Bristol to Canterbury bus with National Express

Wed, Dec 10
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bristol to Canterbury

Showing times and prices for Dec 11

Cheapest price

$20

Average price

$24

Fastest journey

5 h 50 m

Average duration

6 h 17 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

256 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Bristol to Canterbury will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave Bristol for Canterbury on Thu, Dec 11, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Dec 11 the direct buses cover the 256 km distance in an average of 6 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .

On Thu, Dec 11 the slowest buses will take 6 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

National Express
03:15PM6h40
Bristol
09:55PMCanterbury
$201One-way
0 transfers
National Express
05:30PM6h20
Bristol
11:50PMCanterbury
$221One-way
0 transfers
National Express
06:00PM5h50
Bristol
11:50PMCanterbury
$311One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Bristol to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €51.

Distance: 159 miles (256 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€19

Average price

Cheapest

€96

Average price

5h 33m

Average total duration

5h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 16m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Bristol to Canterbury Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$56
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
01:35PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:20AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:15AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
8h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:25AM
Arrival Time
03:15PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
03:15PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:00AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:15AM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
9h05
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:30AM
Arrival Time
05:20PM
Duration
6h50
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:35AM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
8h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:45PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:50PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
7h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:35PM
Arrival Time
09:05PM
Duration
7h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:15PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:20PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
8h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
09:05PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Fri
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30PM
Arrival Time
01:10AM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$33

Live departures

Bristol to Canterbury bus times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Canterbury buses for today, Wednesday, December 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 10:07 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX040 · NX007
Delayed
8:10 PM 8:15 AMBristol, University Queens Road
8h15
4:30 PM Canterbury, St. Georges Lane
1 transfer
national_expressNX040 · NX022
Delayed
8:10 PM 10:15 AMBristol, University Queens Road
9h05
7:20 PM Canterbury, St. Georges Lane
1 transfer
national_expressNX040 · NX007
Delayed
8:10 PM 1:35 PMBristol, University Queens Road
7h30
9:05 PM Canterbury, St. Georges Lane
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol 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.

Thu
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14
Mon
Dec 15
Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Bristol to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Bristol to Canterbury run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:46, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 5h 33m.

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
159 miles (256 km)
Average bus duration
5h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€14)
Buses per day
15
Fastest bus
5h 33m
First bus
02:46
Last bus
23:55
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, Megabus from Bristol to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Bristol to Canterbury with National Express, Megabus for as low as $18 (€14). 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 Duration
5h 33m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€14)
National Express frequency
15 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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from Bristol to Canterbury

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Canterbury can start from as little as $19 (€15) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bristol to Canterbury is $32 (€26); 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 Bristol to Canterbury is 5 h 30 min   to travel the 158 mile (255 km) long route, with around there are 21 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Bristol to Canterbury leaves at 4: 00AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Bristol to Canterbury leaves at 11: 50PM.
There are 21 buses a day from Bristol to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express or Megabus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
For the journey from Bristol to Canterbury you can take a bus with National Express or Megabus. Be sure to check out all possible bus companies that offer services from Bristol to Canterbury on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
The cheapest month to travel from Bristol to Canterbury by bus is December.
You have options as you can travel between Bristol and Canterbury 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bristol to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bristol to Canterbury for bus company National Express.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bristol to Canterbury depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Bristol to Canterbury, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bristol to Canterbury.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bristol to Canterbury:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bristol to Canterbury:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Bristol to Canterbury.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bristol to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bristol to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bristol to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Bristol to Canterbury

    Bristol
    Canterbury
    The major bus station for departures in Bristol is Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) for your trip from Bristol to Canterbury.
    Bristol, University Queens Road
    information
    Bristol, Clifton Down
    information

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