London to Whitstable Trains From £11.80*

• Bikes: These Southeastern train models can carry at least 2 bikes and space is assigned on a first come, first served basis. Conductors may turn away cyclists on sunny summer weekends when trains are busy. Bikes also aren't allowed on trains leaving London between 16:00 and 19:00 Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
• Pets: You can take up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic animals (per passenger). Dogs must be on a lead at all times and other animals in containers. Pets can't occupy a seat. Keep in mind, too, that these services can get extremely busy with daytrippers on weekends in summer.

Is there a train from London to Whitstable?

For a summer's day out on the Kent coast, trains from London to Whitstable depart from London Victoria and London St Pancras. Here's an overview of which route is best for different types of traveller.

• From East London: it's best to go to Stratford International and catch the train there to Whitstable from there — this is the service that comes from St Pancras International. 
• From South East London suburbs: consider if it's easier for you to get to Bromley South station as you can catch the train to Whitstable from there — this is the service that comes from Victoria. 

Departing from London St Pancras & Victoria

• Getting to the station: Underground is best as the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines all stop here — this covers large parts of London.
• Platforms for trains to Whitstable: Southeastern Highspeed services to Whitstable leave from the lower-level platforms 11 or 13 . These are separate from the Eurostar and Thameslink concourses, so follow the signs when you arrive. 
• Accessibility: It's a Category A station, so there's step-free access throughout. There are accessible toilets by the circle concourse and international arrivals concourse. Passenger Assistance Meeting Point is by the main entrance off Pancras Road. 
• Don't miss: The Harry Potter platform 9 ¾ for a photo or a selfie. There can be queues, so arrive early if you want your picture taken.

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. 

• Getting to the station: From Central or South London: Victoria line from stations like Oxford Circus, Green Park, Vauxhall and Brixton. If you're coming from Walthamstow Central, Seven Sisters, Finsbury Park, Highbury & Islington, it's best to get off at King's Cross St Pancras and take the train from there. From West London: District or Circle line from stations like South Kensington, Gloucester Road, Notting Hill Gate and Ealing. From Southern suburbs: Southern trains from East Croydon and Clapham Junction straight into Victoria. If you're coming from South West London, take a South West Railways train to Clapham Junction and change there for trains to Victoria. 
• Platforms for trains to Whitstable: Southeastern trains depart to Whitstable from platforms 1 to 7 on the eastern side of the station. Check the departure boards on the day.

• Accessibility: It's a Category A station, which means there's step-free access throughout. There are 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: Buckingham Palace is just a 10-minute walk away. Turn left when you come out of the main exit and then turn right onto Buckingham Palace road and keep walking until you reach the landmark. Here, you can see the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11:00 AM, and Captain's Inspection on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 3:00 PM.

The journey from London to Whitstable

• Best side for views: Sit on the right-hand side facing forward for views of Rochester Castle just after crossing the Medway from Strood.
• The "you're nearly there" cue: After Faversham, you'll start to see Kent marshland and see the Thames Estuary on the horizon.

This journey takes 1 hour 18 minutes but there's no high-speed section on this route — you'll be on the conventional Kent network the whole way. All trains call at Bromley South and then, after this, calling points vary depending on the service. Major stops typically include Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Faversham. 

• Best side for views: Sit on the left-hand side facing forward for views of Battersea Power Station just after leaving Victoria station and crossing over the Thames.

• The "you're nearly there" cue: After Faversham, you'll see Kent marshland and the Thames Estuary on the horizon.

Arriving at Whitstable

Trains from London to Whitstable generally pull in at platform 2 and there's step-free access from here to the concourse. This is a small station with limited facilities. If you need refreshments, you'll have more options in town.

Whitstable is popular for a day out on busy summer weekends, so lots of people get off here — it's a good idea to get your things ready and approach the doorways a few minutes before to get a head start. 

Whitstable Station is in a residential area around a 10 minute walk from the coast and main attractions. Here's how to get around:

• By foot: Turn left when you come out of the main concourse building and follow Station Approach until you hit Railway Avenue. Go left down this road until you see the flat roundabout — you'll then need to go right up Cromwell Road for half a mile until you reach Harbour Road. From this T junction: Turn left and walk 5-10 minutes for the harbour, beach and sea wall; Turn right and walk 10 minutes for Whitstable Castle and 20 minutes for Tankteron Slopes

• By bus: The number 5 stops on Station Approach but this goes to Whitstable Library in the town centre, but this will actually leave you further away from the main attractions. It's best to get a taxi if you don't want to walk.
• By taxi: There's a taxi rank outside with services run by Abacus Cars (01227 277745) and Whitstable Taxis (01227 262120).