Portsmouth to Canterbury bus with National Express

Thu, Mar 05
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Costa Verde
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
National Express
FlixBus
Alsa
Costa Verde
BlaBlaCar Bus
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Canterbury

Showing times and prices for Mar 06

Cheapest price

$18

Average price

$50

Fastest journey

6 h 40 m

Average duration

6 h 45 m

Buses per day

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 $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Portsmouth for Canterbury on Fri, Mar 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Mar 06 the direct buses cover the 161 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .

On Fri, Mar 06 the slowest buses will take 6 h 50 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
03:05AM6h40
Portsmouth
09:45AMCanterbury
$181One-way
0 transfers
National Express
03:35PM6h50
Portsmouth
10:25PMCanterbury
$811One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train 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 prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 18m. 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 $18, and a train costs an average of $43.

Distance: 100 miles (161 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

$36

Average price

Cheapest

$44

Average price

5h 24m

Average total duration

4h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Southern

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Portsmouth to Canterbury bus times

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

Last updated at 2:00 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_express2:55 PM Portsmouth
6h10
9:05 PM Canterbury0 transfersDirect
national_express3:54 PM Portsmouth
7h01
10:55 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 bus or train

Compare bus and 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.

Fri
Mar 06
Sat
Mar 07
Sun
Mar 08
Mon
Mar 09
Tue
Mar 10
Wed
Mar 11
Thu
Mar 12

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 bus and train 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 bus and train 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 19 times per day, taking around 4h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€14) 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 4h 55m.

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 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$18 (€14)
Buses per day
19
Fastest bus
4h 55m
First bus
03:05
Last bus
21:08
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 $18 (€14). 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 Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
$18 (€14)
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.

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 $18 (€14) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portsmouth to Canterbury is $36 (€29) ; 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 4h 55m 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 19 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.
A trip to Canterbury from Portsmouth is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Canterbury including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portsmouth to Canterbury for bus company National Express.
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.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Portsmouth to Canterbury

Portsmouth
Canterbury
The major bus station for departures in Portsmouth is Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange for your trip from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 05:00-23:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
carConnection
Car connection
The Hard
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café at The Hard (in the station)
  • Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available near the waiting area.
Public transit options for Portsmouth, The Hard Interchange
  • Bus: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14 Train: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway
Portsmouth, University
information
Southsea, Clarence Esplanade
information

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone