Southampton to Canterbury bus with National Express

Wed, Nov 05
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Canterbury

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$24

Average price

$27

Fastest journey

6 h 20 m

Average duration

6 h 40 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

178 km

Cheap tickets

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 $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.

Fast buses

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

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct buses cover the 178 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 20 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest buses will take 7 h 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
05:30PM6h20
Southampton
11:50PMCanterbury
$241One-way
0 transfers
National Express
04:50PM7h00
Southampton
11:50PMCanterbury
$301One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Southampton to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the bus 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 €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 11m. 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 €16, and a train costs an average of €35.

Distance: 110 miles (178 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€22

Average price

Cheapest

€35

Average price

5h 20m

Average total duration

4h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 41m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

Southeastern

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Southampton to Canterbury Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
09:35AM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
6h20
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$44
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$48
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
04:20PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$38
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
7h05
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
09:05PM
Duration
7h35
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
10:55PM
Duration
6h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
12:40AM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$26

Live departures

Southampton to Canterbury bus times

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

Last updated at 2:16 AM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station
5h20
9:35 AM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station
5h30
9:45 AM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
5:35 AM Southampton, Coach Station
6h20
11:55 AM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
5:35 AM Southampton, Coach Station
6h10
11:45 AM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
7:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station
7h05
2:05 PM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
7:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station
6h55
1:55 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
10:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station
6h15
4:20 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
10:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station
6h25
4:30 PM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station
7h05
7:20 PM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station
6h55
7:10 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
1:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
7h35
9:05 PM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
1:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
7h25
8:55 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
4:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
6h25
10:55 PM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX022
On time
4:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
6h15
10:45 PM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
6:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
6h10
12:40 AM Canterbury, University Of Kent
1 transfer
national_expressNX032 · NX007
On time
6:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
6h20
12:50 AM Canterbury, Rhodaus Town (Canterbury East Rail Station)
1 transfer

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.

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

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
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
110 miles (178 km)
Average bus duration
4h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$20 (€16)
Buses per day
13
Fastest bus
5h 5m
First bus
02:20
Last bus
22:23

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Southampton to Canterbury start from as low as $20 (€16) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $27 (€22) depending on the train type and class.
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 Southampton to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Canterbury with National Express for as low as $20 (€16). 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
5h 5m
Cheapest Price
$20 (€16)
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.

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.
FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton to Canterbury can start from as little as $21 (€17) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to Canterbury is $34 (€28); 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 Southampton to Canterbury is 5 h 30 min   to travel the 110 mile (178 km) long route, with around there are 17 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Southampton to Canterbury leaves at 3: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Southampton to Canterbury leaves at 6: 20PM.
There are 17 buses a day from Southampton to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
Take the Southampton to Canterbury bus with National Express. However, it's always good to check out all possible bus providers for the route between Southampton and Canterbury as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
The cheapest month to travel from Southampton to Canterbury by bus is September.
You have options as you can travel between Southampton and Canterbury 2 different ways: bus or train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton to Canterbury depends on the bus company:
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Southampton to Canterbury, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Southampton to Canterbury.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Southampton to Canterbury.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Southampton to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Southampton to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Southampton to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Southampton to Canterbury

    Southampton
    Canterbury
    The major bus station for departures in Southampton is Southampton, Coach Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Southampton, Coach Station for your trip from Southampton to Canterbury.
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Harbour Parade
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Café Express (in the station)
    • Sandwich Bar (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the station.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available near the entrance.
    Public transit options for Southampton, Coach Station
    • Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
    Southampton, University
    information

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