- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Plymouth to Canterbury
Showing times and prices for Jul 30
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
9 h 20 m
Average duration
10 h 33 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
380 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Plymouth for Canterbury on Thu, Jul 30, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct buses cover the 380 km distance in an average of 10 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 20 m .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest buses will take 11 h 45 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.
9:20 AM11h45Plymouth9:05 PMCanterbury$301One-way0 transfers- 2:30 PM9h20Plymouth11:50 PMCanterbury$691One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 PM9h20Plymouth11:50 PMCanterbury$691One-way0 transfers
- 9:20 AM11h45Plymouth9:05 PMCanterbury$301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Plymouth to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $28.
Distance: 236 miles (380 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $95 Average price | $203 Average price | $99 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 7m Average total duration Fastest 4h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Plymouth to Canterbury is a bus with an average price of $46 (€38).
This is compared to other travel options from Plymouth to Canterbury:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Canterbury costing on average $95 (€79).
A bus is $157 (€129) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Plymouth to Canterbury costing on average $203 (€168).
The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Canterbury is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 7m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 21m.
Bus takes on average 8h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Plymouth and Canterbury including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Plymouth to Canterbury 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.
Plymouth to Canterbury Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Stagecoach South West | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Stagecoach South West | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Live departures
Plymouth to Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Plymouth to Canterbury buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:20 AM Plymouth | 11h45 | 9:05 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:30 PM Plymouth | 9h20 | 11:50 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Canterbury by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
Thu
Jul 30
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Why should you book Plymouth to Canterbury buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Stagecoach South West or FlixBus offer buses services from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth to Canterbury.
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 West or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Canterbury.
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Stagecoach South West or FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Plymouth to Canterbury.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Plymouth to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Plymouth to Canterbury run on average 14 times per day, taking around 8h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 9h 0m.
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
Flight from $28 (€23)
Distance 236 miles (380 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€24) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 9h 0m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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
Flight from $28 (€23)
Bus providers: National Express, Stagecoach South West, FlixBus from Plymouth to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Plymouth to Canterbury with National Express, Stagecoach South West, FlixBus for as low as $28 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 35m
Cheapest Price
$89 (€73)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
9h 0m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€24)
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.
Stagecoach South West
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 5m
Cheapest Price
$87 (€72)
Stagecoach South West frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Canterbury
Things to do in Canterbury
Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.
- Recommended
Canterbury Roman Museum
Underground remains of a Roman townhouse with mosaics and hypocaust. A compact but memorable look at Roman Canterbury beneath the streets.
- Recommended
The Canterbury Tales
Story-led museum on medieval pilgrimage inspired by Chaucer. It brings Canterbury’s most famous journeying tradition to life.
- Recommended
High Street
Pedestrian high street lined with historic buildings and shops. It is one of the best places to feel the rhythm of central Canterbury.
- Recommended
The King's Mile
Picturesque lane famed for overhanging medieval timber-framed buildings. One of Canterbury’s most photographed and atmospheric historic streets.
- Recommended
Mercery Lane
Elegant pedestrian street connecting major sights. Its historic façades, independent shops, and easy walking route make it especially pleasant.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kentish Huffkin
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.
- Vegetarian
Canterbury Tart
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.
- Gluten-free
Whitstable Oysters
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.
The Corner House
Well-regarded modern British restaurant with seasonal menus and a smart yet relaxed setting in the city center.
The Goods Shed
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for polished British tasting menus and refined service in central Canterbury.
The Goods Shed
Popular farmers' market restaurant serving seasonal Kent produce, meats, cheeses, and simple dishes in a lively casual setting.
British Pound (£)
Moderate for UK travel. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist-season stays and central restaurants raise prices. Local buses are reasonable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Canterbury Bus Station -> Canterbury Cathedral
- Distance
- 500 m
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Stagecoach buses in Canterbury; you can also use Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- The £2 single bus fare cap applies on many local bus journeys in England, but check the operator before travel.
FAQs: Bus from Plymouth to Canterbury
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Plymouth to Canterbury can start from as little as $29 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Plymouth to Canterbury is $46 (€38) ; 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 Plymouth to Canterbury is 9h 0m to travel the 236 miles (380 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 Plymouth to Canterbury leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Plymouth to Canterbury leaves at 11:15 PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Plymouth to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express, Stagecoach South West, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Plymouth to Canterbury, you can count on National Express, Stagecoach South West, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Plymouth and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Canterbury from Plymouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 0m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Plymouth to Canterbury is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Plymouth and Canterbury including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Plymouth to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Plymouth to Canterbury for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Canterbury are:
- Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Gothic structure known for its stunning architecture and historical significance
- St. Augustine's Abbey, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery founded in the 6th century, offering insights into early Christian history in England
- Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, a medieval gatehouse with exhibits on local history and panoramic views of the city
- Canterbury Roman Museum, an underground museum showcasing Roman artifacts and the remains of a Roman townhouse
- Westgate Gardens, a picturesque park perfect for leisurely walks along the River Stour.
The best things to do in Canterbury include:
- Explore the historic streets of Canterbury on a guided walking tour, learning about its rich history and hidden gems
- Enjoy a punting tour on the River Stour for a unique perspective of the city's architecture and natural beauty
- Visit the Canterbury Tales attraction for an interactive experience of Chaucer's famous stories
- Attend a performance at The Marlowe Theatre, featuring plays, musicals, and concerts
- Discover the local food scene with a culinary tour of Canterbury's best eateries and markets.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express, FlixBus.
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 Plymouth to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Plymouth to Canterbury. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Plymouth to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Plymouth to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Plymouth to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Since neither Plymouth nor Canterbury 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 Plymouth to Canterbury 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 Canterbury, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and around popular tourist sites. Scams involving overcharging or unofficial taxi services can also occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed transportation. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps 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 Plymouth to Canterbury
Most Plymouth to Canterbury buses use the Plymouth, Coach Station to Canterbury, University Of Kent station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, St. Georges Lane. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Plymouth
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury
Plymouth, Coach Station
Which Canterbury station do buses from Plymouth arrive at?
Buses from Plymouth to Canterbury most often arrive at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Some services arrive at Canterbury, St. Georges Lane, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Canterbury arrival station.
Canterbury, University Of KentUniversity of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United Kingdom
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, St. Georges Lane
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury, St. Georges Lane from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · $4 · every ~22 min
More options for your journey from Plymouth to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Canterbury and Plymouth
Most popular bus connections to Canterbury
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
