The cheapest and fastest buses from Portsmouth to Canterbury
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
6 h 50 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
161 km
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 $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Of the 3 buses that leave Portsmouth for Canterbury on Fri, Jun 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct buses cover the 161 km distance in an average of 6 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest buses will take 7 h 16 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.
3:05 AM6h40Portsmouth9:45 AMCanterbury$181One-way0 transfers
3:09 PM7h16Portsmouth10:25 PMCanterbury$231One-way0 transfers
4:20 AM6h35Portsmouth10:55 AMCanterbury$251One-way0 transfers
4:20 AM6h35Portsmouth10:55 AMCanterbury$251One-way0 transfers
3:05 AM6h40Portsmouth9:45 AMCanterbury$181One-way0 transfers
3:09 PM7h16Portsmouth10:25 PMCanterbury$231One-way0 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 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 $42.
Distance: 100 miles (161 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $44 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m 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 |
![]() 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Canterbury costing on average $44 (€35).
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 58m.
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.
Portsmouth to Canterbury Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $18 |
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 05:50AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:34AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $36 |
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 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 Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:29PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h21 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:29PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 6h21 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Portsmouth to Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Canterbury buses for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:54 PM Portsmouth | 7h01 | 10:55 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:45 PM Portsmouth | 6h05 | 11:50 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 5 | |||||
![]() | 3:05 AM Portsmouth | 6h40 | 9:45 AM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:20 AM Portsmouth | 6h35 | 10:55 AM Canterbury | 0 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.
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Jun 08
Jun 09
Jun 10
Jun 11
Why should you book Portsmouth to Canterbury buses with Omio?
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
Buses from Portsmouth to Canterbury run on average 20 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. 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 5h 21m.
Distance 100 miles (161 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€14) |
Buses per day 20 |
Fastest bus 5h 21m |
First bus 3:05 AM |
Last bus 9:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 56 days |
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
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.

- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Portsmouth to Canterbury
- 05:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at The Hard (in the station)
- Fast Food Outlet (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available near the waiting area.
- Bus: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 13, 14 Train: South Western Railway, Southern, Great Western Railway
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café in the terminal (in the station)
- Fast-food outlet (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 8, 20, 700 Train: Portsmouth Harbour
- Free Wi-Fi
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A
Most popular bus connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Canterbury
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