The first proposal for a station at Sandwich was in 1836–37 by the Kent Railway.
An independent line to London was considered, but the South Eastern Railway (SER) decided they would construct a branch line from the Ashford to Ramsgate line at Minster towards Sandwich and Deal.
The station was opened on 1 July 1847.

Sandwich had once been a significant port in the Middle Ages, but because of changing geography had suffered a lengthy decline.
It was hoped a railway would reverse this trend.
In 1853, the Sandwich Improvement Association hoped to collaborate with the SER and develop a more significant seaport here, but the SER were not interested.
The station initially had a very limited service, with only seven trains running each way, and between 1855 and 1865 the line was single track.
A connection to Dover Priory opened on 14 June 1881.

Goods services were withdrawn on 7 October 1963.

In 2019, a major programme began to expand the station in preparation for The Open Championship at the Royal St George's Golf Club.
The platforms were extended to 80 metres (260 ft) so they could accommodate the full 12-car British Rail Class 395 trains.
Work is expected to be completed by May 2020, in time for the 149th Open in July.
The first proposal for a station at Sandwich was in 1836–37 by the Kent Railway. An independent line to London was considered, but the South Eastern Railway (SER) decided they would construct a branch line from the Ashford to Ramsgate line at Minster towards Sandwich and Deal. The station was opened on 1 July 1847.
Sandwich had once been a significant port in the Middle Ages, but because of changing geography had suffered a lengthy decline. It was hoped a railway would reverse this trend. In 1853, the Sandwich Improvement Association hoped to collaborate with the SER and develop a more significant seaport here, but the SER were not interested. The station initially had a very limited service, with only seven trains running each way, and between 1855 and 1865 the line was single track. A connection to Dover Priory opened on 14 June 1881.
Goods services were withdrawn on 7 October 1963.
In 2019, a major programme began to expand the station in preparation for The Open Championship at the Royal St George's Golf Club. The platforms were extended to 80 metres (260 ft) so they could accommodate the full 12-car British Rail Class 395 trains. Work is expected to be completed by May 2020, in time for the 149th Open in July.
Sandwich railway station