- Recommended
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Interactive museum inside a medieval church telling the story of Canterbury’s Roman, medieval, and modern past. Ideal first stop for context.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 16 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
87 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from London to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Canterbury will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 13 buses that leave London for Canterbury on Sat, Aug 22, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 22 the direct buses cover the 87 km distance in an average of 2 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Sat, Aug 22 the slowest buses will take 2 h 25 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.
NX022
NX022
NX007
NX007
NX007
NX022
NX007
NX022
NX007
NX007Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 53m. 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 $13, and a train costs an average of $14.
Distance: 54 miles (87 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 28m Average total duration 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Canterbury:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Canterbury costing on average $28 (€23).
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 58m.
Tickets start at around $22 (€18) compared to roughly $43 (€35) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 1h 53m versus 1h 37m 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.
Direct services are operated by National Express.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for London to Canterbury buses for today, Friday, August 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX007 | 4:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h50 | 7:20 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX022 | 6:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h35 | 8:35 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX007 | 8:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h25 | 10:25 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX022 | 9:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h20 | 11:50 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX007 | 11:00 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h10 | 1:10 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX022 | 7:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h00 | 9:30 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX007 | 9:30 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h25 | 11:55 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX022 | 11:00 AM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h35 | 1:35 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX032 · NX025 · NX022 | 11:20 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 5h45 | 5:05 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX032 · NX030 · NX022 | 11:20 AM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 5h45 | 5:05 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX007 | 12:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h30 | 3:00 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX032 · NX444 · NX007 | 1:50 PM London, Hammersmith Bridge Road | 5h10 | 7:00 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
NX022 | 2:30 PM London, Victoria Coach Station | 2h35 | 5:05 PM Canterbury, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from London to Canterbury run on average 17 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 16 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:12, the last at 23:54. The fastest bus covers the 54 miles (87 km) distance in 1h 35m.
Distance 54 miles (87 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€10) |
Buses per day 17 |
Direct buses 16 |
Fastest bus 1h 35m |
First bus 12:12 AM |
Last bus 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.
Interactive museum inside a medieval church telling the story of Canterbury’s Roman, medieval, and modern past. Ideal first stop for context.
Underground remains of a Roman townhouse with mosaics and hypocaust. A compact but memorable look at Roman Canterbury beneath the streets.
Story-led museum on medieval pilgrimage inspired by Chaucer. It brings Canterbury’s most famous journeying tradition to life.
Pedestrian high street lined with historic buildings and shops. It is one of the best places to feel the rhythm of central Canterbury.
Picturesque lane famed for overhanging medieval timber-framed buildings. One of Canterbury’s most photographed and atmospheric historic streets.
Elegant pedestrian street connecting major sights. Its historic façades, independent shops, and easy walking route make it especially pleasant.
Kentish Huffkin is a traditional Kent bread roll, often served with cheese or fruit. It is a classic county bake linked to local farmhouse cooking.
Canterbury Tart is a historic pastry tart, usually filled with apple and almond. It is associated with old Kent baking traditions and local tea tables.
Whitstable Oysters are served across Canterbury and East Kent. These native oysters are prized for their briny flavor and long link to the nearby coast.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant with seasonal menus and a smart yet relaxed setting in the city center.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for polished British tasting menus and refined service in central Canterbury.
Popular farmers' market restaurant serving seasonal Kent produce, meats, cheeses, and simple dishes in a lively casual setting.
Moderate for UK travel. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist-season stays and central restaurants raise prices. Local buses are reasonable.
Service may be included at restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxis: round up or add 5-10%. Cafes: optional small change.
Official public transport app
Canterbury Bus Station -> Canterbury Cathedral
Whoever travels a lot by bus through England will sooner or later also travel the route London - Canterbury bus. The city in the southeast of the country is about 100 kilometers away from the capital. This makes Canterbury a perfect day trip. Alternatively, Canterbury can also be used as a starting point for trips to other cities in the south. With numerous connections every day of the week, the bus journey from London to Canterbury is very interesting both for business travellers and for holidaymakers.
The bus services from London to Canterbury are operated entirely by National Express. The English bus company operates buses in all parts of the country. Travellers can travel on National Express buses from any city in England to many other cities.
The journey by bus London - Canterbury takes about 2 hours. All National Express journeys are direct connections between the two cities, so travellers do not have to stop anywhere. Those who take the buses in the evening can even make the trip in just 1:45 hours. It can also take a little longer in the afternoon, but the bus shouldn't need more than 2:30 in the evening.
Every day between 10 and 20 connections are offered for the journey by bus from London to Canterbury. The first buses leave London early in the morning, usually at 7:00. The last connections are usually between 21:00 and 22:00.
At which bus station does the bus depart from in London? National Express buses always leave London at Victoria Coach Station. The station is close to Victoria Station, one of the largest stations and transfer points for the London Tube. This makes it easy to get to the bus station from anywhere in the city. There are some kiosks and a café for catering, but the better options are outside the station.
At which bus station does the bus arrive in Canterbury? The buses from London reach Canterbury at the bus stop in St George's Lane. This is not a complete bus stop but just a few stops along the road. The location is very central and right in the city centre. Those who make a day trip from London can walk directly from the bus stop and explore the city. All others can easily take a taxi to their hotels.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

Most London to Canterbury buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Canterbury, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare London and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Victoria Coach Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Victoria Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Pret a Manger (in the station), Starbucks (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Victoria Coach Station.
Available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Victoria Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
London, Baker Street Station is 2 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Baker Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at London, Baker Street Station. ATMs are available at London, Baker Street Station.
Ticket office support is available at London, Baker Street Station.
Available at London, Baker Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Baker Street Station: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
London, Hammersmith Bridge Road is 7 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London, Hammersmith Bridge Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road. ATMs are available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road.
Ticket office support is available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road.
Available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Hammersmith Bridge Road: Wheelchair accessible.
Canterbury, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.
Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.
Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:
Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.
Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need