Dartford Train Station, situated close to the centre of Dartford in Kent at Station Approach, Dartford, DA1 1BP, serves as the town’s main railway station and an important gateway for commuters, shoppers, and visitors. The station is typically open from early morning until late evening, with ticket office and staffing hours varying by day. Dartford station offers convenient access to Dartford town centre, the Priory Shopping Centre, local cafés and shops, and other nearby amenities, making it a practical arrival point for anyone travelling to the town or the surrounding area. There is also a good range of hotels and accommodation available near Dartford railway station.
Dartford station has a long railway history, having first opened in 1849. Its position on key routes between London and Kent has helped it play an important role in the town's growth and its commuter connections. Over time, the station has been modernised to support increasing passenger demand, with improved facilities and better interchange options. Its location also makes it useful for onward travel towards Bluewater Shopping Centre, the Dartford Crossing area, and nearby towns across north Kent.
Dartford Train Station provides direct and frequent connections to London Charing Cross, London Cannon Street, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, Gravesend, Gillingham, and other destinations across the Southeastern network. The station is also served by Thameslink services, giving passengers additional cross-London travel options.
Live arrival and departure information, including the latest departures and arrivals, is available on the National Rail Dartford Station page, where a table provides travel information and status updates.
Today, Dartford Station remains a busy and well-equipped rail gateway for Kent, with facilities including ticketing services, customer information systems, seating, parking, cycle storage, and accessibility support. Managed by Southeastern, the station provides practical onward connections and supports both daily commuters and leisure travellers visiting Dartford and the surrounding area. With regular services to London, Gravesend, Medway, and other key destinations on the route, Dartford Station continues to play an important role in the local transport network.
Station Area Map
The entrance to Dartford Station is on Station Approach, Dartford, close to the town centre and within easy reach of local shops, amenities, bus connections, and the Priory Shopping Centre. The station provides access to all platforms via the main concourse, with lifts and stairs connecting passengers to the platforms.
Station access note: Dartford Station is normally listed as having step-free access to all platforms via lifts and stairs. However, passengers should check before travelling, as lift availability can affect step-free routes between the concourse and platforms.
Dartford has four platforms in use, with lifts, stairs, and an overbridge providing access across the station. It is served by Southeastern and Thameslink, with trains operating to London Charing Cross, London Cannon Street, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, Gravesend, Gillingham, Rainham, and other destinations across Kent and London.
Dartford is located in London fare Zone 8 and is served by National Rail services linking the town with London and destinations across North Kent. Oyster pay-as-you-go and contactless payment are valid at Dartford, and smartcard ticketing is also available, including smartcard validation and ticket collection facilities. Pre-purchased tickets can also be collected from the station.
Dartford Station is open every day, with station staff available throughout. The station includes a ticket office, ticket machines, passenger information screens, seating, toilets, accessible toilets, customer help points, and retail facilities. Additional facilities include cycle storage, car parking, accessible ticket machines, ramp access for boarding trains, and a comprehensive range of customer information and accessibility support. Local onward travel links connect passengers to Dartford town centre, Bluewater, nearby residential areas, and surrounding towns. Real-time departure and arrival information is available to passengers.
Station Details and Facilities
Address
Dartford station, located at Station Approach, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1BP.
Ticket Office And Self-Service Ticket Machine
Ticket Office Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 06:00 – 20:40
Saturday: 06:10 – 19:40
Sunday: 07:10 – 20:40
(Hours may vary on bank holidays.)
Station Opening / Staffing Hours
Station staff are available 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday. Assistance is available while trains are running.
Ticket Barriers
Automatic ticket barriers are in operation at Dartford Station.
Smartcards
Smartcard Issued
Available – new smartcards can be issued at Dartford Station.
Smartcard Validator
Available – smartcard validators are listed at the station.
Smartcard Top Up
Available – smartcards can be topped up at the station.
Oyster Prepay
Oyster pay-as-you-go is valid at Dartford Station.
Oyster Top Up
Available – Oyster top-up is available from self-service ticket machines.
Oyster Validator
Available.
Pre-Purchase Collection
Available from the ticket office and ticket machines.
Travelcard Zone
Dartford Station is located in London Travelcard Zone 8.
Station Accessibility And Step-Free Access
Dartford Station provides a range of accessibility facilities to support passengers with reduced mobility or additional travel needs. Assistance can be pre-booked or requested at the station, and staff are available 24 hours a day. Accessible ticket machines, induction loops, ramps for train access, and accessible toilet facilities are available.
Step-Free Category A Access
Dartford Station is classified as a step-free Category A station, with step-free access to all platforms via lifts and stairs. Access between the concourse and platforms is normally available by lift, although passengers should check before travelling in case of lift disruption.
Lift Access
The station has lift access between the concourse, overbridge, and platforms. Step access is also available.
Ramps For Train Access
Where required, passengers can request staff assistance and ramps to board and alight from trains safely.
Induction Loop
Hearing loop facilities are available.
Accessible Ticket Machines
Accessible ticket machines are available in the booking hall.
Impaired Mobility Set Down
An impaired mobility set-down point is available at the station.
Assistance Meeting Point
The assisted travel meeting point is at the gate line in the booking hall. If the gate is unstaffed, passengers should make themselves known at the ticket office or use a help point.
Helpline
Passenger assistance, including pre-booked support, is available through Southeastern. Assistance can be booked up to 2 hours before travel, and passengers can also travel without booking by making themselves known to station staff as early as possible. Helpline and customer service support is available through Southeastern on 0345 322 7021.
Customer Help Points
Customer help points are available on the platforms.
Staff Help
Station staff are available 24 hours a day to assist with travel information, accessibility support, and general enquiries. Assistance is available while trains are running, including help navigating the station and boarding or leaving trains.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are available in the booking hall during staffing hours. The accessible toilet is listed as stoma-friendly.
Getting To And From The Station
Accessible Taxis
Accessible taxis are available to book.
Bus Services
Bus services are available from the station area, and onward journey information is available through National Rail and local transport providers.
Staff Help
Staff Help Available
Yes – station staff are available, Monday to Sunday.
A customer service centre is available for comprehensive passenger support. For assistance or enquiries, passengers can contact Southeastern customer services.
Assisted Travel
Passengers requiring assistance can request help at the station or pre-book support through Southeastern. Assistance is available for boarding and alighting trains, navigating the station, and planning onward journeys. Southeastern advises that assistance can be booked up to 2 hours before travel, and passengers can also turn up and request help without booking in advance.
Helpline Contact
Passenger Assist / Customer Services: 0345 322 7021.
Accessible Public Telephones
Public telephones are available, but they are not listed as wheelchair accessible.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed at the station, subject to normal rail travel rules.
Station Facilities
Postbox
No postbox is specifically listed in the current station facilities information.
Telephones
Public telephones are available at Dartford Station.
ATM
Cash machine facilities are available outside the main entrance.
Bureau de Change
There are no currency exchange facilities at the station.
Tourist Information Office
There is no tourist information office at the station.
Toilets
Toilets are located in the booking hall and are available during staffing hours.
Showers
Not available.
Baby Changing
Baby changing facilities are available in the booking hall during staffing hours.
Public Wi-Fi
No public Wi-Fi facility is specifically listed in the current station information.
Web Kiosk
Not available.
Refreshments
Refreshment facilities include a café and vending machines.
Waiting Room
There is no enclosed waiting room listed. Unheated waiting shelters are available on Platforms 1 and 2 when staff are present.
Seated Areas
Seating is available at the station.
CCTV
CCTV is in operation at Dartford Station.
Taxis
Accessible taxis are available to book. No dedicated taxi rank is listed in the station facilities information.
Trolleys
Luggage trolleys are not available at the station.
Passenger Services
Ticket Gate
Automatic ticket gates are available at Dartford Station.
Customer Services
Customer service support is available through Southeastern.
Contact number: 0345 322 7021.
Customer Help Points
Customer help points are located on the platforms.
Lost Property Contact Available
Lost property support is available through Southeastern customer services.
Contact number: 0345 322 7021.
Car Parking
Car Parking
Yes.
Name
Station Car Park.
Operator
APCOA Parking.
Spaces
There are 186 parking spaces at Dartford Station.
Notes
Parking charges apply. The station information lists an off-peak evening rate after 18:00.
Parking is free for disabled customers displaying a valid Blue Badge in any parking space, but vehicles must be registered in advance through APCOA's Blue Badge parking process.
Car Parking Contact Available
A parking contact number is listed: 0330 333 9232.
Accessible Car Park Equipment
No accessible car park equipment is listed.
Accessible Spaces
10 accessible parking spaces are listed at the station.
Cycling
Cycle Storage Availability
Yes.
Sheltered
Yes – sheltered cycle parking is available.
Spaces
64 cycle parking spaces.
Type
Stands.
Location
Cycle storage is located by the station entrance.
Note
A Cycle Hub is available at the station. Passengers may leave cycles on the provided racks, but do so at their own risk.
Cycle Storage CCTV
No.
Other Transport
Location For Rail Replacement Services
Rail replacement services operate from Station Approach.
Taxi Rank
No dedicated taxi rank is listed, but accessible taxis are available to book.
Bus Service
Local bus services are available from the station area, with onward travel information available through National Rail and local transport providers.
Tube, Overground, and Tram Links
There are no London Underground, Overground, or tram links at Dartford Station. The station is served by National Rail services operated by Southeastern and Thameslink.
General Information
Station Operator
Southeastern.
Station Code
DFD.
Staffing Level
Staffed 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dartford station in the Oyster Zone?
Yes. Dartford station is in London fare Zone 8, so Oyster pay-as-you-go and contactless are valid there.
It is not in Zones 1–6, so a standard Zones 1–6 Travelcard alone would not normally cover Dartford unless you have the right extension or ticket.
Does Dartford have a tube station?
No — Dartford does not have a Tube station.
Dartford Station is a National Rail station, served by Southeastern and Thameslink services. It is in London fare Zone 8, so you can use Oyster/contactless, but it is not on the London Underground, Overground, DLR, or Tram network.
How much is parking at Dartford train station?
At Dartford Station car park, the main APCOA Connect tariff is currently:
Duration - Price
1 day - £5.50
2 days - £11.00
3 days - £16.50
7 days - £38.50
That works out as £5.50 per day, including weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
For season parking, APCOA lists Dartford Station season tickets from £80 monthly, £180 quarterly, and £660 yearly.
Blue Badge parking is free, but the vehicle must be registered in advance through APCOA's Blue Badge portal.
Where do trains from Dartford go to?
Trains from Dartford mainly go to London, north Kent, and Medway.
Towards London:
- London Charing Cross
- London Cannon Street
- London Bridge
- London Victoria
- London Blackfriars
- City Thameslink
- Farringdon
- St Pancras International
- Some Thameslink services continue beyond London towards Luton or Bedford
Towards Kent / Medway:
- Greenhithe for Bluewater
- Gravesend
- Strood
- Rochester
- Gillingham
- Rainham, Kent
Dartford is served by Southeastern and Thameslink, and sits where several London routes meet, including lines via Woolwich Arsenal, Bexleyheath, and Sidcup.