- 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 Cardiff to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£43
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£43
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
3 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
3 h 44 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
296 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Canterbury will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cardiff to Canterbury, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 3 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 44 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 44 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.
9:503h44Cardiff13:34Canterbury£431One-way0 changes
- 9:503h44Cardiff13:34Canterbury£431One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 39m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 296 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£54 Average Price | £16 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £16.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Canterbury:
A coach is £38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Canterbury costing on average £54.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 3h 9m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff 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 48m faster (3h 9m by train vs 3h 57m by car) and roughly £4 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£54 vs £58). 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
Cardiff to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Canterbury trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:50 Cardiff | 3h44 | 13:34 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff 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.
Fri
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Why should you book Cardiff to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Canterbury run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:23. The fastest train covers the 296 km distance in 3h 44m.
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 £16
Distance 296 km |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 44m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 20:23 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 £16
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Canterbury trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Canterbury from £16. 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 44m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£54
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: Cardiff to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Cardiff to Canterbury covers a distance of 296 km and takes approximately 3h 44m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Canterbury is 296 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Canterbury leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Canterbury departs at 20:23.
Trains from Cardiff to Canterbury run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Canterbury.
To get from Cardiff to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Canterbury.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Canterbury is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Canterbury is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Canterbury offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with highlights including the rolling landscapes of South Wales and the scenic Kent countryside, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Cardiff to Canterbury is not feasible due to the travel duration of 3h 44m. There are 5 train trips available per day for this journey.
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 Cardiff to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Canterbury
Most Cardiff to Canterbury trains use the Cardiff Central to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central 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 and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
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