Canterbury to Bournemouth bus with National Express

Fri, May 29
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Canterbury to Bournemouth

Showing times and prices for May 29

Cheapest price

$35

Average price

$35

Fastest journey

5 h 55 m

Average duration

5 h 55 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Canterbury to Bournemouth will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Canterbury for Bournemouth on Fri, May 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 216 km distance in an average of 5 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .

On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 5 h 55 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
    11:50 AM5h55
    Canterbury
    5:45 PMBournemouth
    $351One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Canterbury to Bournemouth

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $51.

Distance: 134 miles (216 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$37

Average price

Cheapest

$54

Average price

$58

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 24m

Average total duration

4h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 49m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Canterbury to Bournemouth is a bus with an average price of $37 (€30).

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

A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Bournemouth costing on average $54 (€43).

The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Bournemouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 41m.

Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 54m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Bournemouth including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Canterbury to Bournemouth among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Canterbury to Bournemouth Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
09:31AM
Duration
6h11
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
12:10PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
03:15PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
03:50PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$49
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50AM
Arrival Time
05:10PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:50AM
Arrival Time
05:45PM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:50PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$42
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:15PM
Arrival Time
08:25PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15PM
Arrival Time
10:35PM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50PM
Arrival Time
11:20PM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
12:25AM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
01:00AM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$36

Live departures

Canterbury to Bournemouth bus times

The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Bournemouth buses for tomorrow, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express11:50 AM Canterbury
5h55
5:45 PM Bournemouth0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Bournemouth by bus or train

Compare bus and train 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
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04

Why should you book Canterbury to Bournemouth buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Canterbury to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Bournemouth.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Canterbury to Bournemouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Canterbury to Bournemouth.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Canterbury to Bournemouth run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:17, the last at 20:47. The fastest bus covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 5h 5m.

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
134 miles (216 km)
Average bus duration
4h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€19)
Buses per day
9
Fastest bus
5h 5m
First bus
2:17 AM
Last bus
8:47 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Thu
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 Canterbury to BournemouthYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Bournemouth with National Express for as low as $23 (€19). 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 5m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
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.

FAQs: Bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Canterbury to Bournemouth can start from as little as $23 (€19) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Canterbury to Bournemouth is $37 (€30) ; 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 Canterbury to Bournemouth is 5h 5m to travel the 134 miles (216 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 Canterbury to Bournemouth leaves at 2:17 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth leaves at 8:47 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Canterbury to Bournemouth which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bournemouth. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Bournemouth and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Bournemouth from Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Bournemouth including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bournemouth are:
  • Bournemouth Beach, a popular sandy beach stretching for miles with a pier and various water activities
  • Bournemouth Pier, a Victorian-era pier offering entertainment, dining, and panoramic views of the coastline
  • Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, a historic house museum featuring a diverse collection of art and artifacts
  • Bournemouth Gardens, a series of beautiful gardens perfect for leisurely walks and picnics
  • St. Peter's Church, a historic church known for its stunning architecture and the resting place of Mary Shelley.
The best things to do in Bournemouth include:
  • Oceanarium, an aquarium featuring marine life from various global habitats
  • Lower Gardens, a well-maintained public park with floral displays and seasonal events
  • Boscombe Chine Gardens, a picturesque garden with a mini-golf course and water play area
  • Hengistbury Head, a nature reserve ideal for hiking and birdwatching
  • Bournemouth Aviation Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history of aviation.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Canterbury to Bournemouth 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
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 Canterbury to Bournemouth.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Canterbury to Bournemouth:
  • 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 Canterbury to Bournemouth:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Canterbury to Bournemouth with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Canterbury nor Bournemouth 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 Canterbury to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like beaches and nightlife spots. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and stay vigilant in busy public places to ensure safety.
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 Canterbury to Bournemouth

Canterbury
Bournemouth
The major bus station for departures in Canterbury is Canterbury, St. Georges Lane. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Canterbury, St. Georges Lane for your trip from Canterbury to Bournemouth.
Canterbury, St. Georges Lane
information
Canterbury, University Of KentWifiParkingATMAccessibilityWC
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
University Road
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available in the station.
Public transit options for Canterbury, University Of Kent
  • Bus: 4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A

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