The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Canterbury
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
6 h 10 m
Average duration
6 h 29 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
178 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Canterbury will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 4 buses that leave Southampton for Canterbury on Fri, Jun 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 178 km distance in an average of 6 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 7 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.
7:00 PM6h10Southampton1:10 AMCanterbury$261One-way0 transfers
12:15 PM7h05Southampton7:20 PMCanterbury$361One-way0 transfers
5:20 PM6h30Southampton11:50 PMCanterbury$391One-way0 transfers
6:00 PM6h10Southampton12:10 AMCanterbury$431One-way0 transfers
7:00 PM6h10Southampton1:10 AMCanterbury$261One-way0 transfers
6:00 PM6h10Southampton12:10 AMCanterbury$431One-way0 transfers
5:20 PM6h30Southampton11:50 PMCanterbury$391One-way0 transfers
12:15 PM7h05Southampton7:20 PMCanterbury$361One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Southampton to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 110 miles (178 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Southampton to Canterbury:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Canterbury costing on average $49 (€40).
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.
Southampton to Canterbury Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Live departures
Southampton to Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Canterbury buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:00 PM Southampton | 6h10 | 12:10 AM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 PM Southampton | 6h20 | 12:50 AM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
![]() | 12:15 PM Southampton | 7h05 | 7:20 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:20 PM Southampton | 6h30 | 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 Southampton 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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Why should you book Southampton to Canterbury buses with Omio?
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 Unilink to find the best option for your trip from Southampton 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 and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Canterbury
Buses from Southampton to Canterbury run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:20, the last at 22:23. The fastest bus covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 110 miles (178 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 2:20 AM |
Last bus 10:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 days |
Bus providers: National Express, Unilink from Southampton to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Canterbury with National Express, Unilink for as low as $20 (€16). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
Unilink
FAQs: Bus from Southampton to Canterbury
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury
Most Southampton to Canterbury buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Canterbury, St. Georges Lane station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Southampton station do buses to Canterbury leave from?
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre
Getting to Canterbury, St. Georges Lane from Canterbury city centre
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:
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.
Most popular bus connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

