Canterbury to Brighton bus with National Express

Mon, May 18
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Canterbury to Brighton

Showing times and prices for May 18

Cheapest price

$19

Average price

$27

Fastest journey

5 h 50 m

Average duration

6 h 33 m

Buses per day

4

Distance

99 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Canterbury to Brighton will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.

Fast buses

Of the 4 buses that leave Canterbury for Brighton on Mon, May 18, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, May 18 the direct buses cover the 99 km distance in an average of 6 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 50 m .

On Mon, May 18 the slowest buses will take 6 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
    1:15 PM6h55
    Canterbury
    8:10 PMBrighton
    $191One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    2:15 PM6h52
    Canterbury
    9:07 PMBrighton
    $241One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    5:30 AM6h35
    Canterbury
    12:05 PMBrighton
    $311One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    3:20 AM5h50
    Canterbury
    9:10 AMBrighton
    $311One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Canterbury to Brighton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $29.

Distance: 61 miles (99 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$26

Average price

Cheapest

$44

Average price

$27

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 44m

Average total duration

5h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Southern

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 Canterbury to Brighton is a bus with an average price of $26 (€21).

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

A bus is $19 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Brighton costing on average $44 (€36).

The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Brighton is by train with an average journey time of 2h 18m.

Other travel options to Brighton take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Brighton including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Canterbury to Brighton 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 Brighton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
09:10AM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
10:10AM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30AM
Arrival Time
11:02AM
Duration
6h32
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
12:05PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:10AM
Arrival Time
12:02PM
Duration
5h52
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
02:15PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
02:02PM
Duration
6h27
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:50AM
Arrival Time
03:15PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
03:05PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50AM
Arrival Time
05:02PM
Duration
6h12
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:50PM
Arrival Time
07:27PM
Duration
6h37
Departure days
Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
08:10PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$19
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
08:20PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:15PM
Arrival Time
09:07PM
Duration
6h52
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:25PM
Arrival Time
09:00PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
09:07PM
Duration
6h22
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
10:20PM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15PM
Arrival Time
11:30PM
Duration
7h15
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20PM
Arrival Time
11:20PM
Duration
7h00
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50PM
Arrival Time
11:37PM
Duration
6h47
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50PM
Arrival Time
12:35AM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
12:35AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
02:37AM
Duration
6h42
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$47

Live departures

Canterbury to Brighton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Brighton buses for tomorrow, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express3:20 AM Canterbury
5h50
9:10 AM Brighton0 transfersDirect
National Express5:30 AM Canterbury
6h35
12:05 PM Brighton0 transfersDirect
National Express1:15 PM Canterbury
6h55
8:10 PM Brighton0 transfersDirect
National Express2:15 PM Canterbury
6h52
9:07 PM Brighton0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Brighton 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.

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

Why should you book Canterbury to Brighton buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Stagecoach South East offer buses services from Canterbury to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Brighton.

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 Stagecoach South East to find the best option for your trip from Canterbury to Brighton.
  • 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 Brighton.

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 Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Canterbury to Brighton run on average 26 times per day, taking around 5h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€13) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 22:57. The fastest bus covers the 61 miles (99 km) distance in 5h 35m.

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
61 miles (99 km)
Average bus duration
5h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$17 (€13)
Buses per day
26
Fastest bus
5h 35m
First bus
2:35 AM
Last bus
10:57 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
28 days
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, Stagecoach South East from Canterbury to BrightonYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Brighton with National Express, Stagecoach South East for as low as $17 (€13). 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 35m
Cheapest Price
$17 (€13)
National Express frequency
26 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.

Stagecoach South East

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 1m
Stagecoach South East frequency
10 a day

Complete guide to Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

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

  • Must visit

Royal Pavilion & Garden

Former seaside palace of George IV with lavish Indo-Saracenic architecture and richly decorated state rooms. One of Brighton’s signature heritage attractions.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

City museum in the Royal Pavilion Estate with fine art, fashion, design and local history collections. Strong choice for understanding Brighton’s cultural identity.

  • Recommended

Charleston in Lewes

Art-filled historic house and gallery associated with the Bloomsbury Group, reachable as an easy cultural excursion from Brighton. Highly regarded for interiors and exhibitions.

Pound sterling

Prices are high by UK standards, especially for hotels and dining in central and seafront areas.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple meal.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a standard coffee.

Tipping culture

Service charge of 10-12.5% may be added in restaurants; if not, tip about 10%. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.

Buses from Canterbury to Brighton

There are plenty of options throughout the week for bus trips between the ancient cathedral city of Canterbury and the popular seaside resort of Brighton, especially for passengers willing to travel in the early morning or late afternoon into the evening. It isn't a quick journey, but the stopover at Victoria makes a natural break for snacks and refreshments.

Which bus companies travel from Canterbury to Brighton?

National Express is currently the only company operating buses between Canterbury and Brighton.

How long is the bus from Canterbury to Brighton?

Travelling by bus from Canterbury to Brighton can take from just over five hours up to roughly six hours 40 minutes, with most of the services closer to the longer figure. There are no direct coaches. Instead, travellers have to change at Victoria bus station, which usually involves a wait of between an hour and 90 minutes.

How many buses are there from Canterbury to Brighton?

There are nine daily departures from Monday to Friday. These start in the small hours then continue intermittently until lunchtime. Then there's a lull until the late afternoon and evening, with the last bus leaving around 9:00 p.m. Weekends see two additional services, although departures start a little later.

What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Canterbury to Brighton?

Departure bus station: Canterbury Central Bus Station is on St George's Lane, south-east of the city center. Open 24/7, it's next to Whitefriars shopping centre, with the Abbey and the university a 10-minute stroll to the east. As well as handling intercity bus traffic, the station is a hub for local routes within town and throughout Kent. Stagecoach buses from Margate, Dover, Deal, Folkestone and other nearby towns all pass through, and visitors can also catch buses to Canterbury Cathedral, the Roman museum and other attractions.

Arrival bus station: Brighton Bus and bus Station has a kiosk, coffee shop and fast food outlet. Situated on Poole Valley Road, it's well placed whether one is in town for the sea, sights or shopping. The Lanes are just to the west, and it's only a few paces to the beach and Brighton Palace Pier. Other beachside attractions such as Volk's Electric railroad are an easy walk too. Meanwhile, the Royal Pavilion is a short bus ride back into town.

FAQs: Bus from Canterbury to Brighton

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Canterbury to Brighton can start from as little as $17 (€13) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Canterbury to Brighton is $26 (€21) ; 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 Brighton is 5h 35m to travel the 61 miles (99 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 Brighton leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Canterbury to Brighton leaves at 10:57 PM.
There are 26 buses a day from Canterbury to Brighton which require at least one change with National Express, Stagecoach South East. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Canterbury to Brighton, you can count on National Express, Stagecoach South East for the best way to get you to Brighton. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Brighton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Brighton from Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Canterbury to Brighton is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Brighton including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Canterbury to Brighton:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Canterbury to Brighton for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Brighton are:
  • Royal Pavilion, an exotic palace with Indian and Chinese architectural influences and lavish interiors
  • Brighton Pier, a historic pier offering amusement rides, arcade games, and seaside views
  • Brighton Beach, a popular pebble beach known for its vibrant atmosphere and water sports
  • The Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with independent shops, cafes, and antique stores
  • Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, a cultural venue featuring diverse exhibits on art, history, and design.
The best things to do in Brighton include:
  • Explore the vibrant street art scene in Brighton, with guided tours available to discover hidden murals and graffiti
  • Visit the British Airways i360, a futuristic observation tower offering panoramic views of the city and coastline
  • Enjoy a performance at the Brighton Dome, a renowned venue hosting music, theatre, and dance events
  • Take a scenic walk along the Undercliff Walk, a picturesque path offering stunning views of the cliffs and sea
  • Experience the nightlife in Brighton's bustling bars and clubs, known for their lively atmosphere and diverse music scenes.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Canterbury to Brighton 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 Brighton.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Canterbury to Brighton:
  • 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 Brighton:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Canterbury to Brighton.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Canterbury to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Canterbury to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Canterbury to Brighton with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Canterbury nor Brighton 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Canterbury to Brighton 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 Brighton, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the pier, the Lanes, and busy streets. Scams involving overcharging in taxis and unlicensed cabs are reported, so it’s advisable to use licensed services or pre-book transportation. Additionally, travelers should be wary of fake charity collectors and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings can help 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 Canterbury to Brighton

Canterbury
Brighton
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 Brighton.
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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