- Must visit
Wardown House Museum and Gallery
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Canterbury to Luton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Sept
Cheapest price on 12 Sept
£61
Average ticket price on 12 Sept
£62
Fastest journey on 12 Sept
1 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 12 Sept
2 h 1 m
Trains on 12 Sept
3
Distance
123 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Canterbury to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Luton will cost around £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.
Fast trains
On Sat 12 Sept, we found 3 trains from Canterbury to Luton, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 123 km distance in an average of 2 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 29 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.
5:412h29Canterbury8:10Luton£611One-way0 changes- 8:231h47Canterbury10:10Luton£621One-way0 changes
- 7:231h47Canterbury9:10Luton£631One-way0 changes
- 8:231h47Canterbury10:10Luton£621One-way0 changes
- 7:231h47Canterbury9:10Luton£631One-way0 changes
- 5:412h29Canterbury8:10Luton£611One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Canterbury to Luton
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Luton 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 2h 6m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £20, while a train costs an average of £48.
Distance: 123 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £20 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 17m Average total duration 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Canterbury to Luton is a coach with an average price of £20.
This is compared to other travel options from Canterbury to Luton:
A coach is £27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Canterbury to Luton costing on average £48.
The fastest way to travel from Canterbury to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 36m.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 47m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Canterbury and Luton 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 20m sooner (1h 36m by train vs 1h 56m by car). Tickets start at around £48 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
Canterbury to Luton train times
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Luton trains for tomorrow, Saturday 12 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:41 Canterbury | 2h29 | 8:10 Luton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:23 Canterbury | 1h47 | 9:10 Luton | 0 changesdirect | |
| 8:23 Canterbury | 1h47 | 10:10 Luton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Canterbury to Luton 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.
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
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13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
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15 Sept
15 Sept
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16 Sept
16 Sept
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17 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
Why should you book Canterbury to Luton trains with Omio?
Southeastern as well as Thameslink or Southeastern offer trains services from Canterbury to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Canterbury to Luton.
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 Thameslink or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Canterbury to Luton.
- 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 Canterbury to Luton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Canterbury to Luton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Canterbury to Luton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Canterbury to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Canterbury to Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £20 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 23:19. The fastest train covers the 123 km distance in 1h 49m.
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 £20
Distance 123 km |
Average train duration 1h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £25 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 49m |
First train 5:00 |
Last train 23:19 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £20
Train companies: Southeastern, Thameslink from Canterbury to Luton trainsSoutheastern, Thameslink trains will get you between Canterbury and Luton from £20. 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
1h 49m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£25
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
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 37m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£62
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
Family area
Complete guide to Luton
Things to do in Luton
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
- Recommended
The Hat Factory
Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.
- Recommended
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.
- Must visit
Wardown Park
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
- Recommended
Stockwood Park
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
- Recommended
Galley and Warden Hills
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
Bedfordshire Clanger
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
- Vegetarian
Stuffed Bedfordshire Onions
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
Bedfordshire Suet Crust Pie
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Monna Lisa
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Gautam's
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Off The Wall
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.
Arriva Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- /null
To the city centre
Luton Airport Parkway, Luton -> Luton Town Centre, Luton
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Most local buses in Luton are run by operators listed by Luton Borough Council. Check operator apps or websites before travel because fares vary by company.
- If you are travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and the airport terminal, the Luton DART is separate from local bus travel. A DART-only single starts from £4.90.
FAQs: Canterbury to Luton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Canterbury to Luton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £48.
The train journey from Canterbury to Luton covers a distance of 123 km and takes approximately 1h 49m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Canterbury to Luton is 123 km.
The first train from Canterbury to Luton leaves at 5:00.
The last train from Canterbury to Luton departs at 23:19.
Trains from Canterbury to Luton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Canterbury to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Canterbury to Luton.
To get from Canterbury to Luton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Canterbury to Luton.
The train station in Canterbury that goes to Luton is Canterbury West (CBW), and it arrives at London Luton Airport (LUA).
The cheapest way to get from Canterbury to Luton is by coach, costing approximately £20.
Booking trains from Canterbury to Luton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Canterbury to Luton offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with scenic views of the Kent countryside and glimpses of the North Downs, interspersed with urban areas as you approach London.
A day trip from Canterbury to Luton is not feasible. The journey takes 1h 49m and the distance is 123 km. There are 6 trains per day.
In Luton, visitors can explore The Mall Luton for shopping and dining, visit Woodside Animal Farm for a family-friendly day out, and enjoy the variety of goods at Luton Indoor Market. Outdoor enthusiasts can relax at Stockwood Park, while entertainment seekers can head to The Galaxy for cinema and bowling. For cultural experiences, visit Stockwood Discovery Centre for local history, Wardown House Museum and Gallery for art and history, and The Hat Factory Arts Centre for performances and exhibitions. Historical and scenic sights include Luton Hoo Estate and Whipsnade Zoo.
Two to three days in Luton is sufficient to explore its key attractions, such as the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House Museum, and the surrounding countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Canterbury to Luton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Luton
Most Canterbury to Luton trains use the Canterbury West to London Luton Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Luton. Use this guide to compare Canterbury and Luton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Canterbury
Arrival train stations in Luton
Which Canterbury station do trains to Luton leave from?
Trains from Canterbury to Luton leave from Canterbury West. The station is 1 km from Canterbury city centre at Canterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN.
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.
Which Luton station do trains from Canterbury arrive at?
Trains from Canterbury to Luton most often arrive at London Luton Airport. Some services arrive at Luton, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Luton arrival station.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min
Luton train station facilities and services
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport ParkwayLuton Airport Parkway station, Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JW
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton Airport Parkway from Luton city centre
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCorby - London St Pancras International, Sheffield - London St Pancras International, Nottingham - London St Pancras International, Kettering - London St Pancras International, Wellingborough - London St Pancras International, East Midlands Parkway - London St Pancras International · 2m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
BusX4, X1, X2, Z, A, X3 · 5m · £4 · every ~41 min
612, X10 · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
44, 45, 366 · 6m · £2 · every ~2 min
101, 100 · 10m · £4 · every ~7 min
Luton Airport Parkway train station facilities and services
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Luton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Luton and Canterbury
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