It takes around one to two hours to travel from Canterbury to London. If you prefer a quicker journey, you can travel from Canterbury West to London St Pancras International, which takes only 55 minutes. The slower train routes are from Canterbury West to London Bridge and from Canterbury East to London Victoria.
You’ll travel through the historic county of Kent, passing by the Kent Downs National Landscape prior to arriving in Greater London before reaching the UK capital.
Southeastern operates a high-speed network that services London, Kent, and East Sussex, accommodating 450,000 passengers daily.
Departing from Canterbury
Trains will depart from Canterbury West Station and Canterbury East Station. Canterbury West is located in the city center near Westgate Towers and the High Street. If you arrive in the city from the local area, the station isn’t too far to walk. Alternatively, taxis and local buses stop outside the station’s entrance on Station Road West.
Canterbury East is on Station Road East, just off Wincheap Roundabout, near Canterbury Castle. It is also served by public buses and taxis, which can drop you off at the station’s entrance.
Southeastern is the primary operator at both Canterbury East and Canterbury West.
Main stops
If you are traveling from Canterbury West to London Bridge, there are eleven stops:
- Chartham
- Chilham
- Wye
- Ashford International
- Pluckley
- Headcorn
- Staplehurst
- Marden
- Paddock Wood
- Tonbridge
- Sevenoaks
If you are traveling from Canterbury East to London Victoria, there are ten stops:
- Selling
- Faversham
- Teynham
- Sittingbourne
- Newington
- Rainham
- Gillingham
- Chatham
- Rochester
- Bromley South
For those traveling from Canterbury West to London St Pancras International, the journey is more direct, with fewer stops. The main stops on this high-speed route typically include Ashford International, Ebbsfleet International, and Stratford International.
It’s worth considering that these stops may change due to scheduling, engineering works, train faults, or poor weather. So, it’s best to double-check before you travel.
Arriving at London
The train from Canterbury West to London Bridge Station arrives in Southwark, southeast London, offering a wealth of public transport options for navigating the city. Its Underground station provides access to the Jubilee and Northern lines, and there is a bus station positioned directly outside the main upper-level entrance.
Meanwhile, the train originating from Canterbury East arrives at London Victoria, located on Victoria Street in the City of Westminster.The station is well-connected, served by a London Underground station that runs on the Victoria, District, and Circle lines.
This location offers easy access to iconic landmarks such as St James’s Park, Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the upscale areas of Mayfair and Soho.
For those arriving at London St Pancras International from Canterbury West, the station is located in the heart of central London, providing excellent connectivity to various parts of the city.
St Pancras International is served by several Underground lines, including the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. The station also offers direct access to King's Cross Station, enhancing travel options across London. With its proximity to major attractions like the British Library and Regent's Park, arriving at St Pancras International puts you in a prime position to explore the cultural and historical sights of London.
Southeastern train classes
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
- First Class: There are no Canterbury to London First Class tickets. This is because Southeastern abolished its First Class service in 2022.
Southeastern train travel advice
- Luggage: Bags and other luggage items are permitted. Luggage must weigh no more than 23kg. No more than two large suitcases.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bikes are welcomed but there is a ‘first come, first served’ policy. You cannot bring your bike if your train departs London during peak hours.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Up to four children between 5 and 15 can travel for £1 with one fare-paying adult ticket. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Assist with travel planning, provide travel information, handle luggage, reserve seats, support boarding, and offer connection services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.