London to Canterbury train with Southeastern

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from London to Canterbury?

Departure train station: Trains from London to Canterbury depart from London Victoria station, London Bridge station and London St Pancras International train station. London Victoria station is located in Central London, about 4 miles (6.5 km) from the city centre and is connected to the London Underground station in Victoria. At the front of the station, there is a bus interchange, and the inter-city coach station is a few hundred yards away. You can also catch a cab right to the front. Being a busy train station, it has a lot of retail shops, fast-food restaurants, cafes, photo booths, cashpoints and trolleys. The London Bridge train station is just 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from the city centre and is connected to the London Underground station in Southwark. Cabs and buses can be caught right to the train station, which is equipped with cash machines, payphones, shops and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, a drinking water fountain and a left-luggage facility. London St Pancras International train station is located in the heart of Central London, with numerous Underground connections. It is no more than 2 miles (3.2 km) away from the city centre. You can get a bus or a cab to just a few metres away, being dropped off on Pancras Road, Midland Road or Euston Road. This train station has various facilities, like free Wi-Fi, trolleys, a left-luggage facility, photo booths, accessible toilets, wheelchairs on request and a wide range of food and shopping options.

Arrival train station: There are two arrival points: Canterbury East and Canterbury West. Both the stations are about 200 metres from the city centre, and buses and taxis are available right outside. Canterbury West train station has baby-changing facilities, seating areas, a waiting room, refreshment facilities, pay phones and restrooms. Canterbury East station has wheelchairs, assisted travel, a coffee shop, pay phones, restrooms and waiting rooms, to name a few of the facilities.

Which train companies travel from London to Canterbury?

The train company Southeastern operates trains from London to Canterbury, possibly departing from three train stations in London and arriving at two points in Canterbury. Trains run from about 05:30 till a little before midnight from Monday to Saturday and between 07:30 to a little after midnight on Sundays. There are direct as well as one-stop trains on this route. The fast trains depart from London St Pancras International station, and the average or slower-speed trains depart from London Victoria or London Bridge train station. The latter two also offer cheaper fares throughout the day.

Night trains London

Generally, there are about three night trains from London to Canterbury between 22:00 and 23:00 during the week, about five roughly between 22:00 and midnight on Saturdays and one train a little after 23:00 on Sundays. They all arrive at Canterbury West train station and may be direct or with one transfer. Night trains can take anywhere between 54min to 2 hours to reach Canterbury. The fastest night train usually departs from London St Pancras International station a little after 23:00.

Southeastern trains from London to Canterbury

The main service provider of trains from London to Canterbury is Southeastern. About three to six trains per hour run on a daily basis on this route between 08:00 and 23:00, and about one or two per hour in the early-morning hours. Southeastern trains depart from London Victoria, London Bridge or London Pancras St International station and arrive at either Canterbury West or Canterbury East train station. The fastest train completes the journey in roughly 50min and the slowest takes about 2 hours. The fare on this train may change depending on the departure station.

Trains from London to Canterbury: Sustainability travel

The route from London to Canterbury is very well served by train connections throughout the day and late night, making it a great example of sustainable travel. Travelling by train helps in reducing carbon emissions, as trains produce about 70% less carbon than cars and airplanes. When it comes to energy consumption, noise pollution and usage of space, trains are the most sustainable mode of mass transport. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, then plan your trip from London to Canterbury here.

Train London to Canterbury: Services on Board

On the trains from London to Canterbury, you can book first-class as well as standard-class tickets. All trains on this route are operated by the Southeastern train company. Free Wi-Fi is available for all commuters in both seating areas. You can bring up to three pieces of luggage on board, preferably not too large, so that they can be easily stowed away. Folding bicycles are allowed at any time and can be stored in the luggage area. Non-folding bicycles are not allowed on board at peak hours during the week. Two pets can accompany you on board Southeastern trains from London to Canterbury for free. If you need assistance due to a disability or a mobility issue, you can book Passenger Assist for assisted travel.

How to find cheap train tickets from London to Canterbury

Trains that depart from London Victoria train station or London Bridge train station for Canterbury generally offer cheaper train tickets as compared to the trains that depart from London Pancras St International train station. The trains from the former two stations are also slower comparatively. Try to search two to three weeks in advance if you are looking for cheap tickets for this journey. If you are flexible with the day and time of travel, this will also help to find cheaper tickets from London to Canterbury. The fast trains on this route are always more expensive.

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To Canterbury by train—travel tips

When you visit Canterbury, a university city, do visit the Canterbury Cathedral, where the shrine of Thomas Becket, a medieval archbishop, can be found. St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church are both UNESCO World Heritage sites, holding immense historical importance. Take a stroll through the Westgate Gardens, which run on both sides of River Stour. Whitefriars, a 15th-century site, known for St. George’s Tower, has become popular for upmarket shopping, while the King’s Mile is an old street with antique shops, pubs, restaurants and Sir John Boys House, a very crooked 17th-century house and shop. For more travel ideas in Canterbury, do visit our online travel magazine, The Window Seat.

• Dane John Gardens
• James Bond Country
• Howletts Wild Animal Park
• The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
• Canterbury Norman Castle