- Recommended
Manor House Museum
Local history museum covering the town’s boot and shoe heritage, social history and changing life in Kettering through engaging displays.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Northampton to Kettering among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 1h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £3, while a train costs an average of £29.
Distance: 20 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£3 Average Price Cheapest | £29 Average Price | £4 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 52m Average total duration 1h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Northampton to Kettering:
A coach is £26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Northampton to Kettering costing on average £29.
Other travel options to Kettering take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 22m.
Tickets start at around £3 compared to roughly £4 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £1. The journey takes 57m versus 29m 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.
Direct services are operated by Stagecoach Midlands.
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.
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.
Buses from Northampton to Kettering run on average 3 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 04:40, the last at 21:50. The fastest coach covers the 20 km distance in 52m.
Distance 20 km |
Average bus duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 52m |
First bus 4:40 |
Last bus 21:50 |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Kettering — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kettering trip today.
Local history museum covering the town’s boot and shoe heritage, social history and changing life in Kettering through engaging displays.
Country-house interiors, collections and exhibitions presented in an impressive historic setting. A strong choice for art and heritage fans.
An independent gallery showing contemporary exhibitions and community arts activity in a compact town-centre venue.
The town’s main green space with formal gardens, a lake, play areas and room for easy walks close to the centre.
A landscaped country park on the edge of town with lakes, woodland and gentle walking routes. Good for nature and outdoor relaxation.
A long-distance walking and cycling route through attractive countryside near Kettering, ideal for a scenic local ramble.
Traditional Northamptonshire pork sausages, usually seasoned simply and served with mash or breakfast. A long-standing county staple tied to local butchery.
A soft white cob linked with nearby Northamptonshire baking traditions, often filled with bacon, sausage or cheese and widely eaten locally.
Local blue cheese from Northamptonshire, made with cow’s milk and Penicillium roqueforti. A notable regional product with a creamy texture and gentle blue tang.
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant serving grilled meats, mezze and seafood in a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Established steakhouse and grill known for dry-aged beef, cocktails and a smart contemporary setting in Kettering town centre.
Well-known local Indian restaurant offering curries, tandoori dishes and a friendly, dependable dine-in experience.
Moderate for England: hotels and meals are usually cheaper than London, while rail fares and taxis can still add up for visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Kettering Station -> Kettering town centre
Passengers wishing to travel by coach between the two historic market towns of Northampton and Kettering in the East Midlands have to make do with only one departure per day. Although it doesn't provide a great deal of choice for travellers, the service is certainly very easy to remember and plan around as it generally leaves at the same time every day. Journey times are equally unvarying, routinely clocking in at a little over half an hour.
National Express is currently alone in laying on a service between these two picturesque towns in Northamptonshire.
The journey usually lasts 37 minutes, with little or no variation across the week. All services are direct, so there's no need to change coaches even at the weekend.
There's only one coach from Northampton to Kettering every day, setting off in the middle of the evening. Departure times and journey durations are the same throughout the week, including Saturday and Sunday.
Departure bus station: National Express services leave Northampton from the coach stop on Victoria Street, not to be confused with the North Gate bus station next to Market Square. It's less than half a mile from the town centre with its wealth of period architecture, and a four to five-minute walk to the main bus interchange, where the numbers 3 and 7 buses travel between the centre of town and Camp Hill, Grange Park and West Hunsbury. Coaches from Birmingham, London and Heathrow also call in at the Victoria Street stop on a regular basis.
Arrival bus station: Services from Northampton terminate at Kettering Bus and Coach station on Eskdaill Street, just a two to three-minute walk from the town centre, with its shopping malls and many sites of historic interest. The station has a coffee shop, fast food outlet and other amenities, while a supermarket is just outside for passengers wishing to buy groceries or refreshments. Coaches to Corby, Wellingborough and Milton Keynes regularly depart from Eskdaill Street, and the train station is under half a mile away.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Northampton to Kettering 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 Kettering, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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