- Must visit
Maidstone Museum
Town museum in a Tudor manor with local history, Japanese decorative arts and changing exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Folkestone to Maidstone
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£9
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£13
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
53 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
1 h 8 m
Trains on 23 Sept
6
Distance
51 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Folkestone to Maidstone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Folkestone to Maidstone will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
Fast trains
To travel from Folkestone to Maidstone you need to make at least one change.
P85933 · P8670513:011h25Folkestone West (FKW)14:26Maidstone East (MDE)£91One-way1 change- P85926 · P8669412:011h25Folkestone West (FKW)13:26Maidstone East (MDE)£91One-way1 change
- P85914_P85651 · P866689:581h00Folkestone West (FKW)10:58Maidstone East (MDE)£121One-way1 change
- P85920_P85661 · P8668310:581h28Folkestone West (FKW)12:26Maidstone East (MDE)£121One-way1 change
- P90346 · P866569:050h53Folkestone West (FKW)9:58Maidstone East (MDE)£131One-way1 change
- P90346 · P866569:050h53Folkestone West (FKW)9:58Maidstone East (MDE)£131One-way1 change
- P85896 · P866438:010h57Folkestone West (FKW)8:58Maidstone East (MDE)£251One-way1 change
- P85914_P85651 · P866689:581h00Folkestone West (FKW)10:58Maidstone East (MDE)£121One-way1 change
- P85933 · P8670513:011h25Folkestone West (FKW)14:26Maidstone East (MDE)£91One-way1 change
- P85926 · P8669412:011h25Folkestone West (FKW)13:26Maidstone East (MDE)£91One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Folkestone to Maidstone
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Folkestone to Maidstone among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 14m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £15.
Distance: 51 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £10 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Folkestone to Maidstone is a train with an average price of £15.
The fastest way to travel from Folkestone to Maidstone is by train with an average journey time of 44m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Folkestone and Maidstone including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 3m sooner (44m by train vs 47m by car). Tickets start at around £15 compared to roughly £10 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Folkestone to Maidstone train times
The table below shows live departures for Folkestone to Maidstone trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P85914_P85651 · P86668 | On time 9:58 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1h00 | 10:58 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1 change | |
| P85920_P85661 · P86683 | On time 10:58 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1h28 | 12:26 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1 change | |
| P85926 · P86694 | On time 12:01 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1h25 | 13:26 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1 change | |
| P85933 · P86705 | On time 13:01 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1h25 | 14:26 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1 change | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| P85896 · P86643 | 8:01 Folkestone West (FKW) | 0h57 | 8:58 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1 change | |
| P90346 · P86656 | 9:05 Folkestone West (FKW) | 0h53 | 9:58 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Folkestone to Maidstone by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
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25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
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29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Folkestone to Maidstone trains with Omio?
Southeastern operates all trains services from Folkestone to Maidstone.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Folkestone to Maidstone.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Southeastern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Folkestone to Maidstone.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Folkestone to Maidstone.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Folkestone to Maidstone
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Folkestone to Maidstone run on average 5 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:09, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 51 km distance in 43m.
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 51 km |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 43m |
First train 0:09 |
Last train 23:36 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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: Southeastern from Folkestone to Maidstone trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Folkestone and Maidstone from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
43m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£8
Southeastern frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Family area
Complete guide to Maidstone
Things to do in Maidstone
Discover the best of Maidstone — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Maidstone trip today.
- Recommended
Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
Living history farm museum with historic buildings, rural exhibits and hands-on interpretation of Kent life.
Hazlitt Arts Centre Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in the museum complex, showing rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists.
- Must visit
Mote Park
Large public park with lake, woodland walks, boating and open space close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Brenchley Gardens
Riverside green space linking key sights, ideal for a gentle walk with views of historic buildings and boats.
- Recommended
Millennium River Park
Popular town-centre park with formal gardens, bandstand and seasonal floral displays near the museum.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Huffkins
Kentish huffkins are light bread rolls traditionally served with savoury fillings or fruit preserves, long associated with Kent baking and local tea tables.
- Vegetarian
Gypsy Tart
Gypsy tart is a classic Kent dessert with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar, baked in a pastry case and especially linked with school dinners in the county.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kentish Cobnuts
Kentish cobnut is a fresh cultivated hazelnut from Kent, prized in season for its sweet flavour and long tradition in the county’s orchards and market gardens.
Castle View Restaurant
Contemporary restaurant in Leeds Castle grounds serving modern British dishes in an elegant historic setting popular for special meals.
Mu Mu
Popular pub and dining room serving British classics, grill dishes and Sunday roasts in a smart yet relaxed town-centre setting.
Brenchley
Well-known riverside chain brasserie for steaks, burgers and British comfort food, with broad appeal and a lively casual atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: accommodation and dining are below London, but rail fares and central hotel prices can still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Arriva Bus app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= £2
- Day pass
- >= £101.25
To the city centre
Maidstone East -> Fremlin Walk, Maidstone
- Distance
- 330 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Maidstone local bus services are operated by Arriva; buy tickets and check live departures in the Arriva Bus app.
- Maidstone East is about a 5-minute walk from Fremlin Walk in the town centre. Check the operator before travel for current accepted payment methods.
FAQs: Folkestone to Maidstone train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Folkestone to Maidstone 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 Maidstone, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Folkestone to Maidstone can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £15.
The train journey from Folkestone to Maidstone covers a distance of 51 km and takes approximately 43m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Folkestone to Maidstone is 51 km.
The first train from Folkestone to Maidstone leaves at 0:09.
The last train from Folkestone to Maidstone departs at 23:36.
Trains from Folkestone to Maidstone run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Folkestone to Maidstone.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Folkestone to Maidstone.
To get from Folkestone to Maidstone, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Folkestone to Maidstone.
The train station in Folkestone that goes to Maidstone is Folkestone West (FKW), and it arrives at Maidstone East (MDE).
The cheapest way to get from Folkestone to Maidstone is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Folkestone to Maidstone 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 Maidstone offers scenic views of the Kent countryside, featuring rolling hills, charming villages, and lush greenery, particularly as it passes through the North Downs.
Yes, a day trip from Folkestone to Maidstone is feasible with a travel time of 43m and a distance of 51 km. The frequency for trains is 6 per day.
To fully explore Maidstone and its attractions, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Folkestone to Maidstone.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Folkestone and Maidstone
Most Folkestone to Maidstone trains use the Folkestone West to Maidstone East station pair. Use this guide to compare Folkestone and Maidstone 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 Maidstone
Which Folkestone station do trains to Maidstone leave from?
Trains from Folkestone to Maidstone 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 3303339232
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 3303339232
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.
Which Maidstone station do trains from Folkestone arrive at?
Trains from Folkestone to Maidstone arrive at Maidstone East. Maidstone East is 1 km from Maidstone city centre.
Maidstone EastMaidstone East station, Station Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1QN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone East from Maidstone city centre
Maidstone East is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus150 · 14m
Maidstone East train station facilities and services
Maidstone East has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone East. 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 Maidstone East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone East: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone East: 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 from the main side entrance. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London. Step free access to platform 3, terminal platform, for services towards London. There is step free interchange via road and steep paths in excess of 200 metres. From the Ticket office the step free access to all platforms is via the station forecourt, 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: platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 01:00 Saturday 05:30 - 01:00 Sunday 06:30 - 23:59, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Folkestone
More options for your journey from Folkestone to Maidstone
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Maidstone and Folkestone
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