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Southampton to Canterbury West by train

First train

05:55

Last train

23:16

Departure station

Southampton

Arrival station

Canterbury West

Journey time

From 3h 18m

Distance

111 miles (178 km)

Frequency

7 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Thameslink, Southern

Take the train from Southampton to Canterbury West in 3 hours 18 minutes

If you want to travel from Southampton to Canterbury West by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Southampton to Canterbury West by train to take around 5 hours 53 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 3 hours 18 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 7 trains per day running on this route, which spans 111 miles (178 km). You'll have to make 2 changes along the way on your journey to Canterbury West. You can travel on this route with either South Western Railway, Southeastern or Thameslink. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

Train tickets from Southampton to Canterbury West are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Travelling during Off-Peak times or using a Railcard can also help you save money on train travel. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including money-saving tips, or check our timetable above where you can view live train times.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Southampton to Canterbury West? 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 Southampton to Canterbury West take?

The average journey time by train between Southampton and Canterbury West is 5 hours and 53 minutes, with around 7 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 Southampton and Canterbury West by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Southampton to Canterbury West is 3 hours and 18 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Southampton to Canterbury West?

No, there are no direct train services from Southampton to Canterbury West. Travelling from Southampton to Canterbury West by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Southampton to Canterbury West leave?

The first train from Southampton to Canterbury West leaves at 05:55. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Southampton to Canterbury West leave?

The last train from Southampton to Canterbury West leaves at 23:16. 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 Southampton and Canterbury West by train?

Trains travelling from Southampton to Canterbury West cover a distance of around 111 miles (178 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Canterbury West to Southampton.

Cheap train tickets from Southampton to Canterbury West

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 Southampton to Canterbury West 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.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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