We're celebrating 10 years of highspeed service

Over the past decade, over 100 million passenger journeys have been made on Southeastern’s highspeed service, which first opened for business with a special preview service on June 29, 2009.

Find out more about our 10 years of highspeed


Travel at speed

We run the UK’s only highspeed train line. Our Javelin trains travel at high speeds up to 140mph from London St Pancras International or Stratford International to Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International, that go on to call at many stations across Kent – including Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate, Dover, Whitstable and Folkestone. So you can get where you need to be, faster. 

You can take your bike on our Off-Peak services too but cycle space is limited - check our bike policy for more information. 

Supplements

You can buy a supplement and upgrade to highspeed services if you have:

  • A valid ticket or Season Ticket for any Southeastern service into London
  • Highspeed supplements can be added to Key Smartcards at a ticket office
  • A Travelcard starting from a Southeastern station outside the London Travelcard area

You can buy daily highspeed upgrades from ticket offices and vending machines. If you don’t have a valid existing ticket and you want to use the highspeed line you should buy a highspeed ticket instead. 

Ways to save

Are you planning a weekend getaway, or thinking of travelling in a group of three to nine adults? Take advantage of our cheap Off-Peak train tickets such as Weekender, GroupSave and Kids for a £1 to make the most of your trip. Find more ways to save and check out our top money saving tips.

Key facts

  • Southeastern introduced the UK’s first domestic highspeed service from East Kent to St Pancras International in June 2009
  • This service has cut journey times between Central London and Kent
  • The highspeed trains played a key role during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as the Javelin shuttle service. Many of the trains are named after Olympic athletes
  • All highspeed services on our routes to Kent are Hitachi Class 395 trains

Tempted to travel on our highspeed trains? Explore our network map and start planning your journey now!


Questions about our services?

Get in touch

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