- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest coaches from Reading to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Oct
Cheapest price on 06 Oct
£49
Average ticket price on 06 Oct
£49
Fastest journey on 06 Oct
5 h 49 m
Average journey duration on 06 Oct
5 h 49 m
Buses on 06 Oct
1
Distance
144 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Reading to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Canterbury will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £49.
Fast coaches
On Tue 06 Oct, we found 1 buses from Reading to Canterbury, including 1 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 144 km distance in an average of 5 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 49 m .
The slowest buses will take 5 h 49 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.
19:015h49Reading0:50Canterbury£491One-way0 changes
- 19:015h49Reading0:50Canterbury£491One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Reading to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Reading to Canterbury run on average 24 times per day, taking around 4h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £41 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 03:20, the last at 21:55. The fastest coach covers the 144 km distance in 3h 47m.
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 144 km |
Average bus duration 4h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £41 |
Buses per day 24 |
Fastest bus 3h 47m |
First bus 3:20 |
Last bus 21:55 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
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
Live departures
Reading to Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Canterbury coaches for today, Monday 5 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4:55 Reading | 4h50 | 9:45 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 7:04 Reading | 4h51 | 11:55 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 8:21 Reading | 5h14 | 13:35 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 10:05 Reading | 4h55 | 15:00 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 11:25 Reading | 5h40 | 17:05 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 14:05 Reading | 5h15 | 19:20 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 15:44 Reading | 4h51 | 20:35 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 17:43 Reading | 4h42 | 22:25 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 19:01 Reading | 4h49 | 23:50 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
| 20:33 Reading | 4h37 | 1:10 Canterbury | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Reading to Canterbury coaches with Omio?
National Express operates all coaches services from Reading to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading 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 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.
Bus providers: National Express from Reading to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Reading to Canterbury with National Express for as low as £41. 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
3h 47m
Cheapest National Express Price
£41
National Express frequency
20 a day
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.
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
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: Reading to Canterbury coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Canterbury can start from as little as £41 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Reading to Canterbury is £51; 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 Reading to Canterbury is 3h 47m to travel the 144 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 Reading to Canterbury leaves at 3:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Reading to Canterbury leaves at 21:55.
There are 24 coaches a day from Reading 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 Reading 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 Reading and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Reading , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Reading, Blagrave Street . When arriving in Canterbury , you can end your route in coach stations like Canterbury, University Of Kent, Canterbury, Bus Station.Passengers board the coach most frequently from Reading, Blagrave Street, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Canterbury, University Of Kent, located 1 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Reading and Canterbury including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Reading to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Reading to Canterbury for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Reading 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.
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 Reading to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Reading 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 Reading to Canterbury:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Reading to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Reading to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Reading to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Reading to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Canterbury
Most Reading to Canterbury buses use the Reading, Blagrave Street to Canterbury, University Of Kent station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Reading and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Reading
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury
Which Reading station do buses to Canterbury leave from?
Buses from Reading to Canterbury leave from Reading, Blagrave Street. The station is from Reading city centre at Reading RG1 1PZ, UK.
Reading, Blagrave StreetReading RG1 1PZ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Reading, Blagrave Street from Reading city centre
Bus19a, 19c · 1h 21m · £2
Reading, Blagrave Street bus station facilities and services
Reading, Blagrave Street has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reading, Blagrave Street: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Which Canterbury station do buses from Reading arrive at?
Buses from Reading to Canterbury most often arrive at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Some services arrive at Canterbury, Bus Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Canterbury arrival station.
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.
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.
More options for your journey from Reading to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Canterbury and Reading
Most popular bus connections
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
