London to Margate Trains From €14.73*

• Bikes: Southeastern trains have space for at least 2 bikes, but keep in mind that these are first come, first served basis. You can't take bikes on trains leaving London between 16:00 and 19:00 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). Conductors may also turn bikes away on busy summer weekends when trains are full. 
• Pets: Up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic animals can travel per passenger. Dogs have to be on a lead at all times and other animals kept in containers. Neither dogs nor containers can go on seats. It's important to remember that these trains can get busy on sunny weekends in summer.

Which station in London goes to Margate?

When planning your summer day out in Margate and on the Kent coast, you can depart from St Pancras or London Victoria. Here's a comparison table to help you choose the best route for you. 

• If you're based in East London, you can skip going to St Pancras and catch the train to Margate from Stratford International instead — this is the same service and saves you the journey into central London.
• For those who live in suburban areas of South East London, like Crystal Palace and Lewisham, you might find it easier to go to Bromley South station to pick up the Victoria to Margate service from there. Bromley South is the first stop on the line.

Departing from London St Pancras & Victoria

• Getting to the station: St Pancras is on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines, which means you get here from most parts of London.
• Platforms for trains to Margate: These depart from the lower-level platforms 11 or 13, which are separate from the Eurostar and Thameslink concourses. Follow the signs for Southeastern Highspeed when you arrive. 
• Accessibility: There's step-free access throughout the station (it's Category A) and you'll find accessible toilets by the circle concourse and international arrivals concourse. For the Passenger Assistance Meeting Point, go to the main entrance off Pancras Road. 
• Don't miss: Harry Potter fans won't want to miss the famous Platform 9 ¾. Just arrive early if you want your picture taken — there are often queues. 

Remember, Southeastern trains don't have catering onboard, so be sure to buy food, snacks and drinks in St Pancras — there are plenty of well-known supermarkets and chain restaurants on the concourse.

London Victoria station is located in the City of Westminster (SW1V 1JU), on the southwestern edge of central London and where Theatreland starts. There are supermarkets, cafes, pubs and even a shopping centre to buy refreshments. 

London Victoria is on the southwestern edge of central London (SW1V 1JU), close to Grosvenor and Westminster. 

• Getting to the station: 

• District & Circle lines: Ideal if you're coming from South Kensington, Gloucester Road, Notting Hill Gate, Ealing and Embankment. From Liverpool Street and Tower Hill, you're best to go to Stratford and catch the train to Margate from there.

• Southern trains: Catch these services from East Croydon and Clapham Junction for direct connections in London Victoria. You can change at Clapham Junction if you're coming in from South West London areas on South West Railways trains. 

• Southeastern trains: For stations north of Herne Hill, catch the train into Victoria. For those south, it's quicker for you to go to Bromley South and take the train to Margate from there.

• Platforms for trains to Margate: Southeastern's services to Margate depart from platforms 1 to 7 on the eastern side of the station. Be sure to check the departure boards on the day.
• Accessibility: There's step-free access throughout the station, three accessible toilets on the central concourse, one by the station reception and another by the Victoria Shopping Gallery. Passenger Assistance Meeting Points are available from platforms 1 to 7.
• Don't miss: If you have time, it takes 10 minutes to get to Buckingham Palace by foot — just go left when out of the main exit before turning right onto Buckingham Palace road, then keep walking until you see the landmark. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11:00 AM you can see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, while on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 3:00 PM  you can catch the Captain's Inspection.

There are plenty of supermarkets and restaurants at Victoria to grab snacks — Southeastern doesn't have catering onboard.

The journey from London to Margate

London to Margate trains that leave from St Pancras go along the High Speed 1 (HS1) line to Ebbsfleet where they connect to the Chatham Main Line and then Kent Coast Line from Faversham. 

The first part of the journey is mostly underground until Ebbsfleet, although you may catch a few views of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park around Stratford. The journey takes around 1 hour 36 minutes.

• Best side for views: The right-hand side will give you views of Rochester Castle after crossing the Medway from Strood.
• The "you're nearly there" cue: You'll see the Ferris Wheel and roller coasters of Dreamland on the approach into Margate.

It's a 1 hour 42 minute journey from London Victoria to Margate and trains go along the Chatham Main Line until Faversham where they branch off onto the Kent Coast Line. 

Services stop at Bromley South, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham (Kent), Rainham (Kent), Sittingbourne, Faversham, Whitstable, Chestfield & Swalecliffe, Herne Bay, Birchington-On-Sea, and Westgate-On-Sea 

• Best side for views: The left-hand side facing forward is a good choice for views of Battersea Power Station as you cross the River Thames after leaving Victoria station, just minutes into the journey.
• The "you're nearly there" cue: As you approach Margate, you'll see the ferris wheel and roller coasters of Dreamland. 

Arriving at Margate

• By foot: Turn right out of the ticket hall onto Station Approach, then walk towards the seafront and cross onto the promenade, Marine Terrace. From Marine Terrace, turn left and head west along the promenade for Dreamland, around 2 minutes along Marine Terrace, go right down Hall By The Sea Road just off the promenade for the main entrance.

• Margate Beach: This runs the whole length of Marine Terrace and Marine Drive.
• Turner Contemporary: Keep going along the waterfront for 800 metres — you'll see the gallery on the waterfront at Rendezvous (CT9 1HG). 

• By bus: Take the 34 bus from the bus stop outside the stations towards Margate Town Centre.
• By taxi: From the taxi rank outside the station, call: Central Cars: 01843 888888; Thanet Cars: 01843 333333; United Cars: 01843 581581