09/01/2023
Exploring the beautiful Thanet coast, with its charming towns of Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate, is an adventure made simple with a variety of transport options. Whether you're arriving by car, train, or prefer to rely on public transport, this guide will equip you with all the essential information to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. We'll delve into the specifics of each mode of transport, helping you choose the best way to experience everything Thanet has to offer.
Travelling by Car
For those who prefer the flexibility of their own vehicle, Thanet offers several parking facilities. The Thanet District Council provides comprehensive information on parking locations and charges via their website. A fantastic perk for visitors and locals alike is the availability of FREE car parking every Saturday at select car parks: Mill Lane in Margate, Harold Road in Cliftonville, St Peter's Park Road in Broadstairs, and Cannon Road in Ramsgate. This makes weekend explorations even more accessible.
For the eco-conscious traveller or those with electric vehicles, Thanet is equipped with numerous charging points. These are conveniently located across the district:
| Location | Address | Number of Bays | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birchington | Albion Road car park, CT7 9DN | 1 | |
| Margate | Turner Contemporary car park, Rendezvous, CT9 1HG | 2 | |
| Margate | Market Street car park, CT9 1EU | 2 | |
| Broadstairs | Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, CT10 2BF | 5 | 2 multi-charge, 1 Tesla, 2 Podpoint (app required) |
| Broadstairs | Canterbury Bell, CT10 2QD | 2 | |
| Broadstairs | Tesco Extra car park, CT10 2QJ | 4 | |
| Broadstairs | Sainsbury’s car park, CT12 5FJ | 6 | |
| Broadstairs | Asda Car Park, CT10 2NR | 2 | |
| Ramsgate | Asda, CT11 9TT | 2 | |
| Manston | Holiday Inn Express, CT12 4AU | 2 |
For those needing to rent a vehicle, options are available. Pierremonts at Ramsgate Train Station (01843 581122) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car on Westwood Road in Broadstairs (01843 605151) are two reliable choices.
Exploring by Taxi
Taxis provide a convenient and direct way to travel around Thanet. Several local companies offer their services:
- Central Cars: 01843 888888, www.centralcarsthanet.co.uk
- Thanet Cars: 01843 333333 / 292929 / 595959
- United Cars: 01843 581581
Using a taxi is an excellent option for door-to-door service, especially if you have luggage or are travelling with family.
The Convenience of Train Travel
Thanet's rail network is incredibly efficient, with all stations situated on the same line. This makes inter-town travel between Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate quick and easy. You'll also find stations at Minster, Birchington, Westgate, and Dumpton.
The new Thanet Parkway station, located between Ramsgate and Minster, is a significant development. It accommodates both standard and High Speed services, with a journey time to London St Pancras of approximately 70 minutes. This provides a crucial link for commuters and visitors heading to the capital.
Thanet's rail connections extend beyond the immediate area. You can travel along the South Kent coast to Sandwich, Deal, Dover, and Folkestone, or northwards to Herne Bay and Whitstable. Direct services also connect Thanet with Canterbury, Ashford, and several major London stations, including Victoria, Waterloo East, and Charing Cross. The frequent High Speed service to London St Pancras is particularly noteworthy, offering a swift connection to the International Eurostar terminus.
Making the Most of Bus Services
Thanet boasts a comprehensive bus network, predominantly operated by Stagecoach. This network effectively connects Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and the surrounding villages, offering a car-free travel solution.
Stagecoach offers a 'Dayrider' ticket, which is perfect for exploring the area. This ticket grants unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to any Stagecoach bus within Thanet for the entire day, providing excellent value and flexibility.
A highlight of the bus service is 'The Loop'. This popular route runs in a continuous cycle, connecting Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate. Services are frequent, operating up to every 8-10 minutes, seven days a week, from early morning until late evening. Additionally, the number 8 bus provides excellent links to the nearby city of Canterbury, and other Stagecoach services offer easy access to the picturesque villages.
Concessionary bus passes are accepted on all services, though it's advisable to check for any potential restrictions. For detailed information, Stagecoach can be contacted directly.
Stagecoach Contact Information:
- Website: www.stagecoachbus.com/plan-a-journey
- Telephone: 03456 002299
The Stagecoach Bus App is a valuable tool for planning journeys, checking live bus times, and purchasing paperless tickets. It's available for free on the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Android).
Exploring On Foot and By Bicycle
The three main towns of Thanet are highly walkable, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. For those who enjoy a more active exploration, the Viking Coastal Trail is a must. This 32-mile route stretches along the coast, connecting Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate, and is shared by both walkers and cyclists. The trail can be easily broken down into smaller sections or combined with other coastal routes in Kent.
A significant advantage of the Viking Coastal Trail is that two-thirds of it is off-road, making it ideal for family outings. The route is clearly signed throughout, ensuring you stay on track. Free visitor maps, which detail the trail and town plans, are available from the Thanet Visitor Information Centre in Margate. Cycle hire information can also be obtained from this centre, making it easy to embark on a cycling adventure.
Accessible Travel
Thanet is committed to ensuring that travel is accessible for everyone. For specific information regarding accessible travel options, including details on which services cater to those with mobility needs, please refer to the provided link for accessible travel information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How frequent are the buses in Thanet?
The Loop service runs every 8-10 minutes, and other Stagecoach services offer regular connections throughout the day.
Q2: Is there free parking in Thanet?
Yes, free car parking is available every Saturday at Mill Lane (Margate), Harold Road (Cliftonville), St Peter's Park Road (Broadstairs), and Cannon Road (Ramsgate).
Q3: Can I get a fast train to London from Thanet?
Yes, Thanet boasts a frequent High Speed direct rail service to London St Pancras, with a journey time of around 70 minutes from Thanet Parkway.
Q4: Where can I find cycle hire in Thanet?
Information on cycle hire can be obtained from the Thanet Visitor Information Centre in Margate.
Q5: Are concessionary bus passes valid in Thanet?
Yes, concessionary bus passes are valid on all Stagecoach services in Thanet, subject to potential restrictions.
By utilising these diverse transport options, your visit to the beautiful Thanet coast promises to be both convenient and memorable. Whether you're seeking the buzz of the towns or the tranquility of the coastline, getting around is easier than ever.
If you want to read more articles similar to Getting Around Thanet: Your Transport Guide, you can visit the Transport category.