- 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.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€15
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€18
Fastest journey on Sep 18
5 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
6 h 19 m
Buses on Sep 18
10
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 €18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €15.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Canterbury without transferring at least once.
NX032 · NX007
NX032 · NX007
NX032 · NX022
NX032 · NX022
NX032 · NX007
NX032 · NX022
NX032 · NX007
NX032 · NX022
NX032 · NX022
NX032 · NX007Omio 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 an average ticket price of €30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 33m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €30, while a train costs an average of €78.
Distance: 110 miles (178 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€30 Average price Cheapest | €78 Average price | €40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m 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 €48 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Canterbury costing on average €78.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 26m.
Tickets start at around €30 compared to roughly €40 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €10. The journey takes 5h 26m versus 2h 34m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €15 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €17 |
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Canterbury buses for today, Thursday, September 17. 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, September 18 | |||||
NX032 · NX022 | 4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 5h30 | 9:45 AM Canterbury, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Southampton to Canterbury run on average 10 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €17 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 4h 30m.
Distance 110 miles (178 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price €17 |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 2:20 AM |
Last bus 10:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.
Interactive museum inside a medieval church telling the story of Canterbury’s Roman, medieval, and modern past. Ideal first stop for context.
Underground remains of a Roman townhouse with mosaics and hypocaust. A compact but memorable look at Roman Canterbury beneath the streets.
Story-led museum on medieval pilgrimage inspired by Chaucer. It brings Canterbury’s most famous journeying tradition to life.
Pedestrian high street lined with historic buildings and shops. It is one of the best places to feel the rhythm of central Canterbury.
Picturesque lane famed for overhanging medieval timber-framed buildings. One of Canterbury’s most photographed and atmospheric historic streets.
Elegant pedestrian street connecting major sights. Its historic façades, independent shops, and easy walking route make it especially pleasant.
Kentish Huffkin is a traditional Kent bread roll, often served with cheese or fruit. It is a classic county bake linked to local farmhouse cooking.
Canterbury Tart is a historic pastry tart, usually filled with apple and almond. It is associated with old Kent baking traditions and local tea tables.
Whitstable Oysters are served across Canterbury and East Kent. These native oysters are prized for their briny flavor and long link to the nearby coast.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant with seasonal menus and a smart yet relaxed setting in the city center.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for polished British tasting menus and refined service in central Canterbury.
Popular farmers' market restaurant serving seasonal Kent produce, meats, cheeses, and simple dishes in a lively casual setting.
Moderate for UK travel. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist-season stays and central restaurants raise prices. Local buses are reasonable.
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.
Official public transport app
Canterbury Bus Station -> Canterbury Cathedral
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.

Most Southampton to Canterbury buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Canterbury, Bus Station 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.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton, University has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
Canterbury, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.
Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.
Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:
Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, and WC.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.
Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need