Bristol to Canterbury train with Great Western Railway

Tue, Sep 15
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Great Western Railway
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Great Western Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Canterbury

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 15

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Bristol to Canterbury without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Great Western RailwayW34472+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+SoutheasternP85663
    9:00 AM3h34
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    12:34 PMCanterbury West (CBW)
    $391One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW34493+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+SoutheasternP85689
    1:00 PM3h34
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    4:34 PMCanterbury West (CBW)
    $391One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG14899+SoutheasternP85923 · P89024+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
    9:30 AM3h49
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    1:19 PMCanterbury West (CBW)
    $391One-way
    3 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW34490+SoutheasternP89042+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+SoutheasternP85942
    12:30 PM3h49
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    4:19 PMCanterbury West (CBW)
    $391One-way
    3 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG14903+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+SoutheasternP85683
    12:00 PM3h34
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    3:34 PMCanterbury West (CBW)
    $391One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Bristol to Canterbury

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Canterbury is a bus with an average price of $36 (€29).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 2h 55m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 26m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Canterbury including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Canterbury among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

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.

Live departures

Bristol to Canterbury train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG14897+SoutheasternP85653+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International8:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h34
11:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW)2 transfers
CrossCountryG66721+Great Western RailwayW35169+SoutheasternP85653+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International8:01 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h33
11:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG14898+SoutheasternP85917 · P89018+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International8:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h49
12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)3 transfers
CrossCountryG01062+Great Western RailwayG15041+SoutheasternP85917 · P890188:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h46
12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)4 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34472+SoutheasternP85663+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h34
12:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG14899+SoutheasternP85923 · P89024+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International9:30 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h49
1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG14903+SoutheasternP85683+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h34
3:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34490+SoutheasternP85942+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+SoutheasternP8904212:30 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h49
4:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)3 transfers
CrossCountryG01073+Great Western RailwayG15046+SoutheasternP85942 · P8904212:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h47
4:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)4 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34493+SoutheasternP85689+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h34
4:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayG15220 · G15047+SoutheasternP85689+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International1:09 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h25
4:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW)3 transfers
Great Western RailwayG14904+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+SoutheasternP89049 · P859481:30 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 prices and tickets Bristol 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.

Tue
Sep 15
Wed
Sep 16
Thu
Sep 17
Fri
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21

Why should you book Bristol to Canterbury trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Bristol to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $18 (€15)
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $18 (€15)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Southeastern from Bristol to Canterbury trainsGreat Western Railway, Southeastern trains will get you between Bristol and Canterbury from $18 (€15). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$38 (€31)
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Southeastern

About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
3h 13m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
$73 (€59)
Southeastern frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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: Trains from Bristol to Canterbury

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Bristol to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $38 (€31), while the average price is around $102 (€83).
The train from Bristol to Canterbury takes 2h 34m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Bristol to Canterbury is 159 miles (256 km).
The first train from Bristol to Canterbury leaves at 4:53 AM.
The last train from Bristol to Canterbury leaves at 9:23 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Bristol to Canterbury.
There is no direct train service currently available from Bristol to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Bristol to Canterbury.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Canterbury is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), which connects to Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Canterbury is by bus, with a cost of around $18 (€15).
The train journey from Bristol to Canterbury offers scenic views as it traverses the picturesque English countryside, including rolling hills and charming towns, providing a pleasant visual experience for travelers.
A day trip from Bristol to Canterbury is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 34m. However, there are 6 train trips available per day, covering a distance of 159 miles (256 km).
In Canterbury, you can explore the historic streets on a guided walking tour, enjoy a punting tour on the River Stour, and visit the Canterbury Tales attraction. Attend a performance at The Marlowe Theatre or discover the local food scene with a culinary tour. Don't miss the Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, and the Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint. Additionally, explore the Canterbury Roman Museum and take a leisurely walk in Westgate Gardens.
To fully experience Canterbury, including its historic sites like Canterbury Cathedral, the Roman Museum, and the charming streets, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Bristol to Canterbury.
Since neither Bristol 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.
Popular day trips by train from Canterbury include London, Chatham, Dover, Rochester, Ashford.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Bristol to Canterbury among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
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 train stations

Popular train stations from Bristol to Canterbury

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.

Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre

Bus16 · 7m · $5 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · $5 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · $5 · every ~22 min

Bristol Temple Meads 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 and drink

Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.

Clifton DownClifton Down station, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, City of, BS8 2PN+44 3451652030WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Clifton Down from Bristol city centre

TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 14m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus2a, 5, 3, 4, 1, 2 · 7m · $5 · every ~91 min
T7 · 10m · every ~2 min
4, 5, 1, 3, 2, 2a · 10m · $5 · every ~91 min

Clifton Down train station facilities and services

Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Clifton Down.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Clifton Down.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Clifton Down: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Clifton Down: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

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