Portsmouth to Canterbury bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Canterbury

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 05

Cheapest price on Sep 05

$26

Average ticket price on Sep 05

$35

Fastest journey on Sep 05

5 h 21 m

Average journey duration on Sep 05

5 h 43 m

Buses on Sep 05

2

Distance

161 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Canterbury will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.

Fast buses

On Sat, Sep 05, we found 2 buses from Portsmouth to Canterbury, including 2 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 05 the direct buses cover the 161 km distance in an average of 5 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 21 m .

On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest buses will take 6 h 5 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
    6:29 PM5h21
    Portsmouth
    11:50 PMCanterbury
    $261One-way
    0 transfers
  • National Express
    5:50 AM6h05
    Portsmouth
    11:55 AMCanterbury
    $441One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Portsmouth to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 53m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, while a train costs an average of $44.

Distance: 100 miles (161 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Driving

$39

Average price

Cheapest

$44

Average price

$48

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 26m

Average total duration

4h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 16m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Southern

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 Portsmouth to Canterbury is a bus with an average price of $39.

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

A bus is $5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Canterbury costing on average $44.

The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 3h 23m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 56m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Canterbury including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth to Canterbury 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 $39 compared to roughly $48 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8. The journey takes 4h 56m versus 2h 16m 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.

Portsmouth to Canterbury Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
6h40
Departure days
Tue, Fri
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:20AM
Arrival Time
10:55AM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:50AM
Arrival Time
10:55AM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$45
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:00AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:34AM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
6h31
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$36
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:49AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
5h41
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:39PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
6h41
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:55PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:39PM
Arrival Time
08:05PM
Duration
6h26
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$25
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:09PM
Arrival Time
09:25PM
Duration
7h16
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$27
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:39PM
Arrival Time
09:05PM
Duration
6h26
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$43
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:55PM
Arrival Time
09:05PM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:05PM
Arrival Time
09:05PM
Duration
6h00
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$54
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:09PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
7h16
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$23
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:54PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
7h01
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$21
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:10PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
6h45
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:29PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
5h21
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$20
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
6h05
Departure days
Tue
Cheapest price
$41

Live departures

Portsmouth to Canterbury bus times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Canterbury buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National Express5:50 AM Portsmouth
6h05
11:55 AM Canterbury0 transfersDirect
National Express6:29 PM Portsmouth
5h21
11:50 PM Canterbury0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Canterbury 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.

Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08
Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11

Why should you book Portsmouth to Canterbury buses with Omio?

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

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 Portsmouth to Canterbury.

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 Portsmouth to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Portsmouth to Canterbury run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 03:05, the last at 21:08. The fastest bus covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 6h 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
Distance
100 miles (161 km)
Average bus duration
4h 56m
Cheapest ticket price
$26
Buses per day
20
Fastest bus
6h 10m
First bus
3:05 AM
Last bus
9:08 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
56 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 Portsmouth to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Portsmouth to Canterbury with National Express for as low as $26. 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
6h 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 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

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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Portsmouth to Canterbury can start from as little as $26 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Canterbury is $39 ; 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury is 6h 10m to travel the 100 miles (161 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury leaves at 3:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury leaves at 9:08 PM.
There are 20 buses a day from Portsmouth to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Portsmouth and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Portsmouth , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, University, Portsmouth, International Port, Southsea, Clarence Esplanade . When arriving in Canterbury , you can end your journey in bus stations like Canterbury, Bus Station, Canterbury, University Of Kent .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange, which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Canterbury, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Canterbury from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Canterbury including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury for bus company National Express.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
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 Portsmouth 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.
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 Portsmouth to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Portsmouth to Canterbury:
  • 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Portsmouth 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury

Most Portsmouth to Canterbury buses use the Portsmouth, University to Canterbury, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Portsmouth
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury

Which Portsmouth station do buses to Canterbury leave from?

Buses from Portsmouth to Canterbury leave from Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Portsmouth city centre at The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UK.
Portsmouth, The Hard InterchangeThe Hard Interchange, Portsmouth PO1 3DT, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · $1 · every ~4 min
Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · $2 · every ~214 min

Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange bus station facilities and services

Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café at The Hard (in the station), Fast Food Outlet (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange: Elevators, ramps.

Portsmouth, University
Portsmouth, International PortWharf Road, Portsmouth PO2 8RU, United KingdomWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth, International Port from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth, International Port is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

BusX4, X5, Pr1 · 3m · every ~55 min
8, 3, 7, X4, X5 · 6m · $2 · every ~113 min
725 · 15m · $2

Portsmouth, International Port bus station facilities and services

Portsmouth, International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Café in the terminal (in the station), Fast-food outlet (in the station).

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance of the terminal.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth, International Port.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth, International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth, International Port: Elevators, ramps.

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