- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major historic dockyard museum with warships, galleries and dock buildings. One of the area's key heritage attractions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from London to Gillingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£39
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£39
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 56 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 56 m
Trains on 18 Sept
3
Distance
158 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Gillingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Gillingham will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 trains from London to Gillingham, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 158 km distance in an average of 1 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 56 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.
7:201h56London9:16Gillingham£391One-way0 changes- 8:201h56London10:16Gillingham£391One-way0 changes
- 12:201h56London14:16Gillingham£391One-way0 changes
- 7:201h56London9:16Gillingham£391One-way0 changes
- 8:201h56London10:16Gillingham£391One-way0 changes
- 12:201h56London14:16Gillingham£391One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for London to Gillingham
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £28 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £28, while a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 158 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest | £23 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London to Gillingham is a coach with an average price of £28.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Gillingham:
A coach is £15 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Gillingham costing on average £43.
The fastest way to travel from London to Gillingham is by train with an average journey time of 2h 8m.
Other travel options to Gillingham take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Gillingham including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 22m sooner (2h 8m by train vs 2h 30m by car). Tickets start at around £43 compared to roughly £23 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.
Direct services run with Southeastern, Thameslink.
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
London to Gillingham train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Gillingham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L79920 · L79342 | On time 9:09 London Waterloo (WAT) | 2h06 | 11:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 1 change | |
| L83015 · L79352 | On time 9:12 London Waterloo (WAT) | 3h03 | 12:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 1 change | |
L79352+ G14330 | Delayed 9:27 9:16London Victoria (VIC) | 2h59 | 12:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 1 change | |
L79352+ G01000+ G14937 | Delayed 10:08 9:18London Paddington (PAD) | 2h57 | 12:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 2 changes | |
| L79342 | On time 9:20 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h55 | 11:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L79352 | On time 10:20 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h55 | 12:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L79363 | On time 11:20 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h55 | 13:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L79372+C93085 | Delayed 11:27 11:36London Victoria (VIC) | 2h39 | 14:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 1 change | |
| L80254 · L79372+G27594 | Delayed 11:12 11:41London Victoria (VIC) | 2h34 | 14:15 Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL) | 2 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| 7:20 London | 1h56 | 9:16 Gillingham | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Gillingham by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book London to Gillingham trains with Omio?
South Western Railway as well as Southeastern or Thameslink offer trains services from London to Gillingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Gillingham.
Why book with Omio vs South Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for South Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from London to Gillingham.
- 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 South Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Gillingham.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from London to Gillingham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from London to Gillingham.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Gillingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London to Gillingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:40, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 158 km distance in 1h 56m.
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 158 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 56m |
First train 0:40 |
Last train 23:47 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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: South Western Railway, Southeastern, Thameslink from London to Gillingham trainsSouth Western Railway, Southeastern, Thameslink trains will get you between London and Gillingham from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
1h 56m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£17
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
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
57m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£28
Thameslink frequency
13 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
Southeastern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
46m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£24
Southeastern frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Gillingham
Things to do in Gillingham
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
- Recommended
Guildhall Museum
Art and history museum in nearby Rochester with changing displays, local collections and works by Dickens-era artists.
- Recommended
Royal Engineers Museum
Compact local museum exploring the history of the Royal Engineers through objects, medals, maps and military stories.
- Recommended
Great Lines Heritage Park
Large hilltop park with open lawns, military history and sweeping views over Chatham and the Medway towns.
- Recommended
St Mary's Island
Waterside marina quarter with promenades, modern architecture and river views. Popular for a relaxed walk near the docks.
- Recommended
Riverside Country Park
Riverside country park with broad estuary views, birdlife and paths through former military land and open grassland.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kentish Huffkins
Kentish huffkins are soft round bread rolls from Kent, traditionally eaten with cheese, ham or jam and long associated with local baking.
- Vegetarian
Canterbury Tart
Canterbury tart is a Kent dessert tart, usually filled with apple or lemon curd and almonds, linked with historic baking traditions in the county.
- Vegetarian
Gypsy Tart
Gypsy tart is a classic Kent school pudding with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar, loved locally for its rich, caramel flavour.
Selale Restaurant
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and a lively yet relaxed setting.
Gurkhas Brother
Established Nepalese and Indian venue serving curries, tandoori dishes and friendly sit-down dining in central Gillingham.
Kohinoor Grill and Spice
Modern Indian restaurant with a broad menu of regional favourites, suited to casual dinners and group meals.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for south-east England. Hotels can be cheaper than London, but dining and rail fares are still relatively costly for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 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
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: London to Gillingham train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from London to Gillingham can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The train journey from London to Gillingham covers a distance of 158 km and takes approximately 1h 56m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from London to Gillingham is 158 km.
The first train from London to Gillingham leaves at 0:40.
The last train from London to Gillingham departs at 23:47.
Trains from London to Gillingham run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from London to Gillingham.
Yes, there is a direct train between London and Gillingham. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Southeastern, Thameslink.
To get from London to Gillingham, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from London to Gillingham.
The train station in London that goes to Gillingham is London Waterloo (WAT), and it arrives at Gillingham (Dorset) (GIL).
The cheapest way to get from London to Gillingham is by train, costing approximately £17.
Booking trains from London to Gillingham 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 to Gillingham offers a mix of urban and suburban views, passing through areas like Greenwich with glimpses of the Thames, and Kent's charming towns. While not traditionally considered scenic, it provides a pleasant glimpse into both city and countryside landscapes.
A day trip from London to Gillingham may not be feasible as the journey duration is 1h 56m. However, trains run 4 times per day for this 158 km journey.
A visit to Gillingham can typically be enjoyed over a weekend, allowing two days to explore its local attractions and surroundings.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Gillingham.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Gillingham
Most London to Gillingham trains use the London Waterloo to Gillingham (Dorset) station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Gillingham 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 Gillingham
Which London station do trains to Gillingham leave from?
Trains from London to Gillingham leave from London Waterloo. The station is 1 km from London city centre at London Waterloo station, Station Approach, London, Greater London., SE1 8SW.
London WaterlooLondon Waterloo station, Station Approach, London, Greater London., SE1 8SW+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to London Waterloo from London city centre
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus139 · 10m · £2 · every ~27 min
SubwayNorthern · 3m · £0.90 · every ~86 min
London Waterloo train station facilities and services
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London VictoriaLondon Victoria station, Victoria Street, London, Greater London, SW1V 1JU+44 3450774224
City-centre transport
Getting to London Victoria from London city centre
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus24 · 8m · £2 · every ~25 min
148 · 9m · £2 · every ~30 min
38, N38 · 10m · £2 · every ~46 min
390 · 25m · £2 · every ~26 min
26, N26 · 28m · £4 · every ~27 min
A8 · 37m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
SubwayCircle, District · 5m · £2 · every ~108 min
London Victoria train station facilities and services
London Victoria has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London PaddingtonPraed Street, London, Greater London, W2 1HQ, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to London Paddington from London city centre
TrainElizabeth · 7m · £2 · every ~21 min
BusN118, N18 · 21m · £4 · every ~6 min
36 · 31m · £21 · every ~29 min
N205 · 32m · £4 · every ~2 min
46 · 1h 22m · £2 · every ~19 min
SubwayBakerloo · 12m · £4 · every ~65 min
London Paddington train station facilities and services
London Paddington 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Wasabi, The Beer House, Barburrito, Upper Crust, The Mad Bishop & Bear (Fullers), The Pasty Shop, Burger King, Pret a Manger, The Savanna, Soboro Bakery, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located next to the ticket office.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open 24/7. Information desks are located near Platform 1.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located near the taxi stand beside Platform 11. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London Paddington: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London Paddington: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London Paddington: Wheelchair access, escalators, elevators.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hilton London Paddington, Mercure London Paddington Hotel, The Pilgrm.
Which Gillingham station do trains from London arrive at?
Trains from London to Gillingham arrive at Gillingham (Dorset). Gillingham (Dorset) is from Gillingham city centre.
Gillingham (Dorset)Gillingham station, Station Yard, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4PZ
City-centre transport
Getting to Gillingham (Dorset) from Gillingham city centre
TrainLondon Waterloo - Exeter St Davids, London Waterloo - Yeovil Junction, London Waterloo - Gillingham, London Waterloo - Westbury, London Waterloo - Honiton, London Waterloo - Templecombe · 3h 58m · £74 · every ~2 min
London Waterloo - Exeter St Davids, London Waterloo - Templecombe, London Waterloo - Yeovil Junction, London Waterloo - Yeovil Pen Mill, London Waterloo - Gillingham, London Waterloo - Westbury, London Waterloo - Honiton · 4h 10m · £75 · every ~2 min
Gillingham (Dorset) train station facilities and services
Gillingham (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham (Dorset).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Dorset). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Dorset): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details. Step-free access to Platform 1 (most trains in both directions) via level access, or short ramp. Steps to Platform 2 (some trains in both directions) or step-free approximately 100m via barrow crossing with assistance only, when station is staffed, Accessible taxis: Pre-booked only, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from London to Gillingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Gillingham and London
Most popular train connections to Gillingham
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