- 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.
Cheapest price
Kč940
Average price
Kč2040
Fastest journey
3 h 49 m
Average duration
4 h 10 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
161 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Canterbury will cost around Kč2040 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only Kč940.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Canterbury without transferring at least once.
G26156_C82344 · G77124_C93205 · G77400+
P89006
C82521_C82348 · G77127_C93206 · G77407+
L79922
L79545+
G77407+
P89012+
G15090
G26156_C82344+
P86254
L79545+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+
P85643
G26156_C82344 · G77124_C93205 · G77400+
P89006
L79545+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+
P85643
G26156_C82344+
P86254
C82521_C82348 · G77127_C93206 · G77407+
L79922
L79545+
G77407+
P89012+
G15090Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from Kč370. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of Kč370, and a train costs an average of Kč877.
Distance: 100 miles (161 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
Kč909 Average price | Kč587 Average price Cheapest | Kč981 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury:
A bus is Kč322 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Canterbury costing on average Kč909.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 58m.
Tickets start at around Kč909 compared to roughly Kč981 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about Kč72. The journey takes 3h 18m versus 2h 16m 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury trains for today, Thursday, August 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G26156_C82344+ P86254 | 6:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h07 | 10:40 AM Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 transfer | |
G26156_C82344 · G77124_C93205 · G77400+ P89006 | 6:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h49 | 10:22 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
L79545+ G77407+ P89012+ G15090 | 6:44 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h35 | 11:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
L79545+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85643 | 6:44 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h50 | 10:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
L79922+ C82521_C82349 · G77127_C93206 · G77407 | 6:50 AM Portsmouth Harbour (PMH) | 4h29 | 11:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 transfers | |
L83885+ C82521_C82349 · G77127_C93206 · G77407 | 6:58 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h21 | 11:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 transfers | |
C93219 · W29065 · W32619+ P85653 | 7:09 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h25 | 11:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
L79554+ G15091+ G77407+ P89012 | 7:18 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h01 | 11:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
L79554+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P89012 · P85910 | 7:18 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h01 | 11:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C82528_C82354+ W32875+ G77410+ P89018 | 7:32 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h47 | 12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C82528_C82354+ P86262 | 7:32 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h08 | 11:40 AM Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 transfer | |
L79094+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85653 | 7:51 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h43 | 11:34 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
L79094+ W35271+ G77410+ P89018 | 7:51 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h28 | 12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C93234 · C09937 · W32581+ P85663 | 7:57 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h37 | 12:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G26167_C82358+ P86271 | 8:03 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h37 | 12:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 transfer | |
L83896+ P87958+ W04932+ P86271 | 8:07 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h33 | 12:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
L83896+ G88570 · C09937 · W32581 | 8:07 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h27 | 12:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 transfers | |
L79573 · L83896+ W04932+ P87958 | 8:21 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h19 | 12:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 4 transfers | |
L79573+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P89018 · P85917 | 8:21 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h58 | 12:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G26170_C82363 · G77416+ G15130+ P89024 | 8:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G26170_C82363+ P86271 | 8:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h07 | 12:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 transfer | |
L79581+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85663 | 8:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h57 | 12:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
L79581+ G77416+ G15093+ P89024 | 8:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h42 | 1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C93239 · C09946 · W32615+ P85671 | 8:57 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h37 | 1:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C82542_C82367 · G88582 · C09946 · W32615 | 9:08 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h26 | 1:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 transfers | |
C82542_C82367+ W04947+ P87973 · P86279 | 9:08 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h32 | 1:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
L79592+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85923 · P89024 | 9:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h00 | 1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
L79592 · L83907+ W04944+ P87973 | 9:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h21 | 1:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 4 transfers | |
G26178_C82373+ W32938+ G77422+ P89030 | 9:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 2:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
G26178_C82373+ P86279 | 9:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h07 | 1:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 transfer | |
L79599+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85671 | 9:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h57 | 1:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 transfers | |
L79599+ G77422+ G15095+ P89030 | 9:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h42 | 2:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C93254 · C09935 · W32584+ P85677 | 9:57 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h37 | 2:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C82552_C82377 · G88594 · C09935 · W32584 | 10:08 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h26 | 2:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 transfers | |
C82552_C82377+ W04959+ P87978 · P86286 | 10:08 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h32 | 2:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
L79611+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85930 · P89030 | 10:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h00 | 2:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
L79611 · L83919+ W04956+ P87978 | 10:19 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h21 | 2:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 4 transfers | |
G26186_C82383+ P86286 | 10:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h07 | 2:40 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 transfer | |
G26186_C82383 · G77428+ P89036+ G15134 | 10:33 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h46 | 3:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
L79619+ G77428+ P89036+ G15097 | On time 10:37 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h42 | 3:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
C93264 · C09943 · W32594+ P85683 | 10:57 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h37 | 3:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at Kč877 but you can travel from only Kč370 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 21:23. The fastest train covers the 100 miles (161 km) distance in 4h 7m.
Distance 100 miles (161 km) |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price Kč877 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 7m |
First train 4:30 AM |
Last train 9:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.
Interactive museum inside a medieval church telling the story of Canterbury’s Roman, medieval, and modern past. Ideal first stop for context.
Underground remains of a Roman townhouse with mosaics and hypocaust. A compact but memorable look at Roman Canterbury beneath the streets.
Story-led museum on medieval pilgrimage inspired by Chaucer. It brings Canterbury’s most famous journeying tradition to life.
Pedestrian high street lined with historic buildings and shops. It is one of the best places to feel the rhythm of central Canterbury.
Picturesque lane famed for overhanging medieval timber-framed buildings. One of Canterbury’s most photographed and atmospheric historic streets.
Elegant pedestrian street connecting major sights. Its historic façades, independent shops, and easy walking route make it especially pleasant.
Kentish Huffkin is a traditional Kent bread roll, often served with cheese or fruit. It is a classic county bake linked to local farmhouse cooking.
Canterbury Tart is a historic pastry tart, usually filled with apple and almond. It is associated with old Kent baking traditions and local tea tables.
Whitstable Oysters are served across Canterbury and East Kent. These native oysters are prized for their briny flavor and long link to the nearby coast.
Well-regarded modern British restaurant with seasonal menus and a smart yet relaxed setting in the city center.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for polished British tasting menus and refined service in central Canterbury.
Popular farmers' market restaurant serving seasonal Kent produce, meats, cheeses, and simple dishes in a lively casual setting.
Moderate for UK travel. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist-season stays and central restaurants raise prices. Local buses are reasonable.
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.
Official public transport app
Canterbury West Station -> Canterbury Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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.

Most Portsmouth to Canterbury trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.
Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: 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 some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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: No.
Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. 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: No.
Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Fratton.
Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.
Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.
Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: 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, 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: No.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need