- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Gillingham to Margate
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gillingham to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £9, while a coach costs an average of £15.
Distance: 58 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£9 Average Price Cheapest | £15 Average Price | £12 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 24m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 37m Average total duration 8h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Gillingham to Margate is a train with an average price of £9.
This is compared to other travel options from Gillingham to Margate:
A train is £6 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Gillingham to Margate costing on average £15.
The fastest way to travel from Gillingham to Margate is by train with an average journey time of 54m.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Gillingham and Margate including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 10m faster (54m by train vs 1h 4m by car) and roughly £4 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£9 vs £12). 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.
Direct services run with Southeastern.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Gillingham to Margate 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.
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Why should you book Gillingham to Margate trains with Omio?
Southeastern as well as Southeastern offer trains services from Gillingham to Margate.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gillingham to Margate.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southeastern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Gillingham to Margate.
- 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 Gillingham to Margate.
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 Gillingham to Margate.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Gillingham to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Gillingham to Margate run on average 7 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 53m.
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 58 km |
Average train duration 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 53m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:35 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 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 Gillingham to Margate trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Gillingham and Margate from £6. 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
53m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£6
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 Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Recommended
The Crab Museum
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
- Recommended
Tracey Karloff
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
- Recommended
Margate Old Town
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
Fish And Chips
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Or Pickled Herring
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Barletta
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Angela's
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
The Greedy Cow
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is good and not already added. Round up small taxi fares. Cafés do not expect tips, but spare change is welcome.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- >= £3.21
To the city centre
Margate station -> Cecil Square, Margate
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on all its buses in Thanet and Margate.
- A DayRider can be better value than singles for multiple trips, but check the current Thanet zone price in the Stagecoach Bus app before travel.
FAQs: Gillingham to Margate train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gillingham to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Gillingham to Margate can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £9.
The train journey from Gillingham to Margate covers a distance of 58 km and takes approximately 53m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Gillingham to Margate is 58 km.
The first train from Gillingham to Margate leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Gillingham to Margate departs at 23:35.
Trains from Gillingham to Margate run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Gillingham to Margate.
Yes, there is a direct train between Gillingham and Margate. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Southeastern.
To get from Gillingham to Margate, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Gillingham to Margate.
The train station in Gillingham that goes to Margate is Gillingham (Kent) (GLM), and it arrives at Margate station (MAR).
The cheapest way to get from Gillingham to Margate is by train, costing approximately £6.
Booking trains from Gillingham to Margate in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Gillingham to Margate offers picturesque views of the Kent countryside, including glimpses of the North Downs and coastal scenery as you approach Margate.
Yes, a day trip from Gillingham to Margate is feasible. The journey takes 53m and covers 58 km. Trains run 5 times per day.
For a fulfilling visit to Margate, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended to explore its beaches, cultural attractions, and local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Gillingham to Margate.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Gillingham and Margate
Most Gillingham to Margate trains use the Gillingham (Kent) to Margate station pair. Use this guide to compare Gillingham and Margate train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Gillingham
Arrival train stations in Margate
Which Gillingham station do trains to Margate leave from?
Trains from Gillingham to Margate leave from Gillingham (Kent). The station is from Gillingham city centre at Gillingham station, Railway Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1XE.
Gillingham (Kent)Gillingham station, Railway Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 1XE+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Gillingham (Kent) from Gillingham city centre
Bus3A, 3C, 683 · 2m
182, 101 · 3m · £2 · every ~26 min
Gillingham (Kent) train station facilities and services
Gillingham (Kent) has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Gillingham (Kent).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Gillingham (Kent).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Kent). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information 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 Gillingham (Kent): Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gillingham (Kent): Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Kent): 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 to all platforms and interchange via lifts. Step free access direct to Platform 3 via side entrance off Railway Street. Stepped access from main entrance via station 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: 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 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Margate station do trains from Gillingham arrive at?
Trains from Gillingham to Margate arrive at Margate. Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre.
MargateMargate station, Station Approach, Margate, Kent, CT9 5AD+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate from Margate city centre
Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus942, 944, 36, 8 · 8m · £3 · every ~7 min
Margate train station facilities and services
Margate has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Margate.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Margate.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate. 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 Margate: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Margate: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate: 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 from booking hall to platform 1 for services towards Ramsgate. Step free access to all other platforms and interchange via lifts. Stepped access to platforms 2,3 and 4 via subway, 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, 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 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Gillingham
More options for your journey from Gillingham to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Margate and Gillingham
Most popular train connections to Margate
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