London to Canterbury Trains From €16.58*

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?

It’s not possible to buy First Class tickets for Southeastern trains. All seats are now Standard Class. However, here’s a great travel tip: many of the spacious seats that used to be First Class are now opened up to Standard Class ticket holders!

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?

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.