Content
Southeastern Electrostar (UK)
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At a Glance
Travel Pass Supplement
Rail Pass Reservation Fees
Reservations
Not Available
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Accessing the train
Wheelchair Spaces
Bikes Allowed
Train Specification
Attributes of the train
Has a Conductor
Country
Which country these trains operate in.
Great Britain
Travel Passes
Eurail
InterRail
On Board
First
Perks
WiFi
A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.
The First Class seating is arranged 2 + 1 for extra comfort.
Some of the seats in both First Class have tables, but whether these seats will be available when you board is a matter of chance.
Standard
Perks
WiFi
A complimentary WiFi portal is available throughout this train.
What won't be particularly obvious prior to boarding is that some of the Standard Class seating on these trains is arranged 2 + 2 on either side of the aisle, but other Standard Class seats on the train are arranged 2 +3.
The 2+2 seating is more spacious and comfortable, so if you will be boarding these trains at a station in which they commence a journey, it can be worth seeking out the 2 + 2 seating.
Some of the seats in Standard Class have tables, but whether these seats will be available when you board is a matter of chance.
Travel summary:
These are relatively modern and smart trains, but their primary function is to transport commuters to and from London, so they don't have the same ambience and range of facilities of long-distance express trains.
Each Electrostar train has four coaches, but two trains are joined together on most departures to and from London and at the busiest times three trains can be joined together.
Each four coach train has a First Class* seating area, a wheelchair area and a space for bikes, so on most departures this provision will be at least doubled.
*First Class is not available on the hi-speed Javelin trains, which serve many of the same destinations as these Electrostar trains.
In common with other new British trains Wi-Fi is available and wheelchair friendly spaces and accessible toilets have also been provided for.
If you require Assisted Travel the information is available here.
Routes
These trains are typically primarily used on these routes - not all station calls have been included in these summaries:
- London Charing Cross - London Waterloo East - London Bridge - Sevenoaks - Tonbridge - Ashford International - Canterbury West - Ramsgate as per southeastern timetable 1
- London Charing Cross - London Waterloo East - London Bridge - Sevenoaks - Tonbridge - Ashford International - Folkestone - Dover Priory - Martin Mill - Walmer - Deal - Sandwich - Ramsgate as per [southeastern timetable 1 (https://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/travel-information/plan-your-journey/timetables)
- London Charing Cross - London Waterloo East - London Bridge - Sevenoaks - Tonbridge - Tunbridge Wells - Wadhurst - Battle - St Leonards - Hastings as per southeastern timetable 4
- London Victoria - Bromley South - Rochester - Chatham - Gillingham - Sittingbourne - Faversham - Whitstable - Herne Bay - Birchington - Margate - Broadstairs - Ramsgate (some services terminate at Faversham) as per southeastern timetable 2
- London Victoria - Bromley South - Maidstone East - Bearsted - Ashford International as per southeastern timetable 3a
- London Charing Cross - London Waterloo East - London Bridge - Maidstone East as per southeastern timetable 3a
Good to know info
ShowMeTheJourney has anticipated what questions are most often asked about travelling on these trains and answered them below.
If you can't find the information you are seeking, you can ask a question by using the Travel Planning Service.
Are seats allocated when booking tickets?
The operator Southeastern doesn't offer seat reservations on its services, but it does offer a SeatFinder service, to enable travellers to identify which specific departures will have the highest number of available seats.
What catering is available on the train?
None - so purchase food and drink pre-boarding.
Are power sockets available?
They are not available on these trains
Is Wi-Fi available?
The Southeastern trains Wi-fi portal is both free to use and comparatively easy to access.
What is the luggage policy?
See the info on the southeastern website.
Are wheelchair spaces available?
Yes - See the info on the southeastern website.
Can non-folding bikes be taken on board?
Non-folding bicycles can be taken on any departure, except for services on Monday to Friday working days which arrive in London between 07:00 and 10:00 and depart from London between 16:00 and 19:00 – more information is available here.
However if journey is within Kent and ends before Gillingham, Otford and Tonbridge (on the routes taken by these trains) you can take your bike with you at any time - subject to space being available.
Can dogs be taken on board?
Yes, up to two dogs can be taken on board per passenger and they don't require tickets.
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