folkestone run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £83 but you can travel from only £22 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 22:01. The fastest train covers the 614 km distance in 6h 9m.
Distance 614 km |
Average train duration 5h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £83 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 6h 9m |
First train 4:44 |
Last train 22:01 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Compare Lumo classes and the amenities included in each one.
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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh to Folkestone trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Folkestone Central station pair, with some services arriving at Folkestone West. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Folkestone train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
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.
Folkestone West is 2 km from Folkestone city centre. Public transport options include:
Folkestone West 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 Folkestone West.
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone West. 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 West: Parking, WC.
Available at Folkestone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. 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 via main entrance off Shorncliffe Road. Step free access to platform 2 via side entrance off Station Road. Step access between platforms via station subway. Step free Interchange between platforms via steep roads is in excess of 500 metres, 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: by entrance to platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need