Your perfect train journey to Folkestone Beach

Sunset over the chalk cliffs, turquoise waves at Sunny Sands, and the eclectic Harbour Arm scene make Folkestone Beach truly unforgettable. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and bodyboarding add a dash of excitement, while art galleries and boutiques sprinkle in cultural charm.

Choosing to visit by train makes every bit of the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Direct and scenic rail routes cut through the countryside, delivering you to the coast with minimal hassle. There's no need to worry about parking, traffic, or navigating unfamiliar roads. It's also one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel, especially on Southeastern's all-electric trains, and surprisingly affordable, particularly with early booking and railcard discounts.

The main station serving the beach is Folkestone Central, which places you within walking distance of the seafront attractions. The walk is roughly 20–25 minutes, but if you're not keen on hoofing it, local taxis and buses are easily accessible from the station. While there's no official beach shuttle, regular buses from nearby stops can drop you closer to the sand.

For walkers, exit the station and head east on Station Approach. Turn right onto Cheriton Road, then follow it to Castle Hill Avenue. Continue through the roundabouts and onto Clifton Gardens. From there, head towards The Leas, then make your way down to Lower Sandgate Road. A few turns later, you'll find yourself standing seaside, looking out across Folkestone Beach.

Folkestone Central Station is operated by Southeastern and is equipped with all the essentials. You'll find ticket offices and machines, step-free access to platforms, smartcard services, toilets, and waiting rooms. The station is open Monday to Saturday from 06:00 to 19:00, and Sundays from 08:10 to 17:40.

Ticket pricing varies with peak services costing more, especially during weekday rush hours. If you want real-time updates or planning assistance, check live departures and arrivals on this page.

Thanks to Southeastern's frequent services, reaching Folkestone Beach is easy from cities across the Southeast and beyond.

Ashford International to Folkestone Beach

14 minutes (Ashford International, Southeastern, direct)

Southeastern provides a swift and direct service from Ashford International to Folkestone Central. Covering 13 miles in as little as 14 minutes, this route provides commuters and spontaneous beach‑goers with a fast and reliable connection. With 42 trains daily between 00:30 and 23:47, late returns remain easy. The smooth ride crosses Kent's gentle countryside and arrives just a short stroll away from Folkestone's golden sands.

London St Pancras to Folkestone Beach

54 minutes (London St Pancras International, Southeastern, direct)

Departing from London St Pancras International, Southeastern trains reach Folkestone Central in 54 minutes. Covering 64 miles in less than an hour, this service features 27 daily departures from 00:12 to 23:40. Travellers pass through vivid Kent countryside and coastal views as they travel south.

Ramsgate to Folkestone Beach

47 minutes (Ramsgate, Southeastern, direct)

East Kent residents can catch a direct Southeastern train from Ramsgate to Folkestone Central, completing the trip in around 47 minutes. Spanning 21 miles and operating between 05:02 and 23:43 daily, this route features 26 departures. The journey doesn’t involve any changes, and passengers enjoy a scenic ride past regional landmarks and rolling hills.

Train travel doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you're smart about booking. To secure the best deals, book tickets around 12 weeks in advance using platforms like TrainPal, which finds discounted fares and split-ticket combinations.

Don't forget to leverage Railcards. The 16–25, Two Together, Senior, and Family & Friends railcards all offer up to 33% off. Many Southeastern routes also offer Kids for £1 deals and group travel discounts for parties of 3 or more. Compare ticket types too; Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak can all offer major savings compared to Anytime fares.

Split ticketing is another clever trick: for example, splitting your journey at Ashford International could save a surprising amount, even though you remain on the same train.

Sunny Sands is the highlight of Folkestone's coastline. It is a sandy haven perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and sunbathing. The gently sloping shore is great for children, and lifeguards are on duty throughout summer. Watersports are well-supported too, with paddleboards and kayaks available to hire.

Just a short stroll via the Zig Zag Path, the Lower Leas Coastal Park offers gardens, scenic viewpoints, and shaded walking trails for those looking to escape the midday sun. It's a peaceful contrast to the lively beach and ideal for a picnic or walk.

Fishing enthusiasts head west to Sandgate Beach, while those wanting refreshments can visit the Pilot Beach Bar or indulge at the elegant Lighthouse Champagne Bar on the Harbour Arm.

Facilities include public toilets, lifeguard stations, and accessible beach ramps. If you're bringing pets, check the dog rules since Sunny Sands restricts dogs in peak summer months.

Before heading out, always check the Met Office weather forecast and local tide times. Pack wisely and carry sunscreen, towels, reusable water bottles, and flip-flops. Travelling mid-week or early morning helps avoid the crowds, and should the weather turn, nearby art galleries and cafés offer great backup options.

How fast do Southeastern trains go?

Southeastern High-Speed trains can reach 140mph, particularly on the line between London St Pancras and Ashford International, making them the fastest domestic trains in the UK.

What does AP mean on a train ticket?

AP stands for Advance Purchase. It means the ticket was bought in advance for a specific service and is only valid on the train shown on your reservation. These tickets are often the cheapest available, but once booked, they are non-refundable and non-flexible.

Do Southeastern trains have chargers?

Yes, chargers are available on Southeastern's high-speed trains. Plug sockets are located under the seats, along with additional USB ports for phones and tablets. Standard Southeastern trains do not have charging facilities, so it's best to check your service type before travelling if you need to power up during the journey.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

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