London Victoria to Canterbury East Trains From £13.50*

A Southeastern direct train from London Victoria to Canterbury East is one of the easiest ways to swap the capital's fast pace for the historic streets of Kent. Services on this 55-mile route run hourly and take about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a convenient route for both commuters and leisure travellers.

Is First Class worth it on Southeastern?

First Class is not available on Class 375 trains, as Southeastern transitioned its fleet to entirely Standard Class accommodation. All onboard seating features a uniform Standard Class size and layout across every carriage.

What can you expect in Standard Class?

Standard Class provides a practical and comfortable experience, with a mix of airline-style seating and four-seat tables suitable for families or small groups. Refurbished trains feature LED lighting, three-pin plug sockets, and USB charging points throughout most carriages.

Air conditioning and accessible toilets come as standard, and while these trains offer onboard Wi-Fi, they do not offer a catering trolley on this route.

What is the luggage allowance?

Passengers may bring up to three items of luggage free of charge, provided they can carry everything without assistance. Smaller bags fit easily on overhead shelves or beneath seats, while larger suitcases can be placed in dedicated luggage racks located near carriage doors.

Departure from London Victoria

London Victoria handles more than 53 million passengers every year, making it one of Britain's busiest railway stations.

Specific transport links

• The Tube: The Victoria Line provides the quickest north-south route across London, while the Circle and District lines offer direct links to Westminster, Tower Hill, Paddington and Kensington.
• National Rail: Southern and Gatwick Express services provide convenient rail connections for passengers arriving from Sussex, Surrey, Gatwick Airport and South London.
• Local buses: TfL bus services from Terminus Place, including routes 11 and 38, connect Victoria with Westminster, the West End, Holborn and the City of London.
• Coach services: Victoria Coach Station is around a 10-minute walk away, providing National Express and long-distance coach connections across the UK.

Station layout

• Platforms 1 to 8: Southeastern services for Canterbury East depart from these eastern platforms.
• Platforms 9 to 12: These platforms mainly serve additional Southern and regional services depending on the timetable.
• Platforms 13 to 19: Southern and Gatwick Express trains depart from here towards Gatwick Airport, Brighton and the south coast.

Pre-departure essentials

Sainsbury's Local is ideal for picking up a meal deal or snacks, while LEON serves hot food throughout the day. For coffee, Soul + Grain and Knot Pretzels & Coffee both provide quality drinks and freshly prepared pastries just a short walk from the Southeastern platforms.

Onboard trains from London Victoria to Canterbury East

The 55-mile route takes around 90 minutes, with Class 375 trains reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.

The scenic side

• Sit on the left-hand side to enjoy views as London's urban landscape gradually gives way to the rolling chalk hills of the North Downs shortly after leaving the capital.
• Sit on the right-hand side for broader views across Kent's orchards, farmland and open countryside approaching Faversham.

Key landmarks

• Battersea Power Station: Shortly after departure, passengers may glimpse the restored riverside landmark standing prominently along the Thames skyline.
• Rochester Castle and Cathedral: The impressive Norman castle and historic cathedral appear beside the River Medway immediately before passing through Rochester.
• River Medway: Watch the train cross one of Kent's major rivers before continuing through the county's historic market towns.
• The Swale Marshes: Near Faversham, expansive salt marshes stretch towards the Isle of Sheppey, offering some of the route's most distinctive landscapes.

Arriving at Canterbury East

Canterbury East welcomes more than one million passengers each year and sits only 500 metres from the city's medieval centre.

The correct exit

• City centre exit: Cross via the footbridge to Platform 1 and exit onto Station Road East for the most direct walk towards the High Street and Canterbury Cathedral.
• Taxi rank exit: Leave from Platform 1 to reach the main station forecourt, where taxis are usually waiting throughout the day.
• Car park exit: Drivers collecting passengers should use the Platform 1 side, where the station car park provides designated pick-up spaces.

Onward travel

• Stagecoach buses: Canterbury Bus Station is around a four-minute walk away on St George's Lane, providing routes across Canterbury and wider Kent.
• Local taxis: Hackney carriages wait outside the Platform 1 entrance, with additional private hire operators available nearby.
• Cycling: Cycle parking is available at the station for passengers continuing their journey by bicycle around Canterbury.
• Regional rail: Canterbury East also provides Southeastern services towards Dover Priory and other destinations across Kent.

Walkability

Canterbury is one of England's most walkable historic cities, with most major attractions easily reached without additional transport. From Canterbury East, the High Street is around a 10-minute walk away, while Canterbury Cathedral, the Marlowe Theatre, Dane John Gardens and many independent shops, cafes and restaurants can all be explored comfortably on foot.