- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Major contemporary gallery on the seafront inspired by J. M. W. Turner. Essential for modern art, sea views, and Margate's creative revival.
Cheapest price
€12
Average price
€12
Fastest journey
25 m
Average duration
25 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
25 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Whitstable to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Whitstable to Margate will cost around €12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €12.
Of the 1 trains that leave Whitstable for Margate 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 25 km distance in an average of 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 25 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 25 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 Whitstable to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €8, and a bus costs an average of €13.
Distance: 15 miles (25 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€11 Average price Cheapest | €13 Average price | €5 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
51m Average total duration Fastest 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 23m Average total duration 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Whitstable to Margate:
A train is €2 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Whitstable to Margate costing on average €13.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Bus takes on average 53m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (21m by train vs 36m by car). Tickets start at around €11 compared to roughly €5 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.
Direct services run with Southeastern, Southeastern.
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.
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 Whitstable to Margate run on average 7 times per day, taking around 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €8 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 15 miles (25 km) distance in 19m.
Distance 15 miles (25 km) |
Average train duration 21m |
Cheapest ticket price €8 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 19m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
Major contemporary gallery on the seafront inspired by J. M. W. Turner. Essential for modern art, sea views, and Margate's creative revival.
Intriguing underground passage decorated with shell mosaics. Part museum, part mystery, and one of Margate's best-known heritage sites.
Small local museum telling Margate's social and seaside history through photographs, objects, and changing volunteer-led displays.
Margate's sandy main beach beside the old harbour. Ideal for classic seaside views, sunsets, and easy access to the old town.
Characterful historic quarter with narrow lanes, independent shops, and galleries. The best area for wandering and finding local charm.
Revived harbour promenade with sea views, public art, and space to stroll. Especially lively during events and summer evenings.
Fresh Pacific and North Sea oysters are a classic Kent coast treat, prized in nearby Whitstable and commonly enjoyed in Margate for their briny local character.
Beer-battered local fish with chips is a staple seaside meal in Margate, tied to the town’s harbour culture and traditional British coastal dining.
This Kent cheese is a soft washed-rind cow’s milk cheese from the region, often served on local menus and valued for its rich, pungent flavour.
A popular old-town restaurant known for modern British cooking, seasonal plates and a relaxed bistro atmosphere near the seafront.
A well-regarded seafood restaurant with refined sharing plates, natural wine and a stylish dining room close to Margate’s harbour.
A respected coffee roastery and cafe serving specialty coffee, brunch and pastries in a bright, contemporary space.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Rooms and dining cost less than London, but summer stays and tourist areas can raise hotel, cafe, and local transport prices.
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
Margate Railway Station -> Margate Old Town, Margate
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Whitstable to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Whitstable to Margate trains use the Whitstable to Margate station pair. Use this guide to compare Whitstable and Margate train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Whitstable has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Whitstable.
Ticket office support is available at Whitstable. 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 Whitstable: Parking, WC.
Available at Whitstable: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Whitstable: 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 towards London via the station forecourt off Old Bridge Road. Step free access to Platform 2 for services towards Margate via the entrance off Railway Avenue. No step free interchange between platforms. Stepped access between platforms 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: Station forecourt, 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.
Chestfield & Swalecliffe is 2 km from Whitstable city centre. Public transport options include:
Chestfield & Swalecliffe has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Chestfield & Swalecliffe. 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 Chestfield & Swalecliffe: Parking.
Available at Chestfield & Swalecliffe: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chestfield & Swalecliffe: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. This station does not have step free access. Steps to both platforms, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: by entrance to platform 1, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need