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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Cardiff to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£18
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£18
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
7 h 5 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
7 h 5 m
Buses on 19 Sept
1
Distance
296 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Cardiff to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Canterbury will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £18.
Fast coaches
On Sat 19 Sept, we found 1 buses from Cardiff to Canterbury, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 296 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 5 m .
The slowest buses will take 7 h 5 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.
16:457h05Cardiff23:50Canterbury£181One-way0 changes
- 16:457h05Cardiff23:50Canterbury£181One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 296 km
Compare bus with
Most popular Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £16.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Canterbury:
A coach is £38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Canterbury costing on average £54.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 3h 9m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Canterbury including taking a coach and train.
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 £16 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £42. The journey takes 5h 56m versus 3h 57m 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
Cardiff to Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Canterbury coaches for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:45 Cardiff | 6h25 | 1:10 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Canterbury by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Canterbury coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Cardiff to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Canterbury.
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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cardiff to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Cardiff to Canterbury run on average 8 times per day, taking around 5h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:15, the last at 20:20. The fastest coach covers the 296 km distance in 7h 35m.
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 296 km |
Average bus duration 5h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 7h 35m |
First bus 3:15 |
Last bus 20:20 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 Cardiff to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Cardiff to Canterbury with National Express for as low as £16. 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
7h 35m
Cheapest National Express Price
£16
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.
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
Engaging Roman museum built around the remains of a town house. See mosaics, artefacts and displays that bring Roman Canterbury to life.
- Recommended
Canterbury Roman Museum
Interactive museum on the site of Roman Canterbury, with preserved pavement mosaics, finds and family-friendly interpretation underground.
- Recommended
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
Local museum and gallery with art, ceramics, natural history and changing displays. Good for a broad introduction to the city and region.
- Recommended
The King's Mile
Historic pedestrian street lined with timber-framed buildings, shops and cafés. A classic place to experience Canterbury’s medieval townscape.
- Recommended
Westgate Gardens
A landscaped public garden beside the old city walls. Popular for riverside walks, flower displays and a relaxing break near the centre.
Dane John Gardens
A peaceful green beside the River Stour and cathedral precinct. Ideal for a short scenic walk, picnic or photographs of the city’s historic core.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Huffkin
Kentish Huffkin is a traditional Kent bread roll, often served filled with ham, cheese or fruit. It is a long-standing local bakery staple across East Kent.
- Vegetarian
Canterbury Tart
Canterbury Tart is a local jam tart linked with the city, typically made with shortcrust pastry and apple or berry jam. It is a classic Kent teatime bake.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kentish Cobnuts
Kentish Cobnuts are cultivated hazelnuts from Kent, prized for their sweet flavour and strong county identity. They are eaten fresh, roasted or in desserts.
The Corner House
Popular city-centre bistro serving modern British dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting. Well regarded for brunch, lunch and seasonal dinners.
Chapman's Seafood Bar & Brasserie
Elegant restaurant focused on seafood and modern British cooking. A refined but welcoming choice for a special meal near the city centre.
The Parrot
Historic pub with traditional interiors, local ales and hearty British food. A good place to try Kentish beer in a characterful setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller UK towns, but local buses and casual meals stay manageable for most visitors.
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 restaurants.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafes: rounding up is enough. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city centre
Canterbury Bus Station -> Whitefriars, Canterbury
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment is available on Stagecoach buses in Canterbury.
- DayRider tickets give unlimited bus travel in the chosen area for one day and can be bought in the Stagecoach Bus app.
FAQs: Cardiff to Canterbury coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Canterbury 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 Canterbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap coach tickets from Cardiff to Canterbury can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Cardiff to Canterbury is £16; 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 Cardiff to Canterbury is 7h 35m to travel the 296 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 Cardiff to Canterbury leaves at 3:15. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Cardiff to Canterbury leaves at 20:20.
There are 8 coaches a day from Cardiff to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Cardiff to Canterbury, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Cardiff , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, University . When arriving in Canterbury , you can end your route in coach stations like Canterbury, Bus Station, Canterbury, University Of Kent.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Canterbury, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Canterbury from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Cardiff to Canterbury is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Canterbury including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Cardiff to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Cardiff to Canterbury for coach company National Express.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the coach with coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Cardiff to Canterbury 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.
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 Cardiff to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Cardiff to Canterbury:
- 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 Cardiff to Canterbury:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Cardiff to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Cardiff to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Cardiff to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Cardiff to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Canterbury
Most Cardiff to Canterbury buses use the Cardiff, Sophia Gardens to Canterbury, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Cardiff
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury
Which Cardiff station do buses to Canterbury leave from?
Buses from Cardiff to Canterbury leave from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. The station is 1 km from Cardiff city centre at Cardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK.
Cardiff, Sophia GardensCardiff Coach Station, Sophia Gardens, 2 Sophia Cl, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9HW, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, Sophia Gardens from Cardiff city centre
Bus25, 62, 63, 25A, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~14 min
C1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens bus station facilities and services
Cardiff, Sophia Gardens has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens. ATMs are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff, Sophia Gardens: Basic accessibility features available.
Cardiff, University
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff, University from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 18m · every ~8 min
Which Canterbury station do buses from Cardiff arrive at?
Buses from Cardiff to Canterbury most often arrive at Canterbury, Bus Station. Some services arrive at Canterbury, University Of Kent, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Canterbury arrival station.
Canterbury, Bus StationCanterbury bus station, Canterbury CT1 2SY, UK
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 Kingdom
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.
Most popular bus connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Canterbury and Cardiff
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