- 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 Bristol to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£66
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£104
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
3 h 33 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
3 h 39 m
Trains on 17 Sept
6
Distance
256 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Canterbury will cost around £104 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.
Fast trains
To travel from Bristol to Canterbury you need to make at least 2 changes.
G14899+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P89024 · P859239:303h49Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)13:19Canterbury West (CBW)£661One-way3 changes- W34472+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P856639:003h34Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:34Canterbury West (CBW)£661One-way2 changes
- G14898+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P89018 · P859178:303h49Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:19Canterbury West (CBW)£721One-way3 changes
- G14897+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P856538:003h34Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)11:34Canterbury West (CBW)£1131One-way2 changes
- G15041+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
G01062+P859178:333h46Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:19Canterbury West (CBW)£1431One-way4 changes
- W35169+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P85653+G667218:013h33Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)11:34Canterbury West (CBW)£1671One-way3 changes
- W34472+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P856639:003h34Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:34Canterbury West (CBW)£661One-way2 changes
- G14897+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P856538:003h34Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)11:34Canterbury West (CBW)£1131One-way2 changes
- G15041+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+G01062+P859178:333h46Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:19Canterbury West (CBW)£1431One-way4 changes
- G14899+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P89024 · P859239:303h49Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)13:19Canterbury West (CBW)£661One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Bristol to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 22m. 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 £20, while a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 256 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest | £59 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 48m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus 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 Bristol to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £20.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Canterbury:
A coach is £31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Canterbury costing on average £51.
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 2h 52m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 18m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Canterbury including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 23m faster (2h 52m by train vs 3h 15m by car) and roughly £8 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£51 vs £59). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Bristol to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G14897+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P85653 | 8:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h34 | 11:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
| G66721+W35169+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P85653 | 8:01 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h33 | 11:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
| G14898+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P89018 · P85917 | 8:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h49 | 12:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
| G01062+G15041+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P85917 | 8:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h46 | 12:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 4 changes | |
| W34472+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P85663 | 9:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h34 | 12:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
| G14899+Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+P89024 · P85923 | 9:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h49 | 13:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Bristol to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Bristol to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Canterbury run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:53, the last at 21:23. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 3h 34m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Distance 256 km |
Average train duration 2h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 34m |
First train 4:53 |
Last train 21:23 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £13
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Bristol to Canterbury trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Bristol and Canterbury from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
3h 34m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£28
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at 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
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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: Bristol to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £51.
The train journey from Bristol to Canterbury covers a distance of 256 km and takes approximately 3h 34m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Bristol to Canterbury is 256 km.
The first train from Bristol to Canterbury leaves at 4:53.
The last train from Bristol to Canterbury departs at 21:23.
Trains from Bristol to Canterbury run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bristol to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bristol to Canterbury.
To get from Bristol to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Bristol to Canterbury.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Canterbury is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Canterbury is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Bristol 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 Bristol to Canterbury offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring charming countryside landscapes, picturesque villages, and historic towns along the route.
A day trip from Bristol to Canterbury is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 34m, covering a distance of 256 km. Trains run 6 times 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 Bristol to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Canterbury
Most Bristol to Canterbury trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £4 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · £4 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · £4 · every ~22 min
Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Clifton DownClifton Down station, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, City of, BS8 2PN+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Clifton Down from Bristol city centre
TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 14m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus2a, 5, 3, 4, 1, 2 · 7m · £4 · every ~91 min
T7 · 10m · every ~2 min
4, 5, 1, 3, 2, 2a · 10m · £4 · every ~91 min
Clifton Down train station facilities and services
Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Clifton Down.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Clifton Down.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Clifton Down: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Clifton Down: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Clifton Down: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Bristol arrive at?
Trains from Bristol 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 Bristol to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Bristol
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
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