Portsmouth to Canterbury train with Southern

Wed 23 Sept
+ Add return
Southern
South Western Railway
Southeastern
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Southern
South Western Railway
Southeastern
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Canterbury

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£33

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£72

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

3 h 58 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

4 h 18 m

Trains on 23 Sept

6

Distance

161 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Canterbury will cost around £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.

Fast trains

To travel from Portsmouth to Canterbury you need to make at least one change.

  • SouthernG26171_C82363 · G77416+Great Western RailwayG15130+SoutheasternP89024
    8:284h51
    Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
    13:19Canterbury West (CBW)
    £331One-way
    3 changes
  • SouthernG88570 · C09937 · W32581+South Western RailwayL83896
    8:074h27
    Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    12:34Canterbury West (CBW)
    £331One-way
    4 changes
  • South Western RailwayL83896+SoutheasternP87958 · P86271+London OvergroundW04932
    8:074h33
    Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    12:40Canterbury East (CBE)
    £851One-way
    3 changes
  • SoutheasternP87958 · P86271+South Western RailwayL79572+London OvergroundW04932
    8:214h19
    Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    12:40Canterbury East (CBE)
    £851One-way
    4 changes
  • SouthernG26171_C82363+SoutheasternP86271
    8:284h12
    Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
    12:40Canterbury East (CBE)
    £951One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Portsmouth to Canterbury

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, while a train costs an average of £57.

Distance: 161 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£57

Average Price

£31

Average Price

Cheapest

£35

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 41m

Average total duration

5h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 16m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Southern

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Canterbury is a coach with an average price of £31.

This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Canterbury:

A coach is £25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Canterbury costing on average £57.

The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Canterbury is by train with an average journey time of 3h 25m.

Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 11m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Canterbury including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £57 compared to roughly £35 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-22.31. The journey takes 3h 25m versus 2h 16m 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.

Live departures

Portsmouth to Canterbury train times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Canterbury trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
SouthernG88570 · C09937 · W32581+South Western RailwayL838968:07 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
4h27
12:34 Canterbury West (CBW)4 changes
South Western RailwayL83896+SoutheasternP87958 · P86271+London OvergroundW049328:07 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
4h33
12:40 Canterbury East (CBE)3 changes
South Western RailwayL79572+SoutheasternP890188:21 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
3h58
12:19 Canterbury West (CBW)1 change
SoutheasternP87958 · P86271+South Western RailwayL79572+London OvergroundW049328:21 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
4h19
12:40 Canterbury East (CBE)4 changes
SouthernG26171_C82363+Great Western RailwayG15130+SouthernG77416+SoutheasternP890248:28 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
4h51
13:19 Canterbury West (CBW)3 changes
SouthernG26171_C82363+SoutheasternP862718:28 Portsmouth Harbour (PMH)
4h12
12:40 Canterbury East (CBE)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth to Canterbury by train or coach

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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Portsmouth to Canterbury trains with Omio?

Southern as well as South Western Railway or Southeastern offer trains services from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio vs Southern?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southern, but also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
  • 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 Southern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Canterbury.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of South Western Railway or Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Canterbury.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Canterbury

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Portsmouth to Canterbury run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 21:23. The fastest train covers the 161 km distance in 2h 53m.

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 £18
Distance
161 km
Average train duration
3h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 53m
First train
4:30
Last train
21:23
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
28 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 £18

Train companies: Southern, South Western Railway, Southeastern from Portsmouth to Canterbury trainsSouthern, South Western Railway, Southeastern trains will get you between Portsmouth and Canterbury from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Southern

About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Southern Price
£31
Southern frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average South Western Railway Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
£40
South Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

Southeastern

About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£67
Southeastern frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
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

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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Portsmouth to Canterbury train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Canterbury covers a distance of 161 km and takes approximately 2h 53m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Portsmouth to Canterbury is 161 km.
The first train from Portsmouth to Canterbury leaves at 4:30.
The last train from Portsmouth to Canterbury departs at 21:23.
Trains from Portsmouth to Canterbury run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Canterbury.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Canterbury is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Canterbury is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Portsmouth to Canterbury in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Canterbury offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, passing through charming towns and picturesque landscapes, particularly as it traverses the South Downs National Park.
Yes, you can take the train from Portsmouth to Canterbury.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Canterbury

Most Portsmouth to Canterbury trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Portsmouth
Arrival train stations in Canterbury

Which Portsmouth station do trains to Canterbury leave from?

Trains from Portsmouth to Canterbury leave from Portsmouth & Southsea. The station is from Portsmouth city centre at Portsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ.
Portsmouth & SouthseaPortsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQWifiParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth & Southsea from Portsmouth city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.

Portsmouth & Southsea train station facilities and services

Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, 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 Portsmouth & Southsea.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: 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. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

FrattonFratton station, Selbourne Terrace, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5AWWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Fratton from Portsmouth city centre

Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPortsmouth Harbour - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Eastleigh, Portsmouth Harbour - Southampton Central, Portsmouth & Southsea - Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour - Woking, Portsmouth & Southsea - London Waterloo, Portsmouth Harbour - Guildford, Portsmouth Harbour - Winchester, Portsmouth Harbour - Basingstoke, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woking, Portsmouth Harbour - Woolston, Portsmouth & Southsea - Woolston, Portsmouth Harbour - Petersfield, Portsmouth Harbour - Fareham · 3m · £0.90 · every ~10 min
Bus1 · 4m · every ~30 min
13 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min

Fratton train station facilities and services

Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Fratton.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: 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, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, 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 Portsmouth to Canterbury

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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