- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ashford to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£12
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£12
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
14 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
17 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
21 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ashford to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ashford to Canterbury will cost around £12 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.
Fast trains
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 6 trains from Ashford to Canterbury, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 21 km distance in an average of 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 22 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.
P856288:200h14Ashford International (AFK)8:34Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes- P8900610:000h22Ashford International (AFK)10:22Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P88995_P889988:350h23Ashford International (AFK)8:58Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P856369:230h14Ashford International (AFK)9:37Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P8564310:200h14Ashford International (AFK)10:34Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P856288:200h14Ashford International (AFK)8:34Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P856369:230h14Ashford International (AFK)9:37Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P8564310:200h14Ashford International (AFK)10:34Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P8900610:000h22Ashford International (AFK)10:22Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
- P890009:010h22Ashford International (AFK)9:23Canterbury West (CBW)£121One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Ashford to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ashford to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £11, while a coach costs an average of £12.
Distance: 21 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£11 Average Price Cheapest | £12 Average Price | £4 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
48m Average total duration Fastest 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ashford to Canterbury is a train with an average price of £11.
This is compared to other travel options from Ashford to Canterbury:
A train is £0.35 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Ashford to Canterbury costing on average £12.
The fastest way to travel from Ashford to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 18m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ashford and Canterbury including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 14m sooner (18m by train vs 32m by car). Tickets start at around £11 compared to roughly £4 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Southeastern.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Ashford to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Ashford to Canterbury trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P85628 | 8:20 Ashford International (AFK) | 0h14 | 8:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P88995_P88998 | 8:35 Ashford International (AFK) | 0h23 | 8:58 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P89000 | 9:01 Ashford International (AFK) | 0h22 | 9:23 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P85636 | 9:23 Ashford International (AFK) | 0h14 | 9:37 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P89006 | 10:00 Ashford International (AFK) | 0h22 | 10:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P85643 | 10:20 Ashford International (AFK) | 0h14 | 10:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ashford 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Ashford to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Southeastern as well as Southeastern offer trains services from Ashford to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ashford to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southeastern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Ashford 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 Southeastern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ashford 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 Ashford to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ashford to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ashford to Canterbury run on average 8 times per day, taking around 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 21 km distance in 14m.
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 21 km |
Average train duration 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 14m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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
Train companies: Southeastern from Ashford to Canterbury trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Ashford and Canterbury from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
14m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£8
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Family area
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 App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.90
To the city centre
Canterbury West -> Canterbury Bus Station, Canterbury
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Stagecoach says Canterbury single bus fares are capped at £3, and DayRider tickets are sold in the Stagecoach Bus App.
- Canterbury City Council says Park and Ride tickets can be bought on board. Contactless card payment is commonly available on Stagecoach buses, but check when boarding.
FAQs: Ashford to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ashford to Canterbury by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Canterbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Ashford to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £11.
The train journey from Ashford to Canterbury covers a distance of 21 km and takes approximately 14m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Ashford to Canterbury is 21 km.
The first train from Ashford to Canterbury leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Ashford to Canterbury departs at 23:58.
Trains from Ashford to Canterbury run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ashford to Canterbury.
Yes, there is a direct train between Ashford and Canterbury. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Southeastern.
To get from Ashford to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Ashford to Canterbury.
The train station in Ashford that goes to Canterbury is Ashford International (AFK), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Ashford to Canterbury is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Ashford to Canterbury in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ashford to Canterbury offers a pleasant view as it traverses the picturesque Kent countryside, passing through rolling hills and charming villages, providing a scenic experience especially during the spring and summer months.
Yes, a day trip from Ashford to Canterbury is feasible. The journey takes only 14m, covers 21 km, and there are 6 train trips per day.
In Canterbury, you can explore the historic streets on a guided walking tour, enjoy a punting tour on the River Stour, and visit the Canterbury Tales attraction. Attend a performance at The Marlowe Theatre or discover the local food scene on a culinary tour. Key sights include the Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, the Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, the Canterbury Roman Museum, and Westgate Gardens.
To fully explore Canterbury's historic sites, such as Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey, and the Canterbury Roman Museum, a visit of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Ashford to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ashford and Canterbury
Most Ashford to Canterbury trains use the Ashford International to Canterbury West station pair. Use this guide to compare Ashford and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ashford
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Which Ashford station do trains to Canterbury leave from?
Trains from Ashford to Canterbury leave from Ashford International. The station is from Ashford city centre at Ashford International station, Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1EZ.
Ashford InternationalAshford International station, Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1EZ+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Ashford International from Ashford city centre
Bus501, 502E, 502, 507, 501E · 2m · £3 · every ~21 min
Ashford International train station facilities and services
Ashford International has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ashford International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Ashford International.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ashford International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ashford International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ashford International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ashford International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: These are located in the booking hall on the domestic side of the station. They are also located in the subway adjacent to the gateline on the international side of the station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Ashford arrive at?
Trains from Ashford to Canterbury arrive at Canterbury West. Canterbury West is 1 km from Canterbury city centre.
Canterbury WestCanterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury West from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury West train station facilities and services
Canterbury West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Ashford to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Ashford
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
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