Whitstable to Canterbury bus with National Express

Sat, Sep 19
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Whitstable to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Whitstable to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €6 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, while a train costs an average of €13.

Distance: 6 miles (10 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

€6

Average price

Cheapest

€13

Average price

€3

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

50m

Average total duration

Fastest

20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

52m

Average total duration

22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

23m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

Southeastern

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Whitstable to Canterbury is a bus with an average price of €6.

This is compared to other travel options from Whitstable to Canterbury:

A bus is €7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Whitstable to Canterbury costing on average €13.

The fastest way to travel from Whitstable to Canterbury is by bus with an average journey time of 20m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Train takes on average 22m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Whitstable and Canterbury including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Whitstable to Canterbury among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the quicker way to make this trip, and the time saved usually justifies the slightly higher cost.

You'll arrive about 3m sooner (20m by bus vs 23m by car). Tickets start at around €6 compared to roughly €3 in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.

Direct coaches are operated by Stagecoach South East.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.

Whitstable to Canterbury Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:55AM
Arrival Time
01:10AM
Duration
0h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:10AM
Arrival Time
09:30AM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:25AM
Arrival Time
09:45AM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:35AM
Arrival Time
11:55AM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
01:35PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:40PM
Arrival Time
03:00PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
05:20PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
07:20PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:05PM
Arrival Time
08:25PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:15PM
Arrival Time
08:35PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
6
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
0h20
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
6

Live departures

Whitstable to Canterbury bus times

The table below shows live departures for Whitstable to Canterbury buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX02211:30 PM Whitstable, Clapham Hill
0h20
11:50 PM Canterbury, Bus Station0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Whitstable 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Whitstable to Canterbury buses with Omio?

National Express as well as Stagecoach South East offer buses services from Whitstable to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Whitstable to Canterbury.

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 Stagecoach South East to find the best option for your trip from Whitstable 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Whitstable 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 Whitstable to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Whitstable to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Whitstable to Canterbury run on average 9 times per day, taking around 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.

There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 6 miles (10 km) distance in 20m.

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
6 miles (10 km)
Average bus duration
20m
Cheapest ticket price
€5
Buses per day
9
Direct buses
9
Fastest bus
20m
First bus
12:30 AM
Last bus
11:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Wed
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 Whitstable to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Whitstable to Canterbury with National Express for as low as €5. 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 National Express Duration
20m
Cheapest National Express Price
€5
National Express frequency
8 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.

Complete guide to Canterbury

Things to do in Canterbury

Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Canterbury Roman Museum

Underground remains of a Roman townhouse with mosaics and hypocaust. A compact but memorable look at Roman Canterbury beneath the streets.

  • Recommended

The Canterbury Tales

Story-led museum on medieval pilgrimage inspired by Chaucer. It brings Canterbury’s most famous journeying tradition to life.

British Pound (£)

Moderate for UK travel. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist-season stays and central restaurants raise prices. Local buses are reasonable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Bus from Whitstable to Canterbury

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Whitstable 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 Whitstable to Canterbury can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Whitstable to Canterbury is €6 ; 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 Whitstable to Canterbury is 20m to travel the 6 miles (10 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 Whitstable to Canterbury leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Whitstable to Canterbury leaves at 11:30 PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct buses a day from Whitstable to Canterbury with Stagecoach South East. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Whitstable to Canterbury, you can count on National Express, Stagecoach South East for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Whitstable and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Whitstable , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Whitstable, Clapham Hill . When arriving in Canterbury , you can end your journey in bus stations like Canterbury, Bus Station, Canterbury, University Of Kent .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Whitstable, Clapham Hill, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Canterbury, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Canterbury from Whitstable is worth doing with a journey time of 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Whitstable to Canterbury is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Whitstable and Canterbury including taking a train and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Whitstable to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Whitstable 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 Whitstable 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 Whitstable to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Whitstable 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 Whitstable to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Whitstable to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Whitstable to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Whitstable to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Whitstable to Canterbury with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Whitstable nor Canterbury are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Whitstable to Canterbury among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Canterbury, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and around popular tourist sites. Scams involving overcharging or unofficial taxi services can also occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed transportation. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Whitstable to Canterbury

Most Whitstable to Canterbury buses use the Whitstable, Clapham Hill to Canterbury, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare Whitstable and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Whitstable
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury

Which Whitstable station do buses to Canterbury leave from?

Buses from Whitstable to Canterbury leave from Whitstable, Clapham Hill. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Whitstable city centre at Whitstable, Whitstable CT5 1QS, UK.
Whitstable, Clapham HillWhitstable, Whitstable CT5 1QS, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Whitstable, Clapham Hill from Whitstable city centre

Whitstable, Clapham Hill is 2 km from Whitstable city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus401, 400, 905, 906, 904, 903 · 9m · €3 · every ~14 min
905, 906, 904, 903, 400, 401 · 10m · €3 · every ~14 min
638 · 15m

Whitstable, Clapham Hill bus station facilities and services

Whitstable, Clapham Hill has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill. ATMs are available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill: Basic accessibility features available.

Most popular bus connections from Whitstable

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