Folkestone to Chester train with Avanti West Coast

Wed 26 Aug
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Southeastern
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Southeastern
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Folkestone to Chester

Showing times and prices for 26 Aug

Cheapest price

£104

Average price

£104

Fastest journey

7 h 17 m

Average duration

7 h 17 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

364 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Folkestone to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Folkestone to Chester will cost around £104 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £104.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Folkestone for Chester 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 364 km distance in an average of 7 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 17 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 17 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.

  • Chiltern Railways
    9:057h17
    Folkestone
    16:22Chester
    £1041One-way
    0 changes
  • Chiltern Railways
    8:057h17
    Folkestone
    15:22Chester
    £1041One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Folkestone to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Folkestone to Chester trains for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Southeastern8:58 Folkestone
3h09
12:07 Chester1 change
Southeastern9:58 Folkestone
3h08
13:06 Chester1 change
Southeastern10:56 Folkestone
3h11
14:07 Chester1 change
Southeastern11:58 Folkestone
3h08
15:06 Chester1 change
Southeastern12:58 Folkestone
3h09
16:07 Chester1 change
Southeastern13:58 Folkestone
3h07
17:05 Chester1 change
Southeastern14:56 Folkestone
3h10
18:06 Chester1 change
Southeastern15:56 Folkestone
3h09
19:05 Chester1 change
Southeastern16:51 Folkestone
3h15
20:06 Chester1 change
Southeastern17:58 Folkestone
3h09
21:07 Chester1 change
Southeastern18:58 Folkestone
3h10
22:08 Chester1 change
Wednesday 26 August
Chiltern Railways8:05 Folkestone
7h17
15:22 Chester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Folkestone to Chester by train

Compare 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.

Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept

Why should you book Folkestone to Chester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Southeastern offer trains services from Folkestone to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Folkestone to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Folkestone to Chester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Folkestone to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Folkestone to Chester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £212 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 19:56. The fastest train covers the 364 km distance in 3h 7m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
364 km
Average train duration
3h 4m
Cheapest ticket price
£212
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 7m
First train
4:48
Last train
19:56
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Southeastern from Folkestone to Chester trainsAvanti West Coast, Southeastern trains will get you between Folkestone and Chester from £212. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 57m
Cheapest Price
£247
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Southeastern

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 7m
Cheapest Price
£212
Southeastern frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

FAQs: Folkestone to Chester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Folkestone to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Folkestone to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £212, while the average price tends to be around £212.
The train journey from Folkestone to Chester covers a distance of 364 km and takes approximately 3h 7m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Folkestone to Chester is 364 km.
The first train from Folkestone to Chester leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Folkestone to Chester departs at 19:56.
Trains from Folkestone to Chester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Folkestone to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Folkestone to Chester.
To travel from Folkestone to Chester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Folkestone to Chester.
The train station in Folkestone that goes to Chester is Folkestone West (FKW), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The cheapest way to get from Folkestone to Chester is by train, costing approximately £212.
Booking trains from Folkestone to Chester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Folkestone to Chester offers a variety of scenic views, including glimpses of the Kent countryside, the rolling hills of the Chilterns, and the picturesque landscapes of Cheshire, making it a pleasant trip for those who appreciate the beauty of the English countryside.
A day trip from Folkestone to Chester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 7m. The distance is 364 km and trains run 5 times per day.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Folkestone to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Folkestone and Chester

Most Folkestone to Chester trains use the Folkestone West to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Folkestone and Chester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Folkestone
Arrival train stations in Chester

Which Folkestone station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from Folkestone to Chester leave from Folkestone West. The station is 2 km from Folkestone city centre at Folkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA.
Folkestone WestFolkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA+44 3303339232ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Folkestone West from Folkestone city centre

Folkestone West is 2 km from Folkestone city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainRamsgate - St Pancras International, Faversham - St Pancras International, Margate - Ashford International, Ramsgate - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - London Charing Cross, Ramsgate - Ashford International, Dover Priory - Ashford International, Folkestone Central - London Victoria, Dover Priory - London Cannon Street, Faversham - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - St Pancras International, Sandwich - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - London Charing Cross, Folkestone Central - Ashford International, Dover Priory - London Bridge, Ramsgate - London Bridge, Faversham - London Bridge, Dover Priory - Tonbridge, Deal - St Pancras International, Deal - Ashford International · 2m · £0.90 · every ~5 min
Bus10, 17, 71, 71A · 4m · £3 · every ~21 min

Folkestone West train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Folkestone West.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Folkestone West: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Folkestone West: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

Folkestone CentralFolkestone Central station, Station Approach, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5HB+44 3303339232ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Folkestone Central from Folkestone city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus stop outside of the station (exit station, walk down the slope and turn right. Bus stop is just beyond the bridge)

Folkestone Central train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Folkestone Central.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Folkestone Central: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Folkestone Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Folkestone to Chester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Chester Folkestone to Chester train

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