Canterbury to Stratford bus with National Express

Tue, Sep 08
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Travel Information

Compare train for Canterbury to Stratford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Stratford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $47 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $47, while a train costs an average of $47.

Distance: 50 miles (81 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

$47

Average price

Cheapest

$43

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 15m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Southeastern

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Canterbury to Stratford is a bus with an average price of $26.

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

A bus is $20 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Stratford costing on average $47.

The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Stratford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 15m.

Other travel options to Stratford take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 20m.

Yes, you can take a train between Canterbury and Stratford.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Canterbury to Stratford 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 $26 compared to roughly $43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $16. The journey takes 3h 20m versus 1h 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.

Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Stratford by train

Compare 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.

Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
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Sep 11
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Sep 12
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Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14

Why should you book Canterbury to Stratford buses with Omio?

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

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.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Stratford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Canterbury to Stratford run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 but you can travel from only $12 by train.

The earliest bus runs at 00:20, the last at 23:48. The fastest bus covers the 50 miles (81 km) distance in 3h 10m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $12
Distance
50 miles (81 km)
Average bus duration
3h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
$26
Buses per day
4
Fastest bus
3h 10m
First bus
12:20 AM
Last bus
11:48 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $12

Bus providers: National Express from Canterbury to StratfordYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Stratford with National Express for as low as $12. 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
3h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
$26
National Express frequency
4 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 Stratford

Things to do in Stratford

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

  • Must visit

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Flagship Shakespeare museum in his birthplace, with exhibitions on his life, family, and legacy in a preserved Tudor setting.

  • Must visit

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Restored family home where Shakespeare's wife grew up; combines domestic history, collection displays, and attractive grounds.

  • Recommended

Hall's Croft

Museum house exploring Shakespeare's daughter and son-in-law, with fine rooms, medical history, and landscaped gardens.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and theatre can raise costs, but dining and local transport are usually manageable versus London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: small change or no tip is fine.

FAQs: Bus from Canterbury to Stratford

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

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Canterbury to Stratford can start from as little as $26 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Canterbury to Stratford is $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 Canterbury to Stratford is 3h 10m to travel the 50 miles (81 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 Stratford leaves at 12:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Canterbury to Stratford leaves at 11:48 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Canterbury to Stratford 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 Stratford, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Stratford. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Stratford 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, University Of Kent, Canterbury, Bus Station, Whitstable, Clapham Hill, London, Victoria Coach Station . When arriving in Stratford , you can end your journey in bus stations like London, Stratford City Bus Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Canterbury, University Of Kent, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at London, Stratford City Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Stratford from Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Canterbury to Stratford is December.
Yes, you can take a train between Canterbury and Stratford.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Canterbury to Stratford:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Canterbury to Stratford for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Canterbury to Stratford 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 Stratford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Canterbury to Stratford:
  • 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 Stratford:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Canterbury to Stratford.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Canterbury to Stratford with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Canterbury to Stratford with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Canterbury to Stratford with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Canterbury nor Stratford 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 Stratford 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 Stratford, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as near the Stratford International station and during events at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi drivers and unofficial ticket sellers offering inflated prices for local transportation or theatre tickets. It is advisable to use authorized services and stay vigilant in busy spots 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 Stratford

Most Canterbury to Stratford buses use the Canterbury, University Of Kent to London, Stratford City Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Stratford 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 Stratford

Which Canterbury station do buses to Stratford leave from?

Buses from Canterbury to Stratford leave from Canterbury, University Of Kent. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Canterbury city centre at University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom.
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.

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.

More options for your journey from Canterbury to Stratford

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