Birmingham to Canterbury bus with National Express

Fri, Sep 18
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham to Canterbury

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

€32

Average ticket price on Sep 18

€34

Fastest journey on Sep 18

6 h 10 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

6 h 16 m

Buses on Sep 18

20

Distance

244 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Birmingham to Canterbury will cost around €34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €32.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Birmingham to Canterbury without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX541 · NX007
    3:50 PM6h35
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    10:25 PMCanterbury, Bus Station
    321One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX422 · NX022
    3:25 AM6h10
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    9:35 AMCanterbury, University Of Kent
    321One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX422 · NX022
    3:25 AM6h20
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    9:45 AMCanterbury, Bus Station
    321One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX541 · NX007
    3:50 PM6h25
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    10:15 PMCanterbury, University Of Kent
    321One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX541 · NX022
    5:30 PM6h10
    Birmingham, Coach Station
    11:40 PMCanterbury, University Of Kent
    331One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Birmingham to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, while a train costs an average of €87.

Distance: 151 miles (244 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

€31

Average price

Cheapest

€87

Average price

€69

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 7m

Average total duration

5h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 15m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham to Canterbury is a bus with an average price of €31.

This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham to Canterbury:

A bus is €56 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham to Canterbury costing on average €87.

The fastest way to travel from Birmingham to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 2h 52m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 37m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Canterbury including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Canterbury among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around €31 compared to roughly €69 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €38. The journey takes 5h 37m versus 3h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Birmingham to Canterbury Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:25AM
Arrival Time
08:45AM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:25AM
Arrival Time
09:30AM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
19
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:00AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
01:25PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
01:35PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
38
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:40AM
Arrival Time
01:55PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
03:15PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:55AM
Arrival Time
04:20PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:00PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
7h20
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:35PM
Arrival Time
07:10PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:55PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:00PM
Arrival Time
09:55PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:10PM
Arrival Time
09:55PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:50PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:00PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30PM
Arrival Time
11:40PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
17
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
01:03AM
Duration
6h18
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30PM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
12h15
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
29

Live departures

Birmingham to Canterbury bus times

The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Canterbury buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX541 · NX0224:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h55
10:55 PM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0224:00 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h45
10:45 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0076:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h10
12:40 AM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0076:30 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h20
12:50 AM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
Friday, September 18
National ExpressNX422 · NX0223:25 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h10
9:35 AM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX422 · NX0223:25 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h20
9:45 AM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX400 · NX0075:20 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h35
11:55 AM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX400 · NX0075:20 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h25
11:45 AM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX400 · NX0226:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h40
1:25 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX400 · NX0226:45 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h50
1:35 PM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0078:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h45
3:15 PM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0078:30 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h35
3:05 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0229:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
7h15
5:10 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0229:55 AM Birmingham, Coach Station
7h25
5:20 PM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX00712:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h35
7:10 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX00712:35 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h45
7:20 PM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0221:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h40
8:35 PM Canterbury, Bus Station1 transfer
National ExpressNX541 · NX0221:55 PM Birmingham, Coach Station
6h30
8:25 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Canterbury by train or bus

Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Birmingham to Canterbury buses with Omio?

National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Birmingham to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Canterbury.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham to Canterbury.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Birmingham to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Birmingham to Canterbury run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 21:30. The fastest bus covers the 151 miles (244 km) distance in 4h 45m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
151 miles (244 km)
Average bus duration
5h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
€17
Buses per day
15
Fastest bus
4h 45m
First bus
2:25 AM
Last bus
9:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: National Express from Birmingham to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Birmingham to Canterbury with National Express for as low as €17. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest National Express Price
€17
National Express frequency
20 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to Canterbury

Things to do in Canterbury

Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.

  • Recommended

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

Interactive museum inside a medieval church telling the story of Canterbury’s Roman, medieval, and modern past. Ideal first stop for context.

  • Recommended

Canterbury Roman Museum

Underground remains of a Roman townhouse with mosaics and hypocaust. A compact but memorable look at Roman Canterbury beneath the streets.

  • Recommended

The Canterbury Tales

Story-led museum on medieval pilgrimage inspired by Chaucer. It brings Canterbury’s most famous journeying tradition to life.

British Pound (£)

Moderate for UK travel. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist-season stays and central restaurants raise prices. Local buses are reasonable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included at restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis: round up or add 5-10%. Cafes: optional small change.

FAQs: Bus from Birmingham to Canterbury

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Canterbury by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Canterbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Birmingham to Canterbury can start from as little as €17 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Birmingham to Canterbury is €31 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Birmingham to Canterbury is 4h 45m to travel the 151 miles (244 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Birmingham to Canterbury leaves at 2:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Birmingham to Canterbury leaves at 9:30 PM.
There are 15 buses a day from Birmingham to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Birmingham to Canterbury, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Birmingham and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Birmingham , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Birmingham, Coach Station . When arriving in Canterbury , you can end your journey in bus stations like Canterbury, University Of Kent, Canterbury, Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Birmingham, Coach Station, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Canterbury, University Of Kent, located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Canterbury from Birmingham is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Birmingham to Canterbury is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Birmingham and Canterbury including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Birmingham to Canterbury for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Birmingham to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Canterbury are:
  • Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Gothic structure known for its stunning architecture and historical significance
  • St. Augustine's Abbey, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery founded in the 6th century, offering insights into early Christian history in England
  • Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, a medieval gatehouse with exhibits on local history and panoramic views of the city
  • Canterbury Roman Museum, an underground museum showcasing Roman artifacts and the remains of a Roman townhouse
  • Westgate Gardens, a picturesque park perfect for leisurely walks along the River Stour.
The best things to do in Canterbury include:
  • Explore the historic streets of Canterbury on a guided walking tour, learning about its rich history and hidden gems
  • Enjoy a punting tour on the River Stour for a unique perspective of the city's architecture and natural beauty
  • Visit the Canterbury Tales attraction for an interactive experience of Chaucer's famous stories
  • Attend a performance at The Marlowe Theatre, featuring plays, musicals, and concerts
  • Discover the local food scene with a culinary tour of Canterbury's best eateries and markets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Birmingham to Canterbury depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Birmingham to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Birmingham to Canterbury. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Birmingham to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Birmingham to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Birmingham to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Birmingham nor Canterbury are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham to Canterbury among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Canterbury, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and around popular tourist sites. Scams involving overcharging or unofficial taxi services can also occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed transportation. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Birmingham to Canterbury

Most Birmingham to Canterbury buses use the Birmingham, Coach Station to Canterbury, University Of Kent station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Birmingham and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Birmingham
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury

Which Birmingham station do buses to Canterbury leave from?

Buses from Birmingham to Canterbury leave from Birmingham, Coach Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Birmingham city centre at Mill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United Kingdom.
Birmingham, Coach StationMill Lane, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6DD, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Birmingham, Coach Station from Birmingham city centre

Birmingham, Coach Station is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus4, 97, 6, X2, 3, 97A, 2, 4A, 5, X1 · 4m · €2 · every ~191 min
X2, 4A, X1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5 · 13m · €2 · every ~149 min

Birmingham, Coach Station bus station facilities and services

Birmingham, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafeteria and fast-food options inside the station

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Birmingham, Coach Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.

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