- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major maritime heritage site with historic warships, galleries and dockyard buildings. Chatham's signature attraction and essential for naval history.
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 50 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
86 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Chatham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Chatham will cost around $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
Of the 2 trains that leave Luton for Chatham on Fri, Aug 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 21 the direct trains cover the 86 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
On Fri, Aug 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 4 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 train as it is the most popular option from Luton to Chatham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $14.
Distance: 53 miles (86 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $26 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.80 (€-3.86). The journey takes 1h 36m versus 1h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Luton to Chatham trains for today, Thursday, August 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:17 AM Luton | 2h18 | 9:35 AM Chatham | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:47 AM Luton | 2h18 | 10:05 AM Chatham | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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 Luton to Chatham run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 53 miles (86 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 53 miles (86 km) |
Average train duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 4:12 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Chatham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chatham trip today.
Major maritime heritage site with historic warships, galleries and dockyard buildings. Chatham's signature attraction and essential for naval history.
Museum tracing the history of the Royal Engineers through campaigns, innovation and medals. A strong choice for military and engineering enthusiasts.
Restored Victorian sloop at the dockyard, open as a museum ship. Offers a vivid sense of naval life and traditional shipbuilding.
Extensive parkland of former fortifications with open views, wildlife and walking trails. One of Chatham's best outdoor areas for history and scenery.
Regenerated waterfront district with marina views, modern promenades and dockside heritage. Popular for relaxed walks and seeing Chatham's newer side.
Historic defensive earthworks and paths surrounding Chatham. Excellent for long walks, local history and elevated views across the Medway towns.
A hearty Kent meat pie filled with beef, potato, onion and stock. It is a long-standing county comfort food found across traditional pubs and bakeries.
Soft Kentish bread rolls traditionally served split and filled, often with local cheese or ham. They are a classic regional bakery item tied to everyday eating.
A rich fruit-filled baked pudding linked to nearby Rochester and wider Medway. It is a traditional dessert with suet pastry and dried fruit.
Popular Turkish grill and meze restaurant known for generous portions, charcoal-cooked meats and a lively modern atmosphere.
Established Indian restaurant serving classic curries and tandoori dishes in a comfortable, traditional setting close to central Chatham.
Well-known local pub venue with British mains, roasts and drinks. It offers a relaxed historic atmosphere by the dockside area.
Moderate for southeast England. Hotels and rail can be pricey, but pubs, casual meals, and local buses are fairly manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes and pubs usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Chatham Railway Station -> Chatham Waterfront Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton to Chatham 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 Chatham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Luton to Chatham trains use the Luton to Chatham station pair. Use this guide to compare Luton and Chatham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Chatham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chatham.
ATMs are available at Chatham.
Ticket office support is available at Chatham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help 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 Chatham: Parking, WC.
Available at Chatham: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services to London via ramp to car park. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London via ramp from Railway Street. Step free interchange via road and steep paths is in excess of 250 metres. Step access between platforms available via the booking hall, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: In the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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