- 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
£8
Average price
£9
Fastest journey
1 h 4 m
Average duration
1 h 15 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
39 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Maidstone to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Maidstone to Canterbury will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
Of the 3 trains that leave Maidstone for Canterbury every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 39 km distance in an average of 1 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 21 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Maidstone to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 39 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 34m Average total duration 1h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 10m Average total duration Fastest 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Maidstone to Canterbury trains for today, Thursday 6 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P88668 · P89000 | On time 8:01 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1h22 | 9:23 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P88671 · P85636 | On time 8:31 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1h06 | 9:37 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P88677 · P89006 | On time 9:01 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1h21 | 10:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P88680 · P85643 | On time 9:31 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1h03 | 10:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P88686 · P89012 | On time 10:01 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1h18 | 11:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P88689 · P85653 | On time 10:29 Maidstone East (MDE) | 1h05 | 11:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
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 Maidstone to Canterbury run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 39 km distance in 46m.
Distance 39 km |
Average train duration 1h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 46m |
First train 0:30 |
Last train 23:36 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 Maidstone 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 Maidstone to Canterbury trains use the Maidstone East to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Maidstone and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Maidstone East is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
Maidstone East has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone East.
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone 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 Maidstone East: Parking, WC.
Available at Maidstone East: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B1. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services towards London from the main side entrance. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London. Step free access to platform 3, terminal platform, for services towards London. There is step free interchange via road and steep paths in excess of 200 metres. From the Ticket office the step free access to all platforms is via the station forecourt, 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: platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 01:00 Saturday 05:30 - 01:00 Sunday 06:30 - 23:59, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Maidstone West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone West.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone West. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Maidstone West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Maidstone West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Maidstone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone West.
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Maidstone, Travelodge Maidstone Central, The Townhouse Hotel.
Maidstone Barracks is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
Maidstone Barracks has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone Barracks.
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.
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Parking.
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone Barracks: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. This station does not have step free access.Steps to all platforms down from main road.Interchange between platforms via steps up to road bridge. Unstaffed station. There are no station staff but there are staff to assist on the trains, 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: On platform 1, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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