- 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 Southampton to Maidstone
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£31
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£31
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
4 h 24 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
4 h 24 m
Trains on 19 Sept
1
Distance
140 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Maidstone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Maidstone will cost around £31 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
Fast trains
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 trains from Southampton to Maidstone, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 140 km distance in an average of 4 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 24 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.
6:004h24Southampton10:24Maidstone£311One-way0 changes
- 6:004h24Southampton10:24Maidstone£311One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Southampton to Maidstone
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Maidstone among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £65 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £65, while a train costs an average of £65.
Distance: 140 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£65 Average Price Cheapest | £29 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to Maidstone is a train with an average price of £65.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Maidstone is by train with an average journey time of 2h 49m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Maidstone 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 £65 compared to roughly £29 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-36.26. The journey takes 2h 49m versus 2h 12m 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
Southampton to Maidstone train times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Maidstone trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 Southampton | 4h24 | 10:24 Maidstone | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton 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.
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19 Sept
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Why should you book Southampton to Maidstone trains with Omio?
Southern as well as South Western Railway offer trains services from Southampton to Maidstone.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Maidstone.
Why book with Omio vs Southern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southern, but also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Maidstone.
- 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 Southern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Maidstone.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Maidstone.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Maidstone.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Southampton to Maidstone
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Southampton to Maidstone run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 140 km distance in 2h 19m.
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 140 km |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 19m |
First train 4:52 |
Last train 23:13 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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: South Western Railway from Southampton to Maidstone trainsSouth Western Railway trains will get you between Southampton and Maidstone from £32. 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
2h 30m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£97
South Western Railway frequency
12 a day
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
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: Southampton to Maidstone train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Maidstone can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Southampton to Maidstone covers a distance of 140 km and takes approximately 2h 19m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Southampton to Maidstone is 140 km.
The first train from Southampton to Maidstone leaves at 4:52.
The last train from Southampton to Maidstone departs at 23:13.
Trains from Southampton to Maidstone run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Southampton to Maidstone.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Southampton to Maidstone.
To get from Southampton to Maidstone, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Southampton to Maidstone.
The train station in Southampton that goes to Maidstone is Southampton Central (SOU), and it arrives at Maidstone East (MDE).
The cheapest way to get from Southampton to Maidstone is by train, costing approximately £32.
Booking trains from Southampton 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 Southampton to Maidstone offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the picturesque countryside of Hampshire and Kent, with stretches of rolling hills and charming villages.
A day trip from Southampton to Maidstone is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 19m. However, there are 6 train services per day covering the 140 km journey.
To fully explore Maidstone and its attractions, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Southampton to Maidstone.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Maidstone
Most Southampton to Maidstone trains use the Southampton Central to Maidstone East station pair, with some services arriving at Maidstone West. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Maidstone train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Southampton
Arrival train stations in Maidstone
Which Southampton station do trains to Maidstone leave from?
Trains from Southampton to Maidstone leave from Southampton Central. The station is 1 km from Southampton city centre at Southampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL.
Southampton CentralSouthampton Central station, Blechynden Terrace, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1AL+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton Central from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton Central train station facilities and services
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Maidstone station do trains from Southampton arrive at?
Trains from Southampton to Maidstone most often arrive at Maidstone East. Some services arrive at Maidstone West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Maidstone arrival station.
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.
Maidstone WestStation Approach, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8RJ, United Kingdom+44 345 322 7021
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone West from Maidstone city centre
BusSeveral local bus services available
TrainSoutheastern services
Maidstone West train station facilities and services
Maidstone West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone West.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone West. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Maidstone West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maidstone West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Maidstone, Travelodge Maidstone Central, The Townhouse Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Maidstone
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Maidstone and Southampton
Most popular train connections to Maidstone
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