- 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 Bedford to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£61
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£61
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
4 h 27 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
4 h 27 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
143 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bedford to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bedford to Canterbury will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Bedford to Canterbury, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 143 km distance in an average of 4 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 27 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.
6:134h27Bedford10:40Canterbury£611One-way0 changes
- 6:134h27Bedford10:40Canterbury£611One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Bedford to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bedford to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £65 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 18m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £65, while a train costs an average of £65.
Distance: 143 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£65 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bedford to Canterbury is a train with an average price of £65.
The fastest way to travel from Bedford to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 1h 48m.
Yes, you can take a train between Bedford and Canterbury.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 30m sooner (1h 48m by train vs 2h 18m by car). Tickets start at around £65 compared to roughly £31 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.
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
Bedford to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Bedford to Canterbury trains for today, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P89000+ C04201+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Bridge | Delayed 6:43 6:06Bedford station (BDM) | 3h17 | 9:23 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
| P85888 · P88661+C04201 | Delayed 6:07 6:06Bedford station (BDM) | 2h12 | 8:18 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
| C04203+P85628 | On time 6:40 Bedford station (BDM) | 1h54 | 8:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
| P86247+C04203+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Victoria | Delayed 7:10 6:40Bedford station (BDM) | 3h00 | 9:40 Canterbury East (CBE) | 2 changes | |
| W45522+P85894 · P89000 | On time 6:46 Bedford station (BDM) | 2h37 | 9:23 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
| P89006+W45610 | Delayed 7:43 7:13Bedford station (BDM) | 3h09 | 10:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bedford to Canterbury by train
Compare 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
21 Sept
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22 Sept
22 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Bedford to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as East Midlands Railway, Southeastern, east_midlands_trains and more offer trains services from Bedford to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bedford to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Southeastern or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, Southeastern or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Bedford to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bedford to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bedford to Canterbury run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 23:04. The fastest train covers the 143 km distance in 3h 30m.
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 143 km |
Average train duration 1h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 30m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 23:04 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 1 day |
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: Thameslink, East Midlands Railway, Southeastern, east_midlands_trains from Bedford to Canterbury trainsThameslink, East Midlands Railway, Southeastern, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Bedford and Canterbury from £60. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
2h 2m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£87
Thameslink frequency
14 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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
3h 30m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£60
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
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
1h 51m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£68
east_midlands_trains frequency
10 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
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: Bedford to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bedford 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 Bedford to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £60, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Bedford to Canterbury covers a distance of 143 km and takes approximately 3h 30m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Bedford to Canterbury is 143 km.
The first train from Bedford to Canterbury leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Bedford to Canterbury departs at 23:04.
Trains from Bedford to Canterbury run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Bedford to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bedford to Canterbury.
To travel from Bedford to Canterbury, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Bedford to Canterbury.
The train station in Bedford that goes to Canterbury is Bedford station (BDM), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Bedford to Canterbury is by train, costing approximately £60.
Booking trains from Bedford 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 Bedford to Canterbury offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, showcasing the picturesque English countryside. Passengers can enjoy views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and lush fields as the train travels through the heart of England.
A day trip from Bedford to Canterbury is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 30m. However, there are 6 trains 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 Bedford to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bedford and Canterbury
Most Bedford to Canterbury trains use the Bedford St Johns to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Bedford and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bedford
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Which Bedford station do trains to Canterbury leave from?
Trains from Bedford to Canterbury leave from Bedford St Johns. The station is 1 km from Bedford city centre at Bedford St Johns station, Melbourne Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9AN.
Bedford St JohnsBedford St Johns station, Melbourne Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 9AN
City-centre transport
Getting to Bedford St Johns from Bedford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesIn the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from the Medbourne Road car park, by the path leading to the platform. Please check the direction of travel before boarding.
Bedford St Johns train station facilities and services
Bedford St Johns has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bedford St Johns.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bedford St Johns: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bedford St Johns: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bedford St Johns: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Bedford arrive at?
Trains from Bedford to Canterbury most often arrive at Canterbury West. Some services arrive at Canterbury East, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Canterbury arrival station.
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.
Canterbury EastCanterbury East station, Station Road East, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2RB+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury East from Canterbury city centre
Bus649 · 9m
Canterbury East train station facilities and services
Canterbury East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury East.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Canterbury East. 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 East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Canterbury East: 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: The Ticket Vending Machines's can only be accessed when the station building is open as they are in the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Bedford to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Bedford
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
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