Kingsferry Bridge and Sheppey Crossing along the Swale Rail Line.
Queenborough Railway Station along the Swale Rail line.
Swale Rail with Sheppey Crossing in background. South East UK.

History and heritage

Swale Line

Sittingbourne – Sheerness-on-Sea

The picturesque Swale Line passes through a mix of residential, industrial and salt marsh landscapes before reaching the historic town of Queenborough, once site of a royal castle and ferry services to Holland. The line terminates at Sheerness-on-Sea, once a naval dockyard and now home to a busy commercial port. Sheerness has also been a favourite destination for holidaymakers from London who could easily reach the Isle of Sheppey by train.

About this line

Route

Sittingbourne – Sheerness-on-Sea

Journey time

19min

Cost

£5.40

Distance

8 miles | 13 km

This line is supported by:

Stations on this line:

  • Sittingbourne
  • Kemsley
  • Swale
  • Queenborough
  • Sheerness-on-Sea

Nearby Lines

Arun Valley train pasing through countryside with Arundel Castle and forest in the background

Gatwick – Bosham

Often overlooked due to the area’s busy international airport, the Arun Valley Line has a lot more to offer than just a gateway to overseas.

Great Malvern Station along the Cotswold Line

Oxford – Hereford

Spanning across four counties this charming line passes through beautiful English countryside along its 86 mile route.

Darent Valley train crossing viaduct

Sevenoaks – Swanley

Take the train to see historic houses, a vineyard and a solar system in the pretty Darent Valley countryside.

East Hampshire Line

Liphook – Rowlands Castle

Explore quaint villages, scenic landscapes and a historic market town in the middle of the South Downs National Park.

Rodborough Common

Swindon – Cheltenham Spa

Discover contrasting landscapes from dramatic valleys and canals to industrial and urban heritage along this 42 mile route.

Train travelling past Hovercraft on the Isle of Wight | Island Line

Ryde Pier Head – Shanklin

Visit the picturesque Isle of Wight and travel on the Island Line linking Ryde with the seaside resorts of Sandown and Shanklin.

Rye Station

Ashford International – Eastbourne

Discover the Marshlink Line, scenic rail route passing through picturesque landscapes and historic towns with sea views.

Train travelling through picturesque countryside along the Medway Valley Line. South East UK.

Strood – Tonbridge via Maidstone

Discover riverside walks, medieval bridges and quaint villages.

Boats along the river with colourful trees along the New River Line

Hertford East – Broxbourne

Escape the city and take a relaxing journey through historic towns and villages, along the New River Line, less than an hour from London.

You may also like

Family waving at train as it approaches the station | Days Out by Rail

Spend quality time with the family as you embark on unforgettable days out by rail. Take a look at our suggestions, curated by community rail, here.

Station sign with rolling hills in the background

We're getting on board for Catch the Bus Month and bring you some suggestions on how you can explore further when you combine your adventure with trains and buses.

Ingleborough in the snow along The Bentham Line

Leeds – Morecambe / Heysham Port via Skipton, Bentham & Lancaster

Explore the beautiful Bentham Line, nestled in scenic Yorkshire & Lancashire countryside.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.