- Recommended
Herne Bay Museum and Gallery
Local museum covering Herne Bay's seaside history, fossils, wartime stories, and community life. A strong introduction to the town.
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$8
Fastest journey
13 m
Average duration
14 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
18 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Margate to Herne Bay is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Margate to Herne Bay will cost around $8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 6 trains that leave Margate for Herne Bay on Sun, Aug 16, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 16 the direct trains cover the 18 km distance in an average of 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 m .
On Sun, Aug 16 the slowest trains will take 15 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.
P85119
P85126
P86145
P85133
P86152
P85119
P85126
P85133
P86145
P86152Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Margate to Herne Bay among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $5.
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$5 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
45m Average total duration Fastest 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Herne Bay take longer:
Bus takes on average 31m.
The journey is about 13m faster (15m by train vs 28m by car) and roughly $0.52 (€0.42) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($5 (€4) vs $6 (€5)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Southeastern.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Margate to Herne Bay trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P85119 | 8:32 AM Margate station (MAR) | 0h13 | 8:45 AM Herne Bay station (HNB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P86140 | 8:37 AM Margate station (MAR) | 0h15 | 8:52 AM Herne Bay station (HNB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P86145 | 9:05 AM Margate station (MAR) | 0h15 | 9:20 AM Herne Bay station (HNB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P85126 | 9:32 AM Margate station (MAR) | 0h13 | 9:45 AM Herne Bay station (HNB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P86152 | 10:05 AM Margate station (MAR) | 0h15 | 10:20 AM Herne Bay station (HNB) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P85133 | 10:32 AM Margate station (MAR) | 0h13 | 10:45 AM Herne Bay station (HNB) | 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 Margate to Herne Bay run on average 5 times per day, taking around 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $5 (€4) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 11 miles (18 km) distance in 13m.
Distance 11 miles (18 km) |
Average train duration 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $5 (€4) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 13m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Herne Bay — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Herne Bay trip today.
Local museum covering Herne Bay's seaside history, fossils, wartime stories, and community life. A strong introduction to the town.
Independent gallery showing changing contemporary exhibitions by local and regional artists in a central seafront-side location.
Historic maritime collection aboard a preserved lifeboat, interpreting local sea rescue heritage at Herne Bay's seafront.
Long shingle beach and promenade ideal for sea views, strolls, and sunsets. It is the heart of Herne Bay's classic coastal atmosphere.
Clifftop coastal path and reserve near Reculver with expansive marsh, sea, and sunset views. Excellent for walking and birdwatching.
Central gardens and lawns by the sea, popular for relaxing, events, and views of the clock tower and promenade.
Fresh Whitstable or north Kent oysters are a classic nearby coastal treat, prized for their briny flavour and long tradition on this stretch of the Kent shore.
Battered white fish with chips is a staple British seaside meal, especially popular in Herne Bay for eating hot by the promenade.
A traditional Kentish pudding of apples baked under a sponge or pastry topping, celebrating the county's orchard heritage.
Popular casual spot for traditional fish and chips near the seafront, valued for fresh fried seafood and takeaway convenience.
Established Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation, offering classic curries and a comfortable dine-in atmosphere.
Well-known seafront pub and restaurant serving seafood, British classics and drinks in a relaxed harbour-side setting.
Moderate for a UK seaside town; stays and dining are usually cheaper than London, but summer weekends raise hotel prices and seafront restaurants cost more.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Herne Bay Rail Station -> Herne Bay Clock Tower
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Margate to Herne Bay 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 Herne Bay, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Margate to Herne Bay trains use the Margate to Herne Bay station pair. Use this guide to compare Margate and Herne Bay train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Margate has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Margate.
ATMs are available at Margate.
Ticket office support is available at Margate. 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 Margate: Parking, WC.
Available at Margate: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate: 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 from booking hall to platform 1 for services towards Ramsgate. Step free access to all other platforms and interchange via lifts. Stepped access to platforms 2,3 and 4 via subway, 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: station forecourt, 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: Yes.
Herne Bay is 1 km from Herne Bay city centre. Public transport options include:
Herne Bay has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Herne Bay. 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 Herne Bay: Parking, WC.
Available at Herne Bay: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Herne Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. 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 2 for services away from London direct from the station entrance. There is no step free access to Platform 1. Only Stepped access via the station subway to platform 1 for services towards London. No step free interchange between platforms, 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: platform 2, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 19:00 Saturday 06:10 - 19:00 Sunday 09:10 - 16:00, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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