- Must visit
Folkestone Artworks
An outdoor public art collection spread across the town, featuring permanent works by contemporary artists in everyday settings.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£30
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£30
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
2 h 20 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 20 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
95 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £30.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 95 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 20 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.
7:222h20London Gatwick Airport9:42Folkestone£301One-way0 changes
- 7:222h20London Gatwick Airport9:42Folkestone£301One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a train costs an average of £52.
Distance: 95 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£52 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest | £21 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration 5h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone is a coach with an average price of £20.
This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone:
A coach is £33 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone costing on average £52.
The fastest way to travel from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone is by train with an average journey time of 1h 54m.
Other travel options to Folkestone take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London Gatwick Airport and Folkestone including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-31.86. The journey takes 1h 54m versus 1h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone train times
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P85902+ W45602 | Delayed 8:07 8:06Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h53 | 9:59 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| P89009+W32874 | Delayed 8:13 8:19Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h23 | 10:42 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
P89009+ G77124_C93205 · G77400 | Delayed 8:49 8:22Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h20 | 10:42 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| P85643 · P89009+W45403 | Delayed 8:36 8:36Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h06 | 10:42 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| W32906+P85910 | On time 8:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h10 | 10:59 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| P89015+G77127_C93206 · G77407 | Delayed 9:47 8:52Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h49 | 11:41 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| G28272+P85961 | On time 17:06 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h52 | 18:58 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| W45380+P89067 | On time 17:23 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h24 | 19:47 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| W32956+P89067+G77460 | On time 17:32 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h15 | 19:47 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| W45417+P85706 · P89067 | On time 17:36 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h11 | 19:47 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| W32923+P85967 | On time 17:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h11 | 20:00 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| W32923+P89075+G77465 | On time 17:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h59 | 20:48 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| W32954+P89075+G77465 | On time 18:02 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h46 | 20:48 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| W45611+P85967 | On time 18:06 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h54 | 20:00 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| W32920+P89075 | On time 18:19 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h29 | 20:48 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| W45526+P85712 · P89075 | On time 18:36 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h12 | 20:48 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
| W32924+P85973 | On time 18:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h12 | 21:01 Folkestone West (FKW) | 1 change | |
| W32924+P89082+G77468 | On time 18:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h57 | 21:46 Folkestone West (FKW) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone trains with Omio?
Southeastern as well as Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern and more offer trains services from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
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 Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Southern to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
- 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 London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Southern to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 07:22, the last at 08:32. The fastest train covers the 95 km distance in 1h 36m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £15
Distance 95 km |
Average train duration 1h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 1h 36m |
First train 7:22 |
Last train 8:32 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £15
Train companies: Southeastern, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone trainsSoutheastern, Thameslink, Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Folkestone from £15. 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
2h 11m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£27
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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£51
Thameslink frequency
24 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£54
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day
Southern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
2h 17m
Cheapest Southern Price
£70
Southern frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Folkestone
Things to do in Folkestone
Discover the best of Folkestone — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Folkestone trip today.
- Recommended
Folkestone Museum
A local history museum in the old town covering Folkestone's past, from seaside life to wartime and archaeology.
- Recommended
Folkestone Arts
A contemporary art venue in a former church, showing changing exhibitions by British and international artists.
- Must visit
The Leas
A broad clifftop promenade with sea views, gardens and major public artworks, ideal for a classic Folkestone walk.
- Must visit
Folkestone Harbour Arm
A revitalised waterfront pier and promenade popular for strolling, sea air, events and views across the harbour.
- Recommended
Creative Quarter
A creative quarter of lanes and workshops with independent shops, murals and regular cultural events in the old centre.
- Gluten-free
Dover Sole
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.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Whitstable or Kent oysters are widely eaten along this coast, served raw with lemon. They reflect the long shellfish tradition of the Kent shoreline.
Kent Fish Stew
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.
Marleys
Well-known bistro and wine bar in the old high street area, offering seasonal small plates and a cosy, contemporary setting.
Hatch
Popular independent café and brunch spot on the Harbour Arm, serving coffee, breakfasts and casual plates in a lively seaside atmosphere.
The Smokehouse
Long-established seafood smokehouse and deli near the harbour, known for smoked fish, shellfish and simple coastal meals.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town: dining is manageable, but hotels in peak season can rise; local buses are reasonably priced.
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
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city centre
Folkestone Central -> Folkestone Town Centre
- Distance
- 850 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Stagecoach runs Folkestone's local buses. Buy tickets in the Stagecoach Bus app before boarding for quicker travel.
- Folkestone Central is outside the core shopping area; allow about 10 min on foot to Bouverie Place and the town centre.
FAQs: London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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.
The cost of a train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £52.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone covers a distance of 95 km and takes approximately 1h 36m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone is 95 km.
The first train from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone leaves at 7:22.
The last train from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone departs at 8:32.
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
To get from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
The cheapest way to get from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone is generally not considered particularly scenic, as it primarily passes through suburban and urban areas, although there are some pleasant views of the English countryside as you approach Folkestone.
Yes, a day trip from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone is feasible with a journey duration of 1h 36m and a distance of 95 km. There are 14 trains per day available for this route.
A two to three-day visit to Folkestone is ideal to explore its coastal attractions, enjoy the Creative Quarter, and take leisurely walks along the Harbour Arm.
Yes, you can take the train from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London Gatwick Airport and Folkestone
Most London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone trains use the London St Pancras International to Folkestone West station pair, with some services arriving at Folkestone Central. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Folkestone train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Folkestone
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.
Most popular train connections from London Gatwick Airport
More options for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Folkestone and London Gatwick Airport
Most popular train connections to Folkestone
HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Folkestone London Gatwick Airport to Folkestone train
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