High Speed Services

Operated by Southeastern

The first domestic High Speed service in the UK opened in 2009, linking London with parts of Kent.

Linking London and Kent

Southeastern operate the first domestic High Speed service in the UK. The train service has changed slightly since it was first launched back in December 2009. Trains now operate in a loop to serve more parts of Kent and provide more capacity.

As services leave London St Pancras International they use High Speed 1 (HS1) together with Eurostar services. Trains can travel up to 140mph - dramatically reducing journey times.

Southeastern operate the following services on this line:

London St Pancras International to Margate via Ashford International. Trains call at: Stratford International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Folkestone West, Folkestone Central, Dover Priory, Martin Mill, Walmer, Deal, Sandwich, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate. - Services then continue round to London St Pancras via Gravesend
London St Pancras International to Ramsgate via Gravesend. Trains call at: Stratford International, Ebbsfleet International, Gravesend, Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham (Kent), Rainham (Kent), Sittingbourne, Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Birchington-on-Sea, Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. - Services then continue round to London St Pancras via Ashford International

Javelin trains

Southeastern have x29 Class 395 High Speed (Javelin) trains. These trains are custom built for the line and feature great comfort for passengers. They are in 6 car formation - during peak times, two units are coupled together to form a 12 car train.

The High Speed service played a massive part in the London 2012 Olympic Games. Services were rebranded as the Javelin and operated every few minutes between London St Pancras and Stratford International (for the Olympic Park). Southeastern provided extra staff to assist passengers with travel quires and were happy to help those who had mobility issues or required assistance boarding or alighting.

During this time, passenger numbers were very impressive - The busiest day recorded was Monday 6th August with 131,000 passengers using the service.

A special service was operated during the Paralympic Games but not as frequent as the Olympia Games.

Revised 11/11/2016