The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Canterbury
Cheapest price
$114
Average price
$189
Fastest journey
3 h 37 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
333 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Canterbury will cost around $189 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.
Of the 4 trains that leave Manchester for Canterbury on Tue, May 26, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 333 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 37 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 4 h 5 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.
9:34 AM4h00Manchester1:34 PMCanterbury$1141One-way0 transfers
10:34 AM4h00Manchester2:34 PMCanterbury$1161One-way0 transfers
2:34 PM3h37Manchester6:11 PMCanterbury$1581One-way0 transfers
6:14 AM4h05Manchester10:19 AMCanterbury$3691One-way0 transfers
2:34 PM3h37Manchester6:11 PMCanterbury$1581One-way0 transfers
10:34 AM4h00Manchester2:34 PMCanterbury$1161One-way0 transfers
9:34 AM4h00Manchester1:34 PMCanterbury$1141One-way0 transfers
6:14 AM4h05Manchester10:19 AMCanterbury$3691One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Manchester to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $86.
Distance: 206 miles (333 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$162 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $210 Average price | $108 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 13m Average total duration 3h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 10m Average total duration 7h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Canterbury:
A bus is $123 (€100) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Canterbury costing on average $162 (€130).
A bus is $172 (€138) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Canterbury costing on average $210 (€169).
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 43m.
Bus takes on average 7h 40m.
You'll arrive about 1h 9m sooner (3h 43m by train vs 4h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $162 (€130) compared to roughly $108 (€87) 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
Manchester to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Canterbury trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:14 AM Manchester | 4h05 | 10:19 AM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:34 AM Manchester | 4h00 | 1:34 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:34 AM Manchester | 4h00 | 2:34 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:34 PM Manchester | 3h37 | 6:11 PM Canterbury | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Canterbury by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Why should you book Manchester to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Canterbury.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Canterbury
Trains from Manchester to Canterbury run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 (€48) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 21:23. The fastest train covers the 206 miles (333 km) distance in 3h 37m.
Distance 206 miles (333 km) |
Average train duration 3h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€48) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 37m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 9:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway from Manchester to Canterbury trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Manchester and Canterbury from $26 (€21). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
London North Eastern Railway
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Canterbury
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Canterbury
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 19:30 Saturday 06:15 - 19:30 Sunday 08:30 - 17:00 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on platforms 1 and 2 Only available when staff present
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: downside platform - London end
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station forecourt
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:20 Saturday 06:10 - 20:20 Sunday 07:30 - 19:00 This station is not continuously staffed please see staffing times for details of when staff are available.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on both platforms Only available when staff present
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 2
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement bus stop in Station Road East, opposite the station entrance.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
