- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major maritime museum in the former dockyard with warship, galleries, and naval history central to Medway.
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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for London to Rochester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Rochester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $6, and a bus costs an average of $36.
Distance: 28 miles (46 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$37 Average price | $16 Average price Cheapest |
1h 43m Average total duration 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration Fastest 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from London to Rochester is a train with an average price of $16.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Rochester:
A train is $20 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from London to Rochester costing on average $37.
The fastest way to travel from London to Rochester is by train with an average journey time of 58m.
Other travel options to Rochester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Rochester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from London to Rochester among Omio's users.
London to Rochester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Southeastern | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 05:27AM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Southeastern | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 04:27AM | Duration 4h42 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Live departures
London to Rochester bus times
The table below shows live departures for London to Rochester buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:45 PM London | 4h42 | 4:27 AM Rochester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London to Rochester by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book London to Rochester buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from London to Rochester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Rochester.
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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Rochester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London to Rochester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from London to Rochester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from London to Rochester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 but you can travel from only $6 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 28 miles (46 km) distance in 4h 42m.
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 $6
Distance 28 miles (46 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 42m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 $6
Bus providers: National Express from London to RochesterYou can travel by bus between London to Rochester with National Express for as low as $6. 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
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 Rochester
Things to do in Rochester
Discover the best of Rochester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rochester trip today.
- Recommended
Guildhall Museum
Historic museum of Medway life in a fine seventeenth-century guildhall, with civic collections and local stories.
- Recommended
Fort Amherst Heritage Trust
Museum inside a Victorian fort exploring artillery, tunnels, and military engineering above the Medway towns.
- Must visit
Rochester High Street
Historic main street lined with timbered buildings, independent shops, and Dickens atmosphere at the heart of Rochester.
- Recommended
The Vines Park
Green riverside park beside the Medway, ideal for walks, castle views, and relaxed picnics near the old town.
- Recommended
Esplanade Gardens
Pleasant riverfront gardens with lawns and paths, popular for views across the Medway and quiet breaks in town.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh oysters from the nearby Thames Estuary are a Kent classic, prized since Roman times for their clean, briny flavour.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Wells Pudding
A rich fruit-filled dessert pudding linked with Dickensian Kent, traditionally steamed and served warm with custard.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kentish Apples
Sweet, soft apples grown across Kent are central to local eating, from simple desserts to farm-shop produce and juices.
Restaurant Gordon
Fine dining restaurant in a historic building, serving polished modern British tasting menus with a refined atmosphere.
Tiny Tim's Tea Room
Well-known local café and bakery popular for breakfast, light lunches, cakes, and coffee in central Rochester.
The Cooper's Arms
Historic riverside pub in Rochester known for British classics, real ales, and a traditional atmosphere near the castle.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for southeast England. Hotels and dining cost more than smaller UK towns, but Rochester is often cheaper than central London; local buses and short rail trips are manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, small change only.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city center
Rochester Railway Station (Stop E) -> Rochester High Street, Rochester
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Arriva buses in Kent; ask the driver for the best-value ticket before you travel.
- Rochester city centre is walkable from Rochester station, so you may not need a bus for short trips.
FAQs: Bus from London to Rochester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Rochester 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 Rochester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from London to Rochester can start from as little as $36 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for London to Rochester is $37 ; 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 London to Rochester is 4h 42m to travel the 28 miles (46 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 London to Rochester leaves at 12:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from London to Rochester leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 2 buses a day from London to Rochester which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from London to Rochester, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Rochester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between London and Rochester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Rochester from London is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 42m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from London to Rochester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Rochester including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from London to Rochester for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from London to Rochester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from London to Rochester 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.
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 London to Rochester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from London to Rochester:
- 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 London to Rochester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from London to Rochester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from London to Rochester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from London to Rochester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from London to Rochester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither London nor Rochester 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 London to Rochester 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 Rochester, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Common scams include fake taxi services and overcharging by unofficial ride providers. It's advisable to use licensed transportation options and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less populated neighborhoods.
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.
More options for your journey from London to Rochester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Rochester and London
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