The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Canterbury
Cheapest price
$93
Average price
$93
Fastest journey
2 h 38 m
Average duration
2 h 38 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
144 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Canterbury will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.
Of the 1 trains that leave Reading for Canterbury on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 144 km distance in an average of 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 38 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 38 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.
1:24 PM2h38Reading4:02 PMCanterbury$931One-way0 transfers
1:24 PM2h38Reading4:02 PMCanterbury$931One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Reading to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $66. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 40m. 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 $66, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 89 miles (144 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$85 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 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 Reading to Canterbury:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Canterbury costing on average $85 (€69).
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (1h 40m by train vs 2h 5m by car). Tickets start at around $85 (€69) compared to roughly $39 (€32) 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.
Compare prices and tickets Reading 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Reading to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- 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 Southeastern with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Canterbury
Trains from Reading to Canterbury run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 22:46. The fastest train covers the 89 miles (144 km) distance in 2h 7m.
Distance 89 miles (144 km) |
Average train duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 4:35 AM |
Last train 10:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Southeastern from Reading to Canterbury trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Reading and Canterbury from $51 (€42). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Southeastern
FAQs: Trains from Reading to Canterbury
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Canterbury
Most Reading to Canterbury trains use the Reading to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Reading and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Reading station do trains to Canterbury leave from?
Getting to Reading from Reading city centre
Reading train station facilities and services
Reading has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Reading.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Reading.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reading.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reading: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Reading: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office and at the car park, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Tilehurst from Reading city centre
Tilehurst is 4 km from Reading city centre. Public transport options include:
Tilehurst train station facilities and services
Tilehurst has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Tilehurst.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Tilehurst.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Tilehurst.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Tilehurst: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Tilehurst: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Tilehurst: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Reading arrive at?
Getting to Canterbury West from Canterbury city centre
Canterbury West 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
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Canterbury East from Canterbury city centre
Canterbury East train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury East.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

