- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Southampton’s maritime museum, covering the city’s links to the Titanic and local port history through interactive displays.
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
4 h 42 m
Average duration
4 h 42 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
178 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Canterbury to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Southampton will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Of the 1 trains that leave Canterbury for Southampton on Mon, Jun 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 29 the direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 4 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 42 m .
On Mon, Jun 29 the slowest trains will take 4 h 42 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 110 miles (178 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$57 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 11m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration 4h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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 Canterbury to Southampton:
A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Southampton costing on average $57 (€47).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 43m.
Tickets start at around $57 (€47) compared to roughly $47 (€39) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-10.04 (€-8.28). The journey takes 2h 41m versus 2h 34m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Southampton trains for today, Sunday, June 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:29 AM Canterbury | 4h16 | 1:45 PM Southampton | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Canterbury to Southampton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€35) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 110 miles (178 km) |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€35) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 20m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Southampton’s maritime museum, covering the city’s links to the Titanic and local port history through interactive displays.
A restored historic house museum in the Old Town, presenting over 800 years of Southampton history in period rooms.
Aviation museum focused on Southampton’s flying-boat and aircraft heritage, with historic planes and engineering exhibits.
Southampton’s historic core, best explored on foot for medieval walls, hidden passages, and some of the city’s oldest buildings.
Open waterfront park facing the busy docks, a favourite place to watch cruise ships and enjoy sea air near the city centre.
A lively central street known for its elegant frontage, atmosphere, and popularity for evening walks near the old waterfront.
A classic south coast staple of battered local fish with chips, often enjoyed near the waterfront and tied to the city’s maritime heritage.
Fresh crab in bread or a soft roll is a popular Hampshire and south coast lunch, valued for simple preparation and sweet local shellfish.
Mussels from waters around the Solent are a regional seafood favourite, commonly steamed with white wine, garlic, or herbs.
A well-known independent restaurant with a strong local reputation for steaks, grilled dishes, and a smart but relaxed setting.
A respected waterfront restaurant offering refined Asian cuisine and cocktails in an elegant contemporary space at Ocean Village.
A stylish, established venue in Southampton’s old town known for seasonal British cooking, strong Hampshire produce, and an intimate atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs and casual dining are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Southampton Central -> Above Bar Street, Southampton City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Canterbury to Southampton trains use the Canterbury West to Southampton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Woolston. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Southampton 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.
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.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, 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, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Sholing is 2 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Sholing 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 Sholing.
Wi-Fi is available at Sholing.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sholing: Parking.
Available at Sholing: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sholing: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is step-free access to Platform 2 (for trains to Fareham) using a long ramp (40m) at approx 1:10 gradient (up to 1:7 in places). There is no step-free access to Platform 1 (towards Southampton, which is accessed via a stepped footbridge only). Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Woolston is 1 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Woolston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Woolston.
Wi-Fi is available at Woolston.
Ticket office support is available at Woolston.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Woolston: Parking.
Available at Woolston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Woolston: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Level access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Southampton). Steps to Platform 2 (for trains towards Portsmouth). Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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