Planning a weekend away or a sunny day out at the beach? Trains to Folkestone take just under an hour from London and Maidstone and 15m from Dover and Ashford, so you’ll be soaking up the sun in no time.
We’re here to be your one-stop-shop for cheap train tickets, times and info about how to get to Folkestone by train. If you want to get straight to booking, start a search for times and tickets above, or keep reading to find out more about trains to Folkestone.
How to buy cheap train tickets to Folkestone
There are a few ways you can save money on train travel this summer. Some of our top tips for booking cheap train tickets to Folkestone include:
Travel Off-Peak
Tickets are usually cheaper to Folkestone if you travel during Off-Peak hours. This is normally outside of rush hours during Monday to Friday, and anytime during the weekend. We’ll highlight whether a journey is during Off-Peak train times as your search for tickets.
Book in advance
Train tickets to Folkestone normally go on sale around 12 weeks in advance, usually at their cheapest price. If Advance train tickets aren’t on sale yet, why not sign up to our Ticket Alert tool, and we’ll email you as soon as you can buy tickets for your chosen date.
Save up to 1/3 with a Railcard
Railcards can save you to 1/3 on the price of eligible train tickets to Folkestone. Costing just £35 for one year, it doesn’t take long to make your money back either. Find out if you qualify for one and buy a Railcard online with us today.
Save up to 1/3 with GroupSave
If you’re heading to Folkestone with three to nine of your favourite pals, we’ll let you know if you qualify for GroupSave when you search. This discount allows groups that are travelling together to save up to 1/3 on rail fares.
Split your train tickets
Splitting your journey into several sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Our ticket-splitting app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.
Why not check out our train deals and discounts guide to discover the latest offers from train companies you can book with us.
Popular train routes to Folkestone
Travelling by train is the fastest, easiest and greenest way to get to Folkestone from the other UK destinations. Southeastern services run frequent services to Folkestone throughout the day. Have a look at our table below for more information about the most popular routes to Folkestone, or start your search for a different station in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| London to Folkestone | 53m | Southeastern |
| Dover to Folkestone | 13m | Southeastern |
| Ashford to Folkestone | 14m | Southeastern |
| Maidstone to Folkestone | 47m | Southeastern |
| Canterbury to Folkestone | 1h 38m | Southeastern |
Visiting Folkestone
This charming port town in Kent lies on the southern edge of the North Downs and has been attracting tourists since Victorian times. Folkestone was an important harbour and shipping port for most of the 19th and 20th centuries and is also home to the English terminus of the Channel Tunnel.
There are lots of exciting things to see and do in Folkestone, whether you're visiting for a day, a weekend or longer. A wander along the Leas is not to be missed. This pretty promenade on the cliffs above the beach offers excellent views of the Strait of Dover, you can ever see France on a clear day. Folkestone's revitalised harbour is also a popular summer dining destination, with live music, eateries and street food stalls.
No trip to Folkestone is complete without a visit to Sunny Sands beach, where you can catch a glimpse of the Folkestone Mermaid, a life-sized bronze sculpture perched on the rocks. Check out our dedicated guide to the best beaches near London by train for more information on this stunning beach and how to get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Folkestone?
There are two main train stations in Folkestone, Folkestone Central and Folkestone West.
Which train companies run trains to Folkestone?
The primary operator of trains to Folkestone is Southeastern.
How do I find cheap tickets to Folkestone?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Folkestone. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Folkestone running?
There are frequent daily services to Folkestone, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Folkestone.