- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £29, while a train costs an average of £177.
Distance: 331 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£177 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest | £73 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 24m Average total duration 13h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from York to Margate:
A coach is £148 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Margate costing on average £177.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Coach takes on average 13h 54m.
You'll arrive about 1h 1m sooner (3h 59m by train vs 5h 0m by car). Tickets start at around £177 compared to roughly £73 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.
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.
Trains from York to Margate run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £100 but you can travel from only £29 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 18:49. The fastest train covers the 331 km distance in 3h 33m.
Distance 331 km |
Average train duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price £100 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 33m |
First train 4:37 |
Last train 18:49 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
Contemporary gallery on the seafront showing modern and historic art linked to J M W Turner and the changing light of the Kent coast.
Museum exploring the history of crab museum collections through natural science, art and humour. A quirky recent favourite in the Old Town.
Artist Tracey Emin’s gallery and studio space in Margate, presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary art in a carefully restored bathhouse.
Sandy Blue Flag beach beside the harbour and old town. Ideal for sea views, paddling and classic seaside atmosphere close to major attractions.
Historic harbour arm and quayside with sea views, galleries, events and access to the lighthouse. A lively place for a walk in all seasons.
Characterful quarter of narrow streets with independent shops, antiques, small galleries and historic buildings just behind the seafront.
Fresh native oysters from the Kent coast, long linked to nearby Whitstable and Thanet. Briny, mineral and traditionally eaten simply with lemon.
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish and chips, deeply rooted in Margate’s harbour and beach culture.
Fresh herring, traditionally cured or smoked in Kent. It reflects the historic fishing trade along the Thanet coast.
Established bistro and wine bar in Margate Old Town, serving seasonal small plates and European-leaning cooking.
Popular seafront seafood restaurant by the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal views.
Stylish casual spot near the seafront serving brunch, coffee and modern British plates in a bright, friendly setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining and accommodation are often cheaper than London, but summer weekends and seafront stays can raise prices.
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.
Official public transport app
Margate station -> Cecil Square, Margate
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York 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.

Most York to Margate trains use the York to Margate station pair. Use this guide to compare York and Margate train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Margate.
ATMs are available at Margate.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Margate: Parking, WC.
Available at Margate: Bike Parking.
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.
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