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Ashford International to London Charing Cross train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€17.95
On Sat 24
Live timetable and departures
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:28 Ashford International | 1h 23m, Direct | 06:51 London Charing Cross | Southeastern | Find tickets |
05:39 Ashford International | 1h 19m, 3 change | 06:58 London Charing Cross | Elizabeth line | Find tickets |
05:39 Ashford International | 1h 21m, 1 change | 07:00 London Charing Cross | Southeastern | Find tickets |
11:02 Ashford International | 1h 22m, Direct | 12:24 London Charing Cross | Southeastern | Find tickets |
11:16 Ashford International | 1h 16m, 1 change | 12:32 London Charing Cross | Southeastern | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Ashford International to London Charing Cross
- Southeastern
- Elizabeth line
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Ashford International
Address:
Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1EZ
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Bus services stop on the station forecourt on Station Road, with connections across Ashford and the Kent area, including Folkestone, Maidstone and Stanhope.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located in front of the station on Station Approach. Just head out of the main exit and turn right.
Car: Several APCOA-operated car parks serve the station, including Car Park A (166 spaces) and Car Park F on Elwick Road (315 spaces), with daily rates from £11.50.
Platforms:
Managed by Southeastern, Ashford International is served by frequent Southeastern high-speed services to London St. Pancras and a stopping service to London Victoria. It has six platforms, with step-free access to all platforms via lifts. Note that Eurostar services no longer call at Ashford International. For Eurostar connections to Paris or Brussels, you will need to travel to London St Pancras first.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Conveniently located on the concourse, the Coffee Room at the station is a good option for a coffee or snack before your train – with a variety of breakfast options, including croissants or a bacon bap. Head to the Coachworks on nearby Dover Place for a food court and beer hall with several quick meal options, including burgers, momos and Himalayan street food.
If you have a little longer, Curious Brewery and Taprooms is an independent brewery on Victoria Road with food options including pizza, burgers and a Wednesday steak night."
FAQs about Ashford International Station
Does Eurostar stop at Ashford International?
Not anymore. Eurostar services were suspended at Ashford International in 2020 and have not been reinstated. For Eurostar services to Paris or Brussels, you will now need to travel back to London St Pancras International and board the Eurostar there.
How long is the train from Ashford International to London?
Southeastern operates high-speed services from Ashford International to London St Pancras International in approximately 40 minutes. Slower stopping services to London Charing Cross or London Victoria take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Is Ashford International a big station?
Ashford International is a significant junction in Kent with six busy platforms, handling high-speed Southeastern services to London and local services across Kent to Dover, Ramsgate, Margate and Folkestone, as well as Southern services to Eastbourne.
Where do trains from Ashford International go?
Southeastern operates high-speed services to London St Pancras International, and local services to Dover Priory, Ramsgate, Margate, Folkestone, Canterbury and Maidstone. Southern also serves Ashford with services to the southern coast.
Arriving at London Charing Cross
Address:
The Strand, London, WC2N 5HF, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
London Underground: London Charing Cross is served by two Tube stations at either end (both in Fare Zone 1). Charing Cross is on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and Embankment is on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines.
Bus: Plenty of buses stop along the Strand, on Charing Cross Road and around Trafalgar Square nearby. Routes run to/from Camden, Vauxhall, Waterloo, Hammersmith and other locations.
River bus: Embankment Pier (three-minute walk) is on two river bus routes between Barking Riverside Pier and Battersea Power Station Pier (RB1) and between Barking Riverside Pier and Putney Pier (RB6).
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Licensed black cabs pick up and drop off passengers at the station forecourt.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
British Optical Association Museum (1-min walk)
Trafalgar Square (3-min walk)
Covent Garden (7-min walk)
Somerset House (9-min walk)
St James’s Park (11-min walk)
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"London Charing Cross features a bright main concourse equipped with ticket machines, coffee kiosks, and indoor seating. Located at London’s official geographic center, the station places you steps away from Trafalgar Square, The Strand, and the National Gallery. Its compact layout ensures clear navigation through ticket barriers, providing easy access between national rail platforms, street-level shops, and iconic West End landmarks."
FAQs: London Charing Cross Station
Is Charing Cross station open 24 hours?
The ticket office at Charing Cross rail station is open 24 hours from Monday to Sunday, but passengers should note that trains don’t run throughout the night.
What time is the last train from Charing Cross?
The last services from London Charing Cross typically depart around 23:25, Monday to Wednesday and around 00:50 from Thursday to Sunday.
Does Charing Cross station have toilets?
Yes, the toilets are on the lower level between two entryways leading to the Strand. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are around the corner.
What shops are in Charing Cross?
London Charing Cross has a selection of shops stocking travel essentials, books and refreshments. Options include WHSmith, M&S, Costa and Upper Crust.
Is Charing Cross station step-free?
Yes, there is level access to all six platforms, ramps to help passengers on and off the train and accessible toilets.
FAQ
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How much is a train from Ashford International to London Charing Cross?
Tickets from Ashford International to London Charing Cross typically cost €52.90, but can be as cheap as €17.95 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Ashford International to London Charing Cross?
The journey should take, on average, 1h 19m, though it can be as quick as 1h 16m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Ashford International to London Charing Cross?
Yes, there is a direct train between Ashford International and London Charing Cross. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Ashford International to London Charing Cross?
You can typically book tickets from Ashford International to London Charing Cross up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Ashford International to London Charing Cross trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Ashford International to London Charing Cross are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Ashford International from London Charing Cross?
The distance between Ashford International and London Charing Cross is approximately 50 miles (80km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Ashford International to London Charing Cross?
There is 13 train running from Ashford International to London Charing Cross per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Ashford International to London Charing Cross?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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