- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major naval heritage attraction with historic warships, exhibitions, and dockyard buildings explaining Britain's maritime story.
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
207 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Gillingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Gillingham will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 1 trains that leave Birmingham for Gillingham on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 207 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 128 miles (207 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$93 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Gillingham:
A bus is $64 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Gillingham costing on average $93.
Other travel options to Gillingham take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (2h 43m by train vs 2h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $93 compared to roughly $74 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Gillingham trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:21 PM Birmingham | 3h05 | 4:26 PM Gillingham | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Birmingham to Gillingham run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $53 but you can travel from only $20 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:36, the last at 21:36. The fastest train covers the 128 miles (207 km) distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 128 miles (207 km) |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 4:36 AM |
Last train 9:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Major naval heritage attraction with historic warships, exhibitions, and dockyard buildings explaining Britain's maritime story.
Literary museum in Dickens's former home, displaying personal objects and exploring the author's Rochester connections.
Historic house and museum dedicated to local engineer and entrepreneur Huguenot heritage, with period rooms and displays.
Historic high street lined with independent shops and period buildings, leading to the cathedral and castle.
Large urban park with formal gardens, sports spaces, play areas, and broad paths popular with local walkers.
Popular riverside country park with birdlife, open views across the estuary, and easy paths for relaxed walks.
Kentish Huffkin is a light, oval bread roll from Kent, traditionally eaten split and filled or served with local cheese and fruit preserves.
Canterbury Tart is a Kent dessert tart, usually filled with apple or jam and topped with almond frangipane, linked to regional home baking traditions.
Gypsy Tart is a famous Kent school pudding made with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar in a pastry shell, loved across the county.
Popular Turkish grill restaurant known for generous kebabs, meze and charcoal-cooked dishes in a lively, modern setting.
Well-known Nepalese and Indian restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Established steakhouse and grill offering burgers, ribs and steaks in a casual setting suited to groups and family meals.
Moderate for southeast England: rooms and rail can add up, but pubs, chain cafes, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Gillingham Rail Station -> Chatham Waterfront Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Gillingham by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Birmingham to Gillingham trains use the Birmingham New Street to Gillingham (Kent) station pair. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Gillingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Birmingham New Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: All Bar One, Leon, Caffè Nero, Five Guys, Krispy Kreme, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Wasabi, Starbucks, Hotel Chocolat
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud. ATMs are aTM machines are located on the paid concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00, Sun: 07:30 - 23:00. Information desks are in the middle of the station.
Luggage storage is you can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Birmingham New Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham New Street: Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center, Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station), Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham.
Birmingham Moor Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Moor Street. ATMs are available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Moor Street.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Birmingham Moor Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Moor Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Witton is 3 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Witton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Witton.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Witton: Parking.
Available at Witton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Witton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Gillingham (Kent) has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Gillingham (Kent).
ATMs are available at Gillingham (Kent).
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Kent). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gillingham (Kent): Parking, WC.
Available at Gillingham (Kent): Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Kent): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access to all platforms and interchange via lifts. Step free access direct to Platform 3 via side entrance off Railway Street. Stepped access from main entrance via station footbridge, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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