London to Deal Trains From €20.35*

Southeastern is the only operator on the London to Deal route and runs its modern, high-speed Class 395 Javelin trains. These are Standard Class only. Here's on an overview of the onboard experience:

• Bikes: Up to 2 per train, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Not allowed on services departing London Mondays to Fridays from 16:00 to 19:00. Conductors may not let cyclists board if the trains are busy on summer weekends.
• Pets: Up to 2 domestic animals per passenger allowed for free. Extra cost £5 per animal (or half the adult fare, whichever is less). Small animals must be kept in a container and dogs have to be on a lead. They can't occupy a seat, either.

Which London station goes to Deal?

Has Deal got a train station?

Trains from London to Deal depart hourly from St Pancras International, usually at 4 minutes or 7 minutes past the hour. For weekend day trips, here are the times to keep in mind:

• First departure from London to Deal: On Saturday, this is at 08:07, while on Sunday it's at 09:07. 
• Last train back from Deal to London: The latest service from Deal to St Pancras leaves at 22:28 on Saturdays and at 21:28 on Sundays. 

Remember, weekend trains are prone to disruption due to engineering works, so be sure to double check ahead of time.

Departing from London St Pancras International

• From Oxford Circus, Green Park, Victoria, and Pimlico: Take the Victoria line northbound to King's Cross St Pancras.

• From Paddington, Baker Street, and Edgware Road: Take the Circle or Hammersmith & City line eastbound to King's Cross St Pancras.

• From the City (Blackfriars, City Thameslink, and Farringdon): Take a Thameslink service direct to St Pancras International.

• From Walthamstow, Tottenham Hale, Finsbury Park, and Highbury & Islington: Take the Victoria line southbound to King's Cross St Pancras.

• From Camden Town, Angel, and Old Street: Take the Northern line (Bank branch) to King's Cross St Pancras.

• You'd be best to go to Stratford International and take the train to Deal from there. This is the first stop on the St Pancras to Deal line

• From Borough, London Bridge, and Elephant & Castle: Take the Northern line (Bank branch) northbound to King's Cross St Pancras.

• From Brixton, Stockwell, and Vauxhall: Take the Victoria line northbound to King's Cross St Pancras.

• From Herne Hill, Streatham, East Croydon, Sutton, and Gatwick: Take a Thameslink service direct to St Pancras International.

• From other South London suburbs, take the train into Victoria or Waterloo and connect from there.

• Accessibility: This is a Category A station, so there's step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assistance Meeting Point for Southeastern is by platforms 11 and 12, where the trains depart from. Accessible toilets are located next to international arrival on the lower level or by the Circle concourse on the upper level.
• Shops and refreshments: Spread across the upper and lower concourse, including well-known food and cafe chains. Remember that Southeastern doesn't have catering onboard, so it's a good idea to buy snacks or a bite to eat beforehand.

The journey from London to Deal

It's a 1 hour 23 minute journey from London St Pancras to Deal. Trains run along the High Speed 1 Line up to Ashford International before branching off to the South Eastern Main Line to Dover and then onto the Kent Coast Line towards Ramsgate. You'll be mostly underground until reaching Ebbsfleet International.

• Best side for views: Sit on the right hand side facing forward for views of the English Channel between Folkestone and Dover — on clear days, you can even see Calais in France.
• The "you're nearly there cue": Look out for Victoria Park green on the left-hand side, this is just minutes before Deal Station.

London to Deal trains call at: Stratford International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Folkestone West, Folkestone Central, Dover Priory, Martin Mill, and Walmer.

Arriving at Deal

• The High Street and town centre: As you exit the car park, turn left onto Queen Street and walk straight for a few minutes until you hit the traffic lights — this is the junction with the High Street. It's a flat walk of around 5 minutes.
• Deal Pier and the seafront: After turning left out of the car park, walk 10 minutes straight down Queen Street until you reach the seafront, where you'll see the pier to your left. The pebble beach is straight ahead with direct access from the promenade.
• Deal Castle: Turn left out of the station car park onto Queen Street, walk down this road towards the traffic lights where you'll turn right onto the High Street. Follow this straight (it changes name to Victoria Road) and after 5 minutes you'll see Deal Castle on your left. 

If you don't want to walk, there's a taxi rank at the front of the station on the Platform 1 side. The local operators are:

• A1 Castle Taxis: 01304 362 299
• Deal Cars: 01304 382 345
• Direct Cars: 01304 382 222