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London to Canterbury train ticket prices
€16.43
On Sun 03 May
London to Canterbury train timetable
From London to Canterbury, take the fastest train in 54m, typically 1h 30m. Daily, 71 trains depart from London, with the first at 00:12 and the last at 23:42. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:42 London Victoria | 1h 58m, Direct | 07:40 Canterbury East | Southeastern | Find tickets |
06:07 London Victoria | 2h 12m, 1 change | 08:19 Canterbury West | Southeastern | Find tickets |
06:40 London St. Pancras International | 54m, Direct | 07:34 Canterbury West | Southeastern | Find tickets |
07:10 London Victoria | 1h 30m, Direct | 08:40 Canterbury East | Southeastern | Find tickets |
07:35 London Victoria | 1h 45m, Direct | 09:20 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?
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?
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.
London to Canterbury train travel guide
The train journey from London to Canterbury combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Canterbury in just 54m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Canterbury?
The average ticket fare from London to Canterbury is about €16.43, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel 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 54m. 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, there are no direct trains from London to Canterbury. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from London to Canterbury?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Canterbury trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London to Canterbury trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
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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