- 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.
Cheapest price on 11 Sept
£32
Average ticket price on 11 Sept
£51
Fastest journey on 11 Sept
1 h 55 m
Average journey duration on 11 Sept
2 h 4 m
Trains on 11 Sept
18
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £32.
To travel from London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury you need to make at least one change.
P89012+
G77407+
W32979
C82869 · W32576+
P85706
P88497 · P86262+
G26783+
L11989
P89118+
G77460+
W32956
P89006+
G77400 · G77124_C93205
P85749+
W45464
P85643+
W45403
P89006+
G77400 · G77124_C93205
P85888 · P88661+
W45420
P85910 · P89012+
W45413Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £29.
Distance: 88 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£29 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 4m Average total duration 4h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury:
A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury costing on average £29.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 34m.
Tickets start at around £29 compared to roughly £19 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-10.06. The journey takes 1h 50m versus 1h 12m 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.
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury trains for today, Thursday 10 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W32946+ P65674+ P88621 · P86301 | On time 13:32 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h11 | 16:43 Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 changes | |
C82840 · W32579+ P85689 | On time 13:57 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h37 | 16:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
G26315 · W28064_G26844+ P65677+ P88628 | 14:02 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h41 | 16:43 Canterbury East (CBE) | 4 changes | |
W32957+ G77440+ P89045_P89048 | On time 14:32 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h29 | 17:01 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
W45549+ P85689 | On time 14:36 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h58 | 16:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
G26428+ P86305 | 14:56 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h13 | 17:09 Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 change | |
W32975+ G77445+ P89049 | 15:02 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h18 | 17:20 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
C82862 · W28069_G26862 · G27890 · C09843 | On time 15:32 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h38 | 18:10 Canterbury East (CBE) | 6 changes | |
W45415+ P85695 | On time 15:36 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h58 | 17:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
G26435+ P86315 · P85394 | On time 15:56 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h14 | 18:10 Canterbury East (CBE) | 2 changes | |
W32963+ G77451+ P89056 | 16:02 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h23 | 18:25 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
W45405+ P85748 | 16:16 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h55 | 18:11 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
G26438+ P86318 | On time 16:26 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h11 | 18:37 Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 change | |
C82871 · W28097_G26874 · G27898 · C09831 | On time 16:32 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h42 | 19:14 Canterbury East (CBE) | 6 changes | |
W45607+ G77454+ P89063 | 16:32 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h52 | 19:24 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
C82427+ W45607+ P65710+ P88420 | On time 16:43 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h54 | 19:37 Canterbury East (CBE) | 4 changes | |
W45464+ P85749 | On time 16:46 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h55 | 18:41 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
W45529+ P89063 | 16:53 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h31 | 19:24 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
C82869 · W32576+ P85706 | 16:56 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h38 | 19:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
G26442+ P86321 · P85396 | On time 16:56 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h18 | 19:14 Canterbury East (CBE) | 2 changes | |
G28272+ P85961 · P89063 | On time 17:06 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h18 | 19:24 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
| Friday 11 September | |||||
W32962+ P85620 | 5:19 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h21 | 7:40 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
W32972+ P88418 · P86241+ L11957 | 5:32 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3h08 | 8:40 Canterbury East (CBE) | 3 changes | |
P88425 · P86241+ G26115 · G88722 | 5:57 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h43 | 8:40 Canterbury East (CBE) | 4 changes | |
P86238_P86240+ G26115 | 5:57 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h14 | 8:11 Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 change | |
W45420+ P85888 · P88661 | 6:06 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h12 | 8:18 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
P88995_P88998+ G77388 · G77119_C93201 | 6:22 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h36 | 8:58 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
P89006+ G77400 · G77124_C93205 | 8:22 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h00 | 10:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
W45403+ P85643 | 8:36 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 1h58 | 10:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
W32906+ P89012 | 8:49 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h30 | 11:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
W32979+ P89012+ G77407 | 9:02 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h17 | 11:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
W45413+ P85910 · P89012 | 9:06 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h13 | 11:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
W45413+ P88497 · P86262+ L11989 | 9:06 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2h34 | 11:40 Canterbury East (CBE) | 4 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 07:03, the last at 18:02. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 7:03 |
Last train 18:02 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Canterbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Canterbury trip today.
Engaging Roman museum built around the remains of a town house. See mosaics, artefacts and displays that bring Roman Canterbury to life.
Interactive museum on the site of Roman Canterbury, with preserved pavement mosaics, finds and family-friendly interpretation underground.
Local museum and gallery with art, ceramics, natural history and changing displays. Good for a broad introduction to the city and region.
Historic pedestrian street lined with timber-framed buildings, shops and cafés. A classic place to experience Canterbury’s medieval townscape.
A landscaped public garden beside the old city walls. Popular for riverside walks, flower displays and a relaxing break near the centre.
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.
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.
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.
Kentish Cobnuts are cultivated hazelnuts from Kent, prized for their sweet flavour and strong county identity. They are eaten fresh, roasted or in desserts.
Popular city-centre bistro serving modern British dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting. Well regarded for brunch, lunch and seasonal dinners.
Elegant restaurant focused on seafood and modern British cooking. A refined but welcoming choice for a special meal near the city centre.
Historic pub with traditional interiors, local ales and hearty British food. A good place to try Kentish beer in a characterful setting.
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller UK towns, but local buses and casual meals stay manageable for most visitors.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafes: rounding up is enough. Taxis: round up or add about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Canterbury West -> Canterbury Bus Station, Canterbury
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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.

Most London Gatwick Airport to Canterbury trains use the London St Pancras International to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare London Gatwick Airport and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options are available at Canterbury West.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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 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 options are available at Canterbury East.
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Canterbury East: Parking, WC.
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need