- Recommended
Royal Engineers Museum
Small local museum on military and civil engineering history, highlighting the Royal Engineers' Medway legacy.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 146 miles (236 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 2h 22m sooner (44m by train vs 3h 6m by car). Tickets start at around $26 compared to roughly $11 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.
Direct services run with Southeastern.
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.
Compare 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 Canterbury to Gillingham run on average 3 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:36, the last at 20:23. The fastest train covers the 146 miles (236 km) distance in 38m.
Distance 146 miles (236 km) |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 38m |
First train 5:36 AM |
Last train 8:23 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
Small local museum on military and civil engineering history, highlighting the Royal Engineers' Medway legacy.
Charles Dickens-themed house museum in Rochester, reflecting the author's ties to Medway and Victorian life.
Museum within Rochester Guildhall telling the story of Medway's civic, maritime and prison history.
Atmospheric cobbled high street lined with heritage buildings, independent shops and strong Dickens associations.
Large urban country park with lakes, meadows and accessible trails, popular for walks and family outings.
Long green escarpment with military history, open lawns and one of the best walking routes in Medway.
Kentish Huffkin is a soft round bread roll from Kent, often split and filled or served with cheese. It is a simple county staple with deep local roots.
Gypsy Tart is a famous Kent dessert made with evaporated milk and dark sugar in a pastry case. It is closely linked to school dinners across the county.
Canterbury Tart is a traditional Kent fruit tart, usually made with apples or jam and an almond topping. It reflects the county's orchard and baking heritage.
Established Turkish and Mediterranean venue serving grilled meats, meze, and warm bread in a lively yet relaxed setting.
Popular modern Indian restaurant known for polished service, stylish interiors, and well-regarded curries and grilled dishes in central Gillingham.
Trusted local Nepalese and Indian restaurant with a broad menu, friendly service, and a comfortable casual atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: lodging and meals are often a bit cheaper than London, while rail travel and taxis can still add up for visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafes: no tip expected, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Gillingham Station -> Gillingham High Street, Gillingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Canterbury to Gillingham trains use the Canterbury West to Gillingham (Dorset) station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Gillingham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Gillingham (Dorset) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham (Dorset).
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham (Dorset). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Parking, WC.
Available at Gillingham (Dorset): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham (Dorset): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details. Step-free access to Platform 1 (most trains in both directions) via level access, or short ramp. Steps to Platform 2 (some trains in both directions) or step-free approximately 100m via barrow crossing with assistance only, when station is staffed, Accessible taxis: Pre-booked only, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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