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 138 trains per day travelling from London to Canterbury and tickets for this journey start from $17.39 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:40 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Canterbury | |
| Journey time | From 51m | |
| Distance | 54 miles (87 km) | |
| Frequency | 138 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $17.39 | |
| Train operators |
Travelling by train from London to Canterbury in under 50 minutes
Planning a trip to Kent and need more information about the journey from London to Canterbury by train? Look no further!
Usually, it takes around 1 hour and 34 minutes to travel by train from London to Canterbury. However, if you want to get there quickly, the fastest services will take you there in just 50 minutes. With around 134 direct trains running each day, you don’t need to worry about making any changes during your journey.
When travelling on this route, you’ll jump on a Southeastern train at either London Victoria station, London Bridge station or London St Pancras International station. Whichever station you depart from, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities such as comfortable seating and free WiFi on most services. Fancy treating yourself? Upgrade to Southeastern First Class and you’ll enjoy quieter carriages and more legroom. After just 50 minutes, your train will arrive at either Canterbury East station or Canterbury West station.
Digital train tickets now available on this route
Did you know you can now buy digital train tickets from London to Canterbury? That’s right, no more queuing at the ticket machine or fumbling around for that paper ticket. It can now live in your Trainline app.
Once you’ve left the station, you can begin to enjoy the city’s most popular sights, such as Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey and Westgate Gardens. If you’d like to explore the local area, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Kent.
If you’re looking for cheap train tickets, try to travel during Off-Peak times, because tickets are usually cheaper during quieter travel times on weekdays and weekend. Also, get yourself a Railcard and you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Keen to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from London to Canterbury in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, continue reading for FAQs, tips on booking cheap train tickets and train timetables.
Journey details
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 138 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 ticket prices from London to Canterbury can start from as little as $17.39 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
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 138 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 23:40. 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. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Canterbury.
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.