Getting around Margate

Margate is small enough to do on foot, and the rest of Thanet is a short bus or train ride away. Here's how to get around.

Can you walk around Margate?

Yes. Most of what you'll come for is within a 15 minute walk. From the station it's about 10 minutes along the seafront to the Old Town and Turner Contemporary, with Dreamland and Main Sands on the way.

Cliftonville and Northdown Road are another 15 minutes or so up the hill from the Old Town, or you can walk along the clifftop past the Lido and Walpole Bay.

What is the Loop bus?

The Loop is the Stagecoach bus that runs in a circle around Margate, Cliftonville, Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Westwood Cross. It runs every few minutes during the day, seven days a week, from early morning until late evening. Loved and hated by locals in equal measure.

In Margate it stops at Cecil Square and along Northdown Road. A DayRider ticket gives you unlimited trips for the day. Check times on the Loop page.

How do I get from Margate to Broadstairs and Ramsgate?

By train it's about 6 minutes to Broadstairs and about 12 minutes to Ramsgate, with trains run by Southeastern. The Loop bus does the same trip more slowly and stops closer to the beaches.

Can I cycle around Margate?

Yes. The Viking Coastal Trail is a 32 mile route around the Thanet coast for cyclists and walkers, and much of it is flat and traffic free. The stretch from Margate west to Reculver is a good one to start with.

Where can I park in Margate?

Mill Lane multi storey is the main town centre car park. It's free every Saturday, along with Harold Road car park in Cliftonville. Thanet District Council lists every car park and the prices.

Are there taxis in Margate?

Yes. There's a rank at the station and local firms you can book by phone or app. Worth booking ahead late at night and on big event weekends.

Last checked November 2026. Times and prices change, so check with the operator before you travel.