Dartford to Deal

[Class800]

Could anyone help with this one? Is there a way to specify minimum connection time on the national rail app? My parents want to go from Dartford to Deal about 11am on Monday 6th March returning a similar time that Thursday. They require a minimum of 10 minutes connection for any change that isn't same platform or same island. Due to mobility. And prefer same platform if possible. The standard itinerary includes a 5 minute change at Dover Priory platform 3 and 1 which is unfeasible for them.

 

[_toommm_]

You can set extra change time on trainsplit.com

 

[BluePenguin]

I don’t use the National Rail app as it is awful although Trainsplit can do this for you.

There isn’t really a way to do this journey without it being slow or involving multiple changes. Your parents could change at Gravesend and Ebbsfleet International for a quick journey although the changes are less than 10 minutes

Alternatively, take the Thameslink to Rainham and change there for the connection train to Dover arriving 20 minutes later, before continuing to Deal.

If journey time is not important, they could take the 11:30 from Dartford to Gillingham where they would have 19 minutes for the connection to Ramsgate. Then 32 minutes for the one to Deal

Living in the Deal myself, the 5 minute connection is easily doable as the foot bridge is not long and there are lifts either side. Could always change at Ashford instead for more time though?

 

[Class800]

Thank you for your ideas. Been really helpful to see how challenging this route is. They've decided to go Woolwich arsenal Stratford International Deal. It emerged in further conversation Dartford was actually intended as a split point off freedom pass not an origin.

 

[BluePenguin]

You are very welcome! Starting from Woolwich Arsenal or Greenwich and taking the DLR are definitely much better options.

Remember, Stratford International HS1 station is outside of the Travelcard area, so Freedom passes are not valid. Your parents will need a ticket from there to Deal. The DLR station IS valid though.

Hope they enjoy their time in Deal. I recommend the cafe at the end of the pier

 

[Class800]

You are very welcome! Starting from Woolwich Arsenal or Greenwich and taking the DLR are definitely much better options.

Remember, Stratford International HS1 station is outside of the Travelcard area, so Freedom passes are not valid. Your parents will need a ticket from there to Deal. The DLR station IS valid though.

Hope they enjoy their time in Deal. I recommend the cafe at the end of the pier

They aren't rail experts so rely on what info I pass them. They suggested getting a ticket from Stratford International to Deal, based on the reason that Stratford is where they got a ticket from years ago to go to Norwich! They will use freedom pass to Stratford Int on the DLR. I have reminded them it's not the same station as Stratford. Thanks for your info - sometimes an initial exploration is about finding out what does not work!

 

[Islineclear3_1]

There's another good cafe over the road from Deal Pier. The one at the end of the pier can get quite busy and your parents may have to wait for a table

 

[Class800]

There's another good cafe over the road from Deal Pier. The one at the end of the pier can get quite busy and your parents may have to wait for a table

Both noted thanks

 

[cav1975]

I don’t use the National Rail app as it is awful although Trainsplit can do this for you.

There isn’t really a way to do this journey without it being slow or involving multiple changes. Your parents could change at Gravesend and Ebbsfleet International for a quick journey although the changes are less than 10 minutes

Alternatively, take the Thameslink to Rainham and change there for the connection train to Dover arriving 20 minutes later, before continuing to Deal.

If journey time is not important, they could take the 11:30 from Dartford to Gillingham where they would have 19 minutes for the connection to Ramsgate. Then 32 minutes for the one to Deal

Living in the Deal myself, the 5 minute connection is easily doable as the foot bridge is not long and there are lifts either side. Could always change at Ashford instead for more time though?

I know that they are now planning a different route, but if they go by Thameslink on another occasion change at Gillingham or Chatham on the putward journey to make use of the same platform interchange rather than using the stairs only bridge or very long walk at Rainham. I live in Rainham and have frequently seen people miss this connection. The other way it is easy - just cross from platform 1 to platform 0. Similarly if using the train that terminates at Gillingham, change at Chatham.