Rye is the main station on the Hastings to Ashford ‘Marshlink’ line, and serves the historic and attractive port town of Rye. The line was conceived by the Brighton, Lewes and Hastings Railway company but completed and opened in 1851 by the South Eastern Railway. It survived proposals for closure under the Beeching cuts in 1963, and now enjoys an hourly service from Brighton to Ashford. Rye station itself provides the main passing place on the single track section of line from Ore(near Hastings) to Appledore, and has unusual staggered platforms linked by a footbridge, with level crossings at each end and a working old-fashioned signalbox. The station was built in the Italianate style, and is in excellent condition: it is listed at Grade II and regarded as one of the best preserved of this architectural style. Facilities include a ticket office and waiting room, and ticket machines. There are public toilets and a car park adjacent to the station.