Southeastern
Southeastern runs every mainline train between London and Kent — from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, Victoria and London Bridge, plus the famous Highspeed Javelin services from St Pancras International to Ashford, Canterbury, Margate and Dover.
About Southeastern
Southeastern operates four London termini and is the busiest commuter network in the UK by tickets sold. The Highspeed Javelin service uses HS1 — the same tracks as Eurostar — running at 140 mph and reaching Ashford in 37 minutes from St Pancras.
All London zones accept Oyster and contactless, including Highspeed trains within Zone 1–6. The Javelin to Stratford International and Ebbsfleet famously turned the Olympic Park into a 7-minute ride from St Pancras.
Since October 2021 Southeastern has been run by DfT OLR Holdings (DOHL), a UK-government operator — the same group that runs LNER and Northern.
Key Southeastern routes
- St Pancras → Ashford InternationalHighspeed Javelin — 37 min, 140 mph on HS1
- Charing Cross → Sevenoaks / Tunbridge WellsTonbridge main line via Orpington
- Cannon Street → DartfordGreenwich, Bexleyheath and Sidcup lines
- Victoria → Dover PrioryChatham main line via Bromley South
Major destinations
- Ashford International
- Canterbury
- Dover
- Margate
- Folkestone
- Hastings
- Sevenoaks
- Tunbridge Wells
FAQs about Southeastern
What is the Southeastern Highspeed Javelin?
A 140 mph service from London St Pancras to Kent using HS1 (the Eurostar high-speed line). Class 395 Javelin trains reach Ebbsfleet in 17 minutes and Ashford in 37.
Can I use Oyster on Southeastern?
Yes, across all London zones (1–6) including Highspeed services within London. From Stratford International or Ebbsfleet to St Pancras both work.
Which London station do I use for Kent?
Charing Cross, Cannon Street and London Bridge for the main lines via Sevenoaks/Tonbridge; Victoria for the Chatham line to Dover; St Pancras for high-speed Javelin services to Ashford, Canterbury and Margate.