Oxford to Canterbury train with Southeastern

Sun, Sep 20
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Southeastern
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Southeastern
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Oxford to Canterbury

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$57

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$58

Fastest journey on Sep 20

3 h 5 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

3 h 11 m

Trains on Sep 20

5

Distance

170 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oxford to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Oxford to Canterbury will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 5 trains from Oxford to Canterbury, including 5 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 170 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .

On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 23 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    7:28 PM3h06
    Oxford
    10:34 PMCanterbury
    $571One-way
    0 transfers
  • Southeastern
    8:02 AM3h17
    Oxford
    11:19 AMCanterbury
    $581One-way
    0 transfers
  • Southeastern
    9:56 AM3h06
    Oxford
    1:02 PMCanterbury
    $581One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    9:30 AM3h05
    Oxford
    12:35 PMCanterbury
    $581One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    8:56 AM3h23
    Oxford
    12:19 PMCanterbury
    $591One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Oxford to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oxford to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 41m. 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 $51, while a train costs an average of $78.

Distance: 105 miles (170 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$78

Average price

$51

Average price

Cheapest

$44

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 41m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 2m

Average total duration

4h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 30m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Southeastern

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 Oxford to Canterbury is a bus with an average price of $51.

This is compared to other travel options from Oxford to Canterbury:

A bus is $27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oxford to Canterbury costing on average $78.

The fastest way to travel from Oxford to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 2h 11m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Oxford and Canterbury including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Oxford 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 19m sooner (2h 11m by train vs 2h 30m by car). Tickets start at around $78 compared to roughly $44 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

Oxford to Canterbury train times

The table below shows live departures for Oxford to Canterbury trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW34854+SoutheasternP85895 · P89001+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
On time
6:30 AM Oxford station (OXF)
2h49
9:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW)
3 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34854+SoutheasternP85637+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
On time
6:30 AM Oxford station (OXF)
3h04
9:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35356+SoutheasternP85903 · P89007+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
On time
7:31 AM Oxford station (OXF)
2h48
10:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW)
3 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42240+SoutheasternP85644+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
On time
7:58 AM Oxford station (OXF)
2h36
10:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW)
2 transfers
SoutheasternP85911 · P89013+Great Western RailwayW35168+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
Delayed
9:04 AM 8:18 AMOxford station (OXF)
3h01
11:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW)
4 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42241+SoutheasternP85654+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
On time
8:57 AM Oxford station (OXF)
2h37
11:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayW35172+SoutheasternP85918 · P89019+CrossCountryG00999
Delayed
8:50 AM 9:16 AMOxford station (OXF)
3h03
12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)
4 transfers
SoutheasternP85664+Great Western RailwayY15273+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International9:48 AM Oxford station (OXF)
2h46
12:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW)2 transfers
SoutheasternP85924 · P89025+Great Western RailwayW34868+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
Delayed
11:07 AM 10:00 AMOxford station (OXF)
3h19
1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)
3 transfers
SoutheasternP85924 · P89025+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+Great Western RailwayC42289
Delayed
11:07 AM 10:19 AMOxford station (OXF)
3h00
1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)
4 transfers
Great Western RailwayW34873+SoutheasternP85672+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
On time
10:59 AM Oxford station (OXF)
2h35
1:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42290+SoutheasternP85931 · P89031+CrossCountryG01006
Delayed
10:50 AM 11:18 AMOxford station (OXF)
3h01
2:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW)
4 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Oxford 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Why should you book Oxford to Canterbury trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Southeastern offer trains services from Oxford to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Oxford to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Oxford 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Oxford to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Oxford to Canterbury.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Oxford to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Oxford to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Oxford to Canterbury run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 22:23. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (170 km) distance in 1h 58m.

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
Distance
105 miles (170 km)
Average train duration
2h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
$23
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
1h 58m
First train
5:20 AM
Last train
10:23 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
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

Train companies: Southeastern, Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways from Oxford to Canterbury trainsSoutheastern, Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways trains will get you between Oxford and Canterbury from $23. 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
1h 58m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$23
Great Western Railway frequency
5 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

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
$56
Chiltern Railways frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
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
2h 0m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
$23
Southeastern frequency
5 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 Oxford to Canterbury

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oxford 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 Oxford to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $23, while the average price is around $78.
The train from Oxford to Canterbury takes 1h 58m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from Oxford to Canterbury is 105 miles (170 km).
The first train from Oxford to Canterbury leaves at 5:20 AM.
The last train from Oxford to Canterbury leaves at 10:23 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Oxford to Canterbury.
There is no direct train service currently available from Oxford to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Oxford to Canterbury.
The train station in Oxford that goes to Canterbury is Oxford station (OXF), which connects to Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Oxford to Canterbury is by train, with a cost of around $23.
The train journey from Oxford to Canterbury offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park and picturesque English countryside, providing a pleasant visual experience along the way.
A day trip from Oxford to Canterbury is not feasible as the travel time is 1h 58m. Trains run 7 times per day, covering a distance of 105 miles (170 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 Oxford to Canterbury.
Since neither Oxford 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Oxford 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 Oxford to Canterbury

Most Oxford to Canterbury trains use the Oxford to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Oxford and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Oxford
Arrival train stations in Canterbury

Which Oxford station do trains to Canterbury leave from?

Trains from Oxford to Canterbury leave from Oxford. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Oxford city centre at Oxford station, Park End Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HS.
OxfordOxford station, Park End Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HS+44 3451652030WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Oxford from Oxford city centre

BusS1, Ns1 · 6m · $1 · every ~12 min
5, 3, 3A, 400, N3, N400 · 9m · $2 · every ~66 min
X1, X15, 600 · 9m · $2 · every ~14 min
X20, 120 · 10m · every ~10 min

Oxford train station facilities and services

Oxford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Oxford.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Oxford. ATMs are available at Oxford.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Oxford.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Oxford: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Oxford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Oxford: 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 via lifts and an overbridge to access platform 4. Safety warning - Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please request staff assistance or call our free help line for, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Situated by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

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