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London to Canterbury train ticket prices
€16.53
On Mon 21
London to Canterbury train timetable
Journey from London to Canterbury on the fastest train in 46m, usually 1h 12m. Every day, 113 trains leave from London, starting at 00:12 and ending at 23:43. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
23:40 London St. Pancras International | 54m, Direct | 00:34 Canterbury West | Southeastern | Find tickets |
23:43 London Bridge | 1h 45m, Direct | 01:28 Canterbury West | Southeastern | Find tickets |
London to Canterbury train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Canterbury with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Travelling with Southeastern: Onboard experience
From the Big Smoke to an iconic medieval city on the River Stour, your trip from London to Canterbury will sparkle if you let Southeastern take you places.
What’s it like on a Southeastern train?
High speed, high comfort! While your train races to Kent, you can kick back and enjoy the ride. Connect to ‘Southeastern_WiFi’, or stay offline and enjoy the views of rolling fields and a few famous landmarks. Charge devices with USB ports or plug sockets under seats, too.
Does Southeastern offer First Class seats?
Can I bring pets on Southeastern trains?
Bring up to two dogs or other small animals on Southeastern services at no extra cost. The operator encourages all passengers travelling with animals to keep furry friends on a lead and off seats throughout the journey.
How long does it take to travel from London to Canterbury?
Train travel from London to Canterbury
Get from London to Canterbury in style with our local station secrets. From boarding in the capital to continuing your journey through Kent, here’s everything you need to know.
London St Pancras International: Getting to the Platform
For the fastest direct train from London to Canterbury, depart from St Pancras. This popular station has beautiful architecture and world-class facilities to start your trip in style.
- Choice of lines: Use the fast and efficient London Underground network for easy arrival from around the capital. Travel to Kings Cross Underground Station on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, or Victoria line, then be sure to follow signs to St Pancras as you exit, or you might end up at the wrong train station!
- Music and coffee: Stop to play a tune on one of St Pancras’s much-loved grand pianos if you arrive with time to spare. If you’re looking for coffee, choose from big-name stores like PAUL, Pret and Starbucks.
- Platform 13: From London St Pancras to Canterbury, your train will depart from platform 13. The station is large and has many concourses, so arrive in plenty of time to find the right one!
Onboard trains from London to Canterbury
Your route east from the Big Smoke will take you through an abundance of green and natural landscapes – in under one hour.
- Key Landmarks: After crossing over the Thames between Greys and Greenhithe, journey south and east past landmarks like Hothfield Heathlands Nature Reserve, Cobham Wood and Mausoleum, and the impressive Leeds Castle.
- The View Alert: Choose a seat on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing East) for the best views of Leeds Castle.
Arriving at Canterbury West
Canterbury is Kent’s most celebrated city, with a majestic cathedral and a 1,000-year heritage. You’ll arrive at Canterbury West, the busier of the city’s two stations.
- Heritage starts here: Canterbury West is a Grade II listed railway station, built in the mid-19th century. Although the exterior won’t prepare you for the medieval walls to come, it is an interesting part of British railway history.
- On the bus: To travel around Canterbury and into nearby destinations like Whitstable and Herne Bay, board buses operated by Stagecoach from outside Canterbury West.
- Explore by foot: Canterbury Cathedral is a 15-minute walk south of the station. Exit onto Station Road West, then turn left onto St Dunstans Street. Follow this a while until you reach Mercery Lane to the left. Straight ahead you’ll see Christ Church Gate, which leads to the cathedral.
Related travel guides
Why book London to Canterbury trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from London to Canterbury start from just €16.53 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Southeastern on the London to Canterbury route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
London to Canterbury train travel guide
Taking the train from London to Canterbury is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can arrive at Canterbury in just 46m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Canterbury?
The average fare from London to Canterbury is approximately €16.53, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Canterbury?
What is the fastest train from London to Canterbury?
The fastest train journey time from London to Canterbury is 46m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from London to Canterbury?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Canterbury. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London to Canterbury?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Canterbury trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While London to Canterbury trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London to Canterbury is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London to Canterbury trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London to Canterbury are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the London to Canterbury route?
The route from London to Canterbury is operated by Southeastern. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap London to Canterbury train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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