- 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 15
$39
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$96
Fastest journey on Sep 15
3 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
3 h 32 m
Trains on Sep 15
12
Distance
256 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Canterbury will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
It's difficult to get from Bristol to Canterbury without transferring at least 2 times.
W34472+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85663
W34493+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85689
G14899+
P85923 · P89024+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
W34490+
P89042+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85942
G14903+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85683
G15220 · G15047+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85689
G66721+
W35169+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85653
G14897+
P85653+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
W34472+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85663
W34493+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85689Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $36 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 25m. 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 $36, while a train costs an average of $102.
Distance: 159 miles (256 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$102 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Bristol to Canterbury:
A bus is $66 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Canterbury costing on average $102 (€83).
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 26m.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (2h 55m by train vs 3h 15m by car). Tickets start at around $102 (€83) compared to roughly $80 (€65) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Canterbury trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G14897+ P85653+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 8:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h34 | 11:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
G66721+ W35169+ P85653+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 8:01 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h33 | 11:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G14898+ P85917 · P89018+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 8:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h49 | 12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G01062+ G15041+ P85917 · P89018 | 8:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h46 | 12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 transfers | |
W34472+ P85663+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h34 | 12:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
G14899+ P85923 · P89024+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 9:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h49 | 1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G14903+ P85683+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h34 | 3:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
W34490+ P85942+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ P89042 | 12:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h49 | 4:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G01073+ G15046+ P85942 · P89042 | 12:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h47 | 4:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 transfers | |
W34493+ P85689+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h34 | 4:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
G15220 · G15047+ P85689+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International | 1:09 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h25 | 4:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G14904+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ P89049 · P85948 | 1:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h50 | 5:20 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from Bristol to Canterbury run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:53, the last at 21:23. The fastest train covers the 159 miles (256 km) distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 159 miles (256 km) |
Average train duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 4:53 AM |
Last train 9:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 West Station -> Canterbury Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Canterbury by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Canterbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bristol to Canterbury trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Clifton Down.
Wi-Fi is available at Clifton Down.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Clifton Down: Parking.
Available at Clifton Down: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Clifton Down: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Canterbury West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Canterbury East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury East.
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Canterbury East: Parking, WC.
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The Ticket Vending Machines's can only be accessed when the station building is open as they are in the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need