- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Plymouth to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£82
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£82
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
5 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
5 h 31 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
380 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury will cost around £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £82.
Fast trains
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 trains from Plymouth to Canterbury, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 380 km distance in an average of 5 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 31 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.
11:035h31Plymouth16:34Canterbury£821One-way0 changes
- 11:035h31Plymouth16:34Canterbury£821One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Plymouth to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plymouth to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a flight costs an average of £347.
Distance: 380 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£69 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £347 Average Price | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 51m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 41m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Plymouth to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £25.
This is compared to other travel options from Plymouth to Canterbury:
A coach is £44 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plymouth to Canterbury costing on average £69.
A coach is £68 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Plymouth to Canterbury costing on average £92.
The fastest way to travel from Plymouth to Canterbury is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 15m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 21m.
Coach takes on average 8h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Plymouth and Canterbury including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 48m faster (4h 21m by train vs 5h 9m by car) and roughly £5 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£69 vs £74). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Plymouth to Canterbury by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train and flight 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
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Why should you book Plymouth to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Plymouth to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Plymouth to Canterbury run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £69 but you can travel from only £24 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 380 km distance in 4h 21m.
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 £24
Distance 380 km |
Average train duration 4h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £69 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 21m |
First train 5:20 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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 £24
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Plymouth to Canterbury trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Plymouth and Canterbury from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
6h 5m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£69
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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
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.
- Recommended
The King's Mile
Historic pedestrian street lined with timber-framed buildings, shops and cafés. A classic place to experience Canterbury’s medieval townscape.
- Recommended
Westgate Gardens
A landscaped public garden beside the old city walls. Popular for riverside walks, flower displays and a relaxing break near the centre.
Dane John Gardens
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.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Huffkin
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.
- Vegetarian
Canterbury Tart
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kentish Cobnuts
Kentish Cobnuts are cultivated hazelnuts from Kent, prized for their sweet flavour and strong county identity. They are eaten fresh, roasted or in desserts.
The Corner House
Popular city-centre bistro serving modern British dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting. Well regarded for brunch, lunch and seasonal dinners.
Chapman's Seafood Bar & Brasserie
Elegant restaurant focused on seafood and modern British cooking. A refined but welcoming choice for a special meal near the city centre.
The Parrot
Historic pub with traditional interiors, local ales and hearty British food. A good place to try Kentish beer in a characterful setting.
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.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.90
To the city centre
Canterbury West -> Canterbury Bus Station, Canterbury
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Stagecoach says Canterbury single bus fares are capped at £3, and DayRider tickets are sold in the Stagecoach Bus App.
- Canterbury City Council says Park and Ride tickets can be bought on board. Contactless card payment is commonly available on Stagecoach buses, but check when boarding.
FAQs: Plymouth to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plymouth 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Plymouth to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £69, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Plymouth to Canterbury covers a distance of 380 km and takes approximately 6h 5m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Plymouth to Canterbury is 380 km.
The first train from Plymouth to Canterbury leaves at 5:20.
The last train from Plymouth to Canterbury departs at 23:55.
Trains from Plymouth to Canterbury run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Plymouth to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Plymouth to Canterbury.
To get from Plymouth to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Plymouth to Canterbury.
The train station in Plymouth that goes to Canterbury is Plymouth station (PLY), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Plymouth to Canterbury is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Plymouth to Canterbury in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
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 Plymouth to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Plymouth and Canterbury
Most Plymouth to Canterbury trains use the Plymouth to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Plymouth and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Plymouth
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Which Plymouth station do trains to Canterbury leave from?
Trains from Plymouth to Canterbury leave from Plymouth. The station is 1 km from Plymouth city centre at Plymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Plymouth train station facilities and services
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Plymouth arrive at?
Trains from Plymouth to Canterbury most often arrive at Canterbury West. Some services arrive at Canterbury East, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Canterbury arrival station.
Canterbury WestCanterbury West station, Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8AN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury West from Canterbury city centre
Bus21, 400, 401, Uni1, Uni2 · 14m · £3 · every ~22 min
Canterbury West 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
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury West.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury West: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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 EastCanterbury East station, Station Road East, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2RB+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Canterbury East from Canterbury city centre
Bus649 · 9m
Canterbury East train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Canterbury East.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Canterbury East.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Canterbury East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Canterbury East: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
More options for your journey from Plymouth to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Plymouth
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
