Canterbury to Bristol bus with National Express

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

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18

Cheapest price on Sep 18

$23

Average ticket price on Sep 18

$25

Fastest journey on Sep 18

4 h 55 m

Average journey duration on Sep 18

5 h 38 m

Buses on Sep 18

4

Distance

256 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Canterbury to Bristol will cost around $25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.

Fast buses

On Fri, Sep 18, we found 4 buses from Canterbury to Bristol, including 4 direct services.

On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 256 km distance in an average of 5 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .

On Fri, Sep 18 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
    5:50 PM5h50
    Canterbury
    11:40 PMBristol
    $231One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    4:20 AM5h55
    Canterbury
    10:15 AMBristol
    $231One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    4:50 PM5h50
    Canterbury
    10:40 PMBristol
    $271One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    6:55 PM4h55
    Canterbury
    11:50 PMBristol
    $271One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Canterbury to Bristol

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 21m. 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 $36, while a train costs an average of $91.

Distance: 159 miles (256 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$36

Average price

Cheapest

$91

Average price

$80

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 50m

Average total duration

5h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 21m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Great Western Railway

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 Bristol is a bus with an average price of $36.

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

A bus is $55 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Bristol costing on average $91.

The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Bristol is by train with an average journey time of 2h 51m.

Other travel options to Bristol take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 20m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Bristol including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Canterbury to Bristol 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 $36 compared to roughly $80 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $44. The journey takes 5h 20m versus 3h 20m 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.

Canterbury to Bristol Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
09:15AM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Tue, Sat
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:28AM
Arrival Time
09:15AM
Duration
5h47
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
10:15AM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Everyday
Cheapest price
$23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:30AM
Arrival Time
12:40PM
Duration
7h10
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:10AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
5h45
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
02:25PM
Duration
6h55
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
01:40PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
02:00PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:00AM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:20AM
Arrival Time
03:30PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$37
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:50AM
Arrival Time
04:00PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:20AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:50AM
Arrival Time
05:20PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:50PM
Arrival Time
07:00PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:25PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
7h40
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
08:50PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20PM
Arrival Time
10:15PM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
11:25PM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50PM
Arrival Time
11:40PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
01:20AM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:55PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:55PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
$23

Live departures

Canterbury to Bristol bus times

The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Bristol 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 ExpressNX007 · NX0402:45 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
6h05
8:50 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)1 transfer
National ExpressNX022 · NX0404:45 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
6h40
11:25 PM Bristol, University Queens Road1 transfer
National ExpressNX022 · NX0404:45 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
6h30
11:15 PM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)1 transfer
National ExpressNX007 · NX0406:50 PM Canterbury, Bus Station
6h30
1:20 AM Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St)1 transfer
Friday, September 18
National Express4:20 AM Canterbury
5h55
10:15 AM Bristol0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Bristol 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
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24

Why should you book Canterbury to Bristol buses with Omio?

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

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 Bristol.

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 Bristol.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Bristol

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Canterbury to Bristol run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 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 4h 7m.

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 20m
Cheapest ticket price
$17
Buses per day
13
Fastest bus
4h 7m
First bus
2:46 AM
Last bus
11:55 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
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 from Canterbury to BristolYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Bristol 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 7m
Cheapest National Express Price
$17
National Express frequency
13 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 Bristol

Things to do in Bristol

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

  • Must visit

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Major city museum with natural history, archaeology, art, and local collections in a grand building. A top all-round introduction to Bristol.

  • Must visit

SS Great Britain

Historic passenger ship designed by Brunel. Explore decks, cabins, and dockside museum displays on one of Bristol’s most famous heritage attractions.

  • Must visit

M Shed

Purpose-built city history museum beside the floating harbour. It tells Bristol’s story through people, trade, protest, and everyday life.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but central stays, attractions, and transport can still add up for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.

FAQs: Bus from Canterbury to Bristol

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Canterbury to Bristol can start from as little as $17 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Canterbury to Bristol is $36 ; 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 Bristol is 4h 7m to travel the 159 miles (256 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 Bristol leaves at 2:46 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Canterbury to Bristol leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 13 buses a day from Canterbury to Bristol 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 Bristol, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Bristol. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Bristol and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Canterbury , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Canterbury, Bus Station, Canterbury, University Of Kent . When arriving in Bristol , you can end your journey in bus stations like Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), Bristol, University Queens Road, Bristol, Clifton Down .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Canterbury, Bus Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St), located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Bristol from Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 7m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Canterbury to Bristol is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Bristol including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Canterbury to Bristol:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Canterbury to Bristol for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Bristol are:
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge, an iconic 19th-century suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the Avon Gorge
  • Bristol Cathedral, a historic cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture and serene gardens
  • SS Great Britain, a restored 19th-century passenger steamship and museum located in the Great Western Dockyard
  • Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, a museum featuring diverse collections of art, archaeology, and natural history
  • St Nicholas Market, a vibrant market with a variety of food stalls, independent shops, and local crafts.
The best things to do in Bristol include:
  • Bristol Zoo Gardens, a family-friendly attraction with diverse animal exhibits
  • Take a boat tour along the River Avon for unique views of the city
  • Explore the street art in the Stokes Croft area, known for its vibrant murals and graffiti
  • Visit the Arnolfini, a contemporary arts center with exhibitions and performances
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic in Brandon Hill Park, home to the historic Cabot Tower.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Canterbury to Bristol 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 Bristol.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Canterbury to Bristol:
  • 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 Bristol:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Canterbury to Bristol.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Canterbury to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Canterbury to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Canterbury to Bristol with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Canterbury nor Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and on public transport. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and counterfeit event tickets. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and buy tickets only from official vendors to avoid these issues. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of their surroundings at night, particularly in less busy areas.
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 Bristol

Most Canterbury to Bristol buses use the Canterbury, Bus Station to Bristol, Bus & Coach Station (Marlborough St) station pair, with some services arriving at Bristol, University Queens Road. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Bristol bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Canterbury
Arrival bus stations in Bristol

Which Canterbury station do buses to Bristol leave from?

Buses from Canterbury to Bristol leave from Canterbury, Bus Station. The station is from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK.
Canterbury, Bus StationCanterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Canterbury, Bus Station from Canterbury city centre

Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · $4 · every ~22 min

Canterbury, Bus Station bus station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Canterbury, University Of KentUniversity of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United KingdomWifiParkingATMAccessibilityWC
City-centre transport

Getting to Canterbury, University Of Kent from Canterbury city centre

Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A

Canterbury, University Of Kent bus station facilities and services

Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.

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