- 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.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Canterbury will cost around €68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €24.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Canterbury without transferring at least 2 times.
G88629 · C09932 · W32598+
P85695
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G88618 · C09936 · W32579+
P85689
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G88594 · C09935 · W32584+
P85677
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G88570 · C09937 · W32581+
P85663
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G88557 · G77157 · W32619+
P85653
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L80069+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+
P85671
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L80080+
P85683+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
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L80074+
P85677+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
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L78761 · L81986+
P85653+
Tube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International
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G00879+
G15047+
P85689+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
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Trains from Southampton to Canterbury run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €35 but you can travel from only €17 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 22:23. The fastest train covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 2h 25m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Southampton to Canterbury.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Canterbury trains for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P87957+ SW810700+ W04916+ Q75505 | Delayed 9:22 AM 6:34 AMSouthampton Central (SOU) | 4h34 | 11:08 AM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN873600 · G88572 · C82360_C82534 · SN184600 | On time 7:06 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 6h13 | 1:19 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW810500 · L79925+ W04928+ P87961 | 7:34 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h34 | 12:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN873500 · G88578 · SN871500 · W29062 | 8:06 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 1:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SN873400 · G88584 · SN871400 · W29058 | 9:06 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 2:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
P87977+ L80138+ W04943+ GW264200 | 9:10 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h58 | 1:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
P87982+ SW810100 · L80158+ W04955 | On time 9:56 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h12 | 2:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN873300 · G88590 · SN871300 · W29129 | 10:06 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 3:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW808100 · L79943+ P87998+ W04964 | On time 10:34 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h34 | 3:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN873200 · G88596 · SN871200 · W29068 | 11:06 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 4:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW809900 · L80180+ P88003+ W04979 | On time 11:56 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h12 | 4:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN873100 · G88602 · SN871100 · W29147 | 12:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 5:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW809800 · L80184+ P88017+ W04991 | 12:56 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h12 | 5:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN873000 · G88608 · SN871000 · W29091 | 1:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 6:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW801200 · L79961+ P88022+ W05000 | On time 1:34 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h34 | 6:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN872900 · G88614 · SN870900 · W29130 | 2:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 7:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
L80200+ P88039+ SW809600+ W05015 | Delayed 3:32 PM 2:56 PMSouthampton Central (SOU) | 4h12 | 7:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN872800 · G88620 · SN870800 · W29056 | 3:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 8:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW809500 · L80212+ P88043+ W05027 | On time 3:56 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h12 | 8:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN872700 · G88626 · SN870700 · W32813 | 4:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 9:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW809400 · L80232+ P88060+ W05039 | On time 4:56 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h12 | 9:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN872600 · G88631 · SN870600 · W29101 | 5:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 5h28 | 10:34 PM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
SW800800 · L79985+ P88065+ W05048 | 5:34 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h34 | 10:08 PM Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 transfers | |
SN872500 · G88637 · C82470 · SN183000 | 6:06 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 6h13 | 12:19 AM Canterbury West (CBW) | 5 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Southampton to Canterbury with South Western Railway, Southeastern, and Southern. High-speed trains available on this route with Southeastern. Regional trains available on this route with South Western Railway, Southeastern, and Southern. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Canterbury.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury trains use the Southampton Central to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Redbridge is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Redbridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Redbridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Redbridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Redbridge: Parking.
Available at Redbridge: Bike Parking.
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.
Check train stations information for Southampton and Canterbury, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.