- 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
£4
Average price
£6
Fastest journey
33 m
Average duration
33 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
24 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Margate to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Margate to Canterbury will cost around £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
Of the 23 trains that leave Margate for Canterbury every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 24 km distance in an average of 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 33 m .
The slowest trains will take 33 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.
P85669
P86292 · J03951_J03952
P85123 · J03957_J03958
P86285 · J03953_J03954
P85700
P85650
P85725
P85669
P85660
P85711Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Margate to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £6, and a coach costs an average of £9.
Distance: 24 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£7 Average Price Cheapest | £9 Average Price |
1h 4m Average total duration Fastest 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 7m Average total duration 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Margate to Canterbury trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P85681 | On time 12:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 13:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86277 · P90274 | On time 13:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 14:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85687 | On time 13:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 14:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86284 · P90280 | On time 14:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 15:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85693 | On time 14:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 15:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86291 · P90286 | On time 15:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 16:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85699 | On time 15:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 16:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86298 · P90292 | On time 16:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 17:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85704 | On time 16:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 17:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86307 · P90298 | On time 17:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 18:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85710 | On time 17:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 18:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86316 · P90304 | On time 18:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 19:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85716 | On time 18:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 19:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86323 · P90310 | On time 19:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 20:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85724 | On time 19:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 20:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86330 · P90218 | On time 20:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 21:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85732 | 20:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 21:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86336 · P90228 | On time 21:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 22:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85739 | On time 21:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 22:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86342 · P90238 | On time 22:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 23:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
J04009 · P86351 | On time 22:45 Margate station (MAR) | 1h04 | 23:49 Canterbury East (CBE) | 1 change | |
P86594 | On time 23:30 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 0:03 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 23 August | |||||
P89655 · J03965_J03966 | 8:22 Margate station (MAR) | 0h43 | 9:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85650 | 8:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 9:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86246 · J03963_J03964 | 9:25 Margate station (MAR) | 0h40 | 10:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85660 | 9:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 10:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86253 · J03961_J03962 | 10:25 Margate station (MAR) | 0h40 | 11:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85669 | 10:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 11:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P86261 · J03959_J03960 | 11:25 Margate station (MAR) | 0h40 | 12:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P85676 | 11:49 Margate station (MAR) | 0h33 | 12:22 Canterbury West (CBW) | 0 changesdirect | |
P85123 · J03957_J03958 | 11:59 Margate station (MAR) | 1h06 | 13:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
P86270 · J03957_J03958 | 12:25 Margate station (MAR) | 0h40 | 13:05 Canterbury West (CBW) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Margate to Canterbury run on average 8 times per day, taking around 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 24 km distance in 33m.
Distance 24 km |
Average train duration 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 33m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:47 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 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 Margate 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 Margate to Canterbury trains use the Margate to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Margate and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Margate is 1 km from Margate city centre. Public transport options include:
Margate has practical services for this route, including Shopping, 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 Margate.
ATMs are available at Margate.
Ticket office support is available at Margate. 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 Margate: Parking, WC.
Available at Margate: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access from booking hall to platform 1 for services towards Ramsgate. Step free access to all other platforms and interchange via lifts. Stepped access to platforms 2,3 and 4 via subway, 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: station forecourt, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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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