Trains from London to Canterbury
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London to Canterbury by train
It takes an average of 1h 38m to travel from London to Canterbury by train, over a distance of around 54 miles (87 km). There are normally 175 trains per day traveling from London to Canterbury and tickets for this journey start from $17 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:47 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Canterbury | |
| Journey time | From 51m | |
| Distance | 54 miles (87 km) | |
| Frequency | 175 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $17 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling from London to Canterbury by train
Planning a trip to a historic place of pilgrimage and need more information on how to take the train from London to Canterbury? We’ve got you covered!
On average, the train journey from London to Canterbury takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes, but the fastest services will take you there in just 50 minutes. Each day, there are around 128 direct trains running on this popular route, so you can sit back and relax as you don’t need to worry about making any changes along the way.
When traveling on this route, you’ll board a Southeastern train at either London Victoria or London St Pancras station. Once you’ve found your seat, you can begin to enjoy the onboard amenities, including comfortable seating, luggage storage and free WiFi on most services. Depending on which service you are on, your train will arrive at either Canterbury East or Canterbury West station.
From both stations, you’re a short walk from Canterbury city centre. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most popular landmarks, including Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey. If you’d like to explore more of the local area, check out our guide to the best things to do in Kent.
If you’d like to purchase cheap train tickets, try traveling during Off-Peak hours, as tickets tend to be cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours on weekdays. Hoping to save even more? Book an Advance ticket – they are usually released 12 weeks prior to the departure date and are generally cheaper than booking on the day of travel.
Keen to start? There’s no need to wait, begin a search for cheap train tickets from London to Canterbury in our Journey Planner at the top of the page! If you’d like to find out more about the journey first, keep reading for train timetables, FAQs and tips on booking cheaper train fares.
FAQs for London to Canterbury
Want to know more about your journey from London to Canterbury? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from London to Canterbury take?
The average journey time by train between London and Canterbury is 1 hour and 38 minutes, with around 175 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Canterbury by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Canterbury is 51 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Canterbury cost?
Train tickets from London to Canterbury can start from as little as $17 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from London to Canterbury?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Canterbury without having to change trains. There are 175 direct trains from London to Canterbury each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London to Canterbury leave?
The first train from London to Canterbury leaves at 04:42. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Canterbury leave?
The last train from London to Canterbury leaves at 23:47. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and Canterbury by train?
Trains travelling from London to Canterbury cover a distance of around 54 miles (87 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Canterbury to London.
Cheap train tickets from London to Canterbury
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Canterbury is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.