Croydon to Canterbury train with Southeastern

Sun 20 Sept
+ Add return
Southeastern
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Southeastern
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Croydon to Canterbury

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£40

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£50

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

1 h 49 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

2 h 11 m

Trains on 20 Sept

6

Distance

83 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Croydon to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Croydon to Canterbury will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.

Fast trains

To travel from Croydon to Canterbury you need to make at least one change.

  • ThameslinkW45442+SoutheasternP89020+SouthernG77412
    9:452h34
    East Croydon (ECR)
    12:19Canterbury West (CBW)
    £401One-way
    2 changes
  • ThameslinkW45455+SoutheasternP89014+SouthernG77405
    8:372h42
    East Croydon (ECR)
    11:19Canterbury West (CBW)
    £401One-way
    2 changes
  • SoutheasternP89008+SouthernG26747
    8:042h15
    East Croydon (ECR)
    10:19Canterbury West (CBW)
    £511One-way
    1 change
  • SoutheasternP89014+SouthernG26759
    9:062h13
    East Croydon (ECR)
    11:19Canterbury West (CBW)
    £511One-way
    1 change
  • ThameslinkX29432+SoutheasternP85656
    9:451h49
    East Croydon (ECR)
    11:34Canterbury West (CBW)
    £581One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Croydon to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £27 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, while a train costs an average of £40.

Distance: 83 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£40

Average Price

£27

Average Price

Cheapest

£17

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

2h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 18m

Average total duration

2h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 24m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Croydon to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £27.

This is compared to other travel options from Croydon to Canterbury:

A coach is £13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Croydon to Canterbury costing on average £40.

The fastest way to travel from Croydon to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 1h 35m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 48m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Croydon and Canterbury including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £40 compared to roughly £17 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-23.76. The journey takes 1h 35m versus 1h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Compare prices and tickets Croydon 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.

Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept

Why should you book Croydon to Canterbury trains with Omio?

Southeastern as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Croydon to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Croydon to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southeastern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Croydon to Canterbury.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Southeastern with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Croydon to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Croydon to Canterbury.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Croydon to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Croydon to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Croydon to Canterbury run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £26 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 23:21. The fastest train covers the 83 km distance in 2h 9m.

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 £26
Distance
83 km
Average train duration
1h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
£40
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
2h 9m
First train
5:16
Last train
23:21
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
3 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 £26

Train companies: Southeastern, Thameslink from Croydon to Canterbury trainsSoutheastern, Thameslink trains will get you between Croydon and Canterbury from £26. 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
2h 9m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£40
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
1h 26m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£51
Thameslink frequency
25 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
Family area

Complete guide to Canterbury

Things to do in Canterbury

Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.

  • Recommended

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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Croydon to Canterbury train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Croydon to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £40.
The train journey from Croydon to Canterbury covers a distance of 83 km and takes approximately 2h 9m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Croydon to Canterbury is 83 km.
The first train from Croydon to Canterbury leaves at 5:16.
The last train from Croydon to Canterbury departs at 23:21.
Trains from Croydon to Canterbury run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Croydon to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Croydon to Canterbury.
To get from Croydon to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Croydon to Canterbury.
The train station in Croydon that goes to Canterbury is East Croydon (ECR), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Croydon to Canterbury is by coach, costing approximately £26.
Booking trains from Croydon 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 Croydon to Canterbury offers scenic views as it passes through the picturesque Kent countryside, featuring rolling hills and charming rural landscapes.
A day trip from Croydon to Canterbury is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 9m. Trains run 4 times per day, covering a distance of 83 km.
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 Croydon to Canterbury.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Croydon and Canterbury

Most Croydon to Canterbury trains use the East Croydon to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Croydon
Arrival train stations in Canterbury

Which Croydon station do trains to Canterbury leave from?

Trains from Croydon to Canterbury leave from East Croydon. The station is 1 km from Croydon city centre at East Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF.
East CroydonEast Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LFWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to East Croydon from Croydon city centre

East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN68 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min

East Croydon train station facilities and services

East Croydon 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 and drink options are available at East Croydon.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern 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.

West CroydonWest Croydon station, London Road, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 2TAWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to West Croydon from Croydon city centre

Bus289 · 4m · £2 · every ~20 min
450 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
157 · 7m · £2 · every ~20 min

West Croydon train station facilities and services

West Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at West Croydon.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at West Croydon.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at West Croydon.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at West Croydon: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at West Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at West Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: B2 station category. Step free access available for platform 1 and 3 using the London Road car park entrance . This side gate is kept locked but has help buttons to request use. Step-free access via separate entrance to platform 4 (to Sutton), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Croydon to Canterbury

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