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The cheapest and fastest coaches from Southampton to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£24
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£27
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
6 h 10 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
6 h 15 m
Buses on 17 Sept
2
Distance
178 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Southampton to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Canterbury will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £24.
Fast coaches
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 2 buses from Southampton to Canterbury, including 2 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 178 km distance in an average of 6 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
The slowest buses will take 6 h 20 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.
18:306h20Southampton0:50Canterbury£241One-way0 changes- 18:006h10Southampton0:10Canterbury£311One-way0 changes
- 18:006h10Southampton0:10Canterbury£311One-way0 changes
- 18:306h20Southampton0:50Canterbury£241One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Southampton to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 47m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, while a train costs an average of £32.
Distance: 178 km
Compare bus with
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£27 Average Price Cheapest | £32 Average Price | £36 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  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 Southampton to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £27.
This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to Canterbury:
A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Canterbury costing on average £32.
The fastest way to travel from Southampton to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 3h 17m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton 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 £27 compared to roughly £36 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £9. The journey takes 5h 0m versus 2h 34m 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
Southampton to Canterbury bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Canterbury coaches for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18:00 Southampton | 6h10 | 0:10 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
| 18:30 Southampton | 6h20 | 0:50 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton 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.
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17 Sept
17 Sept
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23 Sept
Why should you book Southampton to Canterbury coaches with Omio?
National Express as well as Unilink offer coaches services from Southampton to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Unilink to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Canterbury.
- 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 Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Southampton to Canterbury run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £16 if you book in advance.
The earliest coach runs at 02:20, the last at 22:23. The fastest coach covers the 178 km distance in 6h 10m.
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 178 km |
Average bus duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £16 |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 2:20 |
Last bus 22:23 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 5 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
Bus providers: National Express, Unilink from Southampton to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Canterbury with National Express, Unilink 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
6h 10m
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.
Unilink
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Unilink Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Unilink Price
£34
Unilink frequency
3 a day
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: Southampton to Canterbury coach
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury can start from as little as £16 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Southampton to Canterbury is £27; 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 Southampton to Canterbury is 6h 10m to travel the 178 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 Southampton to Canterbury leaves at 2:20. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Southampton to Canterbury leaves at 22:23.
There are 12 coaches a day from Southampton to Canterbury which require at least one change with National Express, Unilink. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer coaches.
When taking a coach from Southampton to Canterbury, you can count on National Express, Unilink for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Southampton and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Southampton , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Southampton, Coach Station, Southampton, 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 Southampton, Coach Station, 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 Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Southampton to Canterbury is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and Canterbury including taking a coach and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Southampton to Canterbury:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Southampton to Canterbury for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Southampton to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Southampton to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Southampton to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Southampton to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
popular bus stations
Important Stations and Airports in Southampton and Canterbury
Most Southampton to Canterbury buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Canterbury, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Southampton
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury
Which Southampton station do buses to Canterbury leave from?
Buses from Southampton to Canterbury leave from Southampton, Coach Station. The station is from Southampton city centre at Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom.
Southampton, Coach StationHarbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1BA, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, Coach Station from Southampton city centre
BusX4, X5 · 5m · £2 · every ~20 min
Southampton, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Southampton, UniversityUniversity Rd, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Southampton, University from Southampton city centre
Southampton, University is 3 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU2b, U2 · 11m · £2 · every ~6 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 25m · £2 · every ~37 min
U1a, U1n, U1e · 29m · £2 · every ~37 min
Southampton, University bus station facilities and services
Southampton, University 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 Southampton, University. ATMs are available at Southampton, University.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, University.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southampton, University: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, University: Basic accessibility features are available for passengers.
Which Canterbury station do buses from Southampton arrive at?
Buses from Southampton 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 Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Canterbury and Southampton
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