Whitstable to Canterbury bus with National Express

Fri 18 Sept
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Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Whitstable to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Whitstable to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £5 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, while a train costs an average of £12.

Distance: 10 km

Compare bus with

Coach
Most popular
Train
Driving

£5

Average Price

Cheapest

£12

Average Price

£2

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

50m

Average total duration

Fastest

20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

52m

Average total duration

22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

23m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Whitstable to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £7.

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

A coach is £5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Whitstable to Canterbury costing on average £12.

The fastest way to travel from Whitstable to Canterbury is by coach with an average journey time of 20m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Train takes on average 22m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Whitstable and Canterbury including taking a train and coach.
Take the bus. It's the quicker way to make this trip, and the time saved usually justifies the slightly higher cost.

You'll arrive about 3m sooner (20m by bus vs 23m by car). Tickets start at around £7 compared to roughly £2 in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.

Direct coaches are operated by National Express.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.

Live departures

Whitstable to Canterbury bus times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
National ExpressNX0229:25 Whitstable, Clapham Hill
0h20
9:45 Canterbury, Bus Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX02213:45 Whitstable, Clapham Hill
0h20
14:05 Canterbury, Bus Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX02219:00 Whitstable, Clapham Hill
0h20
19:20 Canterbury, Bus Station0 changesdirect
National ExpressNX02222:35 Whitstable, Clapham Hill
0h20
22:55 Canterbury, Bus Station0 changesdirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Whitstable to Canterbury 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.

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

Why should you book Whitstable to Canterbury coaches with Omio?

National Express operates all coaches services from Whitstable to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Whitstable 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Whitstable to Canterbury.

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 Whitstable to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Whitstable to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Whitstable to Canterbury run on average 9 times per day, taking around 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 9 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:30, the last at 23:30. The fastest coach covers the 10 km distance in 20m.

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
10 km
Average bus duration
20m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Buses per day
9
Direct buses
9
Fastest bus
20m
First bus
0:30
Last bus
23:30
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
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 Whitstable to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Whitstable to Canterbury with National Express for as low as £5. 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
20m
Cheapest National Express Price
£5
National Express frequency
8 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.

Bus providers: National Express, Stagecoach South East from Whitstable to CanterburyYou can travel by bus between Whitstable to Canterbury with National Express, Stagecoach South East for as low as £5. 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
15m
Cheapest National Express Price
£5
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

Stagecoach South East

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stagecoach South East Duration
25m
Stagecoach South East frequency
50 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.

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.

FAQs: Whitstable to Canterbury coach

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Whitstable 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.

FAQs
Cheap coach tickets from Whitstable to Canterbury can start from as little as £5 when you book in advance. The average coach ticket price for Whitstable to Canterbury is £5; 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 Whitstable to Canterbury is 20m to travel the 10 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 Whitstable to Canterbury leaves at 0:30. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest coach from Whitstable to Canterbury leaves at 23:30.
Yes, there are 9 direct coaches a day from Whitstable to Canterbury with Stagecoach South East. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct coaches.
When taking a coach from Whitstable to Canterbury, you can count on National Express, Stagecoach South East for the best way to get you to Canterbury. You can also check all possible coach companies who offer a service between Whitstable and Canterbury and compare the amenities they offer before buying a coach ticket.
When departing from Whitstable , you have various coach station options to start your route from including Whitstable, Clapham Hill . 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 Whitstable, Clapham Hill, which is located around 2 km away from the city centre, and they get off the coach at Canterbury, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A day trip to Canterbury from Whitstable is worth doing with a journey time of 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a coach from Whitstable to Canterbury is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Whitstable and Canterbury including taking a train and coach.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the coach from Whitstable to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the coach from Whitstable to Canterbury for coach company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your coach ticket from Whitstable 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 Whitstable to Canterbury.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a coach ticket from Whitstable 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 Whitstable to Canterbury:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the coach from Whitstable to Canterbury.
You can reserve your seat on the coach from Whitstable to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the coach from Whitstable to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the coach from Whitstable to Canterbury with the following coach company: National Express.

popular bus stations

Important Stations and Airports in Whitstable and Canterbury

Most Whitstable to Canterbury buses use the Whitstable, Clapham Hill to Canterbury, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury, University Of Kent. Use this guide to compare Whitstable and Canterbury bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.

Departure bus stations in Whitstable
Arrival bus stations in Canterbury

Which Whitstable station do buses to Canterbury leave from?

Buses from Whitstable to Canterbury leave from Whitstable, Clapham Hill. The station is 2 km from Whitstable city centre at Whitstable, Whitstable CT5 1QS, UK.
Whitstable, Clapham HillWhitstable, Whitstable CT5 1QS, UKWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Whitstable, Clapham Hill from Whitstable city centre

Whitstable, Clapham Hill is 2 km from Whitstable city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus401, 400, 905, 906, 904, 903 · 9m · £3 · every ~14 min
905, 906, 904, 903, 400, 401 · 10m · £3 · every ~14 min
638 · 15m

Whitstable, Clapham Hill bus station facilities and services

Whitstable, Clapham Hill 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 Whitstable, Clapham Hill. ATMs are available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Whitstable, Clapham Hill: Basic accessibility features available.

Most popular bus connections from Whitstable

More options for your journey from Whitstable to Canterbury

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

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