Summer coastal trains to Whitstable, Ramsgate, Margate & Broadstairs return to the Woolwich line
Direct trains from the Woolwich and Greenwich line towards the Kent coast have somewhat unexpectedly returned this year.
The trains only run on the weekend in coming weeks with trains this coming Saturday and Sunday. That does change with weekday running commencing on 10th August. Click here to see the timetable for this Saturday.
Trains stop at all stations along the line from central London up until Dartford. Greenwich, for example, sees a train leave at 8:42am which then stops at all stations including Woolwich Arsenal at 8:56am and Abbey Wood at 9:01am.
Then it’s on to Kent and Whitstable, Herne Bay, Margate, Broadstairs before arriving at Ramsgate at 11am.
On Sunday the service runs just over an hour later towards Kent.
Click here to see a weekday service from 10th August. Timings fall in between weekend times.
This Saturday the return train leaves Ramsgate at 5:12pm. The timetable can be seen here.
An adult fare from Woolwich Arsenal to Margate, to give one example, is £33.60 return with children under 16 charged £1. A railcard takes an adult day return down to £22.20.
Previous years saw special offers of £20 return or sometimes less but I havn’t spotted any so far.
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Ridiculously expensive as are all trains in the UK unfortunately. In other countries in europe it’s possible to travel at least 200 miles for about 20 pounds…
I’m not going to spend 100 pounds to go to the seaside with my family.
Thanks Murky!
Why do they insist on making this service all stations? Really unattractive To call at every shack, wish the fast trains would make a return
£33.60, they are having a laugh.
25+y year old trains.
I think this is what is known as a Parliamentary Service. Google it.
This is lovely news, I expected the special services to be cancelled this year. Can’t wait to head back to the coast, I’ve missed the sea in lockdown.
On Saturday I left Greenwich for the first time since lockdown to enjoy a day out in Whitstable on this train service. The train was almost empty. Whitstable was fairly quiet, maybe because of the weather so it felt safe. Shops all had hand gel and a limit on numbers. It cost me nearly £20 with my senior rail card and I was free to travel back by any off-peak train, avoiding central London.
I will definitely do another trip.