Canterbury to Cambridge bus with National Express

Thu 17 Sept
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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Canterbury to Cambridge

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£31

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£32

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

6 h 45 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

6 h 45 m

Buses on 17 Sept

2

Distance

122 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Canterbury to Cambridge will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £31.

Fast coaches

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 2 buses from Canterbury to Cambridge, including 2 direct services.

These direct buses cover the 122 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 45 m .

The slowest buses will take 6 h 45 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.

  • National Express
    9:206h45
    Canterbury
    16:05Cambridge
    £311One-way
    0 changes
  • National Express
    10:206h45
    Canterbury
    17:05Cambridge
    £331One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Canterbury to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £30 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 30m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, while a train costs an average of £56.

Distance: 122 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£30

Average Price

Cheapest

£56

Average Price

£32

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 2m

Average total duration

4h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 58m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

Southeastern

Most popular train 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 Canterbury to Cambridge is a coach with an average price of £30.

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

A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Cambridge costing on average £56.

The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 2h 0m.

Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Cambridge including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around £30 compared to roughly £32 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £1. The journey takes 4h 32m versus 1h 58m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.

Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.

Live departures

Canterbury to Cambridge bus times

The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Cambridge coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National Express9:20 Canterbury
6h45
16:05 Cambridge0 changesdirect
National Express10:20 Canterbury
6h45
17:05 Cambridge0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Cambridge by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Canterbury to Cambridge coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Canterbury to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Canterbury to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Canterbury to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Canterbury to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Canterbury to Cambridge run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £22 if you book in advance.

The earliest coach runs at 04:15, the last at 21:23. The fastest coach covers the 122 km distance in 6h 5m.

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
122 km
Average bus duration
4h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
6h 5m
First bus
4:15
Last bus
21:23
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
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

Bus providers: National Express from Canterbury to CambridgeYou can travel by bus between Canterbury to Cambridge with National Express for as low as £22. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest National Express Price
£22
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

What's included in each class

Compare National Express classes and the amenities included in each one.

Standard
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power plugs

Complete guide to Cambridge

Things to do in Cambridge

Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.

  • Must visit

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.

  • Recommended

Kettle's Yard

Contemporary art gallery in a former chapel, showing changing exhibitions by modern and international artists near the city centre.

  • Recommended

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

Museum of Earth sciences with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals. Compact, family-friendly, and useful for a rainy day.

Pound sterling (£)

Cambridge is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are above average, but walking and buses help keep transport costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for fine dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.

FAQs: Canterbury to Cambridge coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Cambridge by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Canterbury to Cambridge can start from as little as £22 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Canterbury to Cambridge is £30; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by coach from Canterbury to Cambridge is 6h 5m to travel the 122 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest coach from Canterbury to Cambridge leaves at 4:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Canterbury to Cambridge leaves at 21:23.
There are 2 coaches a day from Canterbury to Cambridge which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Canterbury to Cambridge, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Cambridge. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Canterbury and Cambridge and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
A trip to Cambridge from Canterbury is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Canterbury to Cambridge is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Cambridge including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Canterbury to Cambridge:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Canterbury to Cambridge for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Canterbury to Cambridge depends on the coach companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the coach from Canterbury to Cambridge.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Canterbury to Cambridge:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a coach ticket from Canterbury to Cambridge:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Canterbury to Cambridge.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Canterbury to Cambridge with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Canterbury to Cambridge with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Canterbury to Cambridge with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Cambridge

Most Canterbury to Cambridge buses use the Canterbury, Bus Station to Cambridge, Parkside (Parker's Piece) station pair. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Cambridge bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Canterbury
Arrival bus stations in Cambridge

Which Canterbury station do buses to Cambridge leave from?

Buses from Canterbury to Cambridge leave from Canterbury, Bus Station. The station is from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK.
Canterbury, Bus StationCanterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UKWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Canterbury, Bus Station from Canterbury city centre

Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min

Canterbury, Bus Station bus station facilities and services

Canterbury, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Cafes and eateries within a short walk.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Canterbury, Bus Station. ATMs are aTM located outside the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Canterbury, Bus Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.

Canterbury, University Of KentUniversity of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, United KingdomWifiParkingATMAccessibilityWC
City-centre transport

Getting to Canterbury, University Of Kent from Canterbury city centre

Canterbury, University Of Kent is 1 km from Canterbury city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus4, 4X, 5, 6, 6A

Canterbury, University Of Kent bus station facilities and services

Canterbury, University Of Kent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility and WC.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located on campus, near the student union.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Parking, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury, University Of Kent: Elevators, ramps.

More options for your journey from Canterbury to Cambridge

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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