- 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 Preston to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Sept
Cheapest price on 30 Sept
£224
Average ticket price on 30 Sept
£224
Fastest journey on 30 Sept
4 h 16 m
Average journey duration on 30 Sept
4 h 16 m
Trains on 30 Sept
1
Distance
377 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Canterbury will cost around £224 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £224.
Fast trains
On Wed 30 Sept, we found 1 trains from Preston to Canterbury, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 377 km distance in an average of 4 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 16 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.
6:184h16Preston10:34Canterbury£2241One-way0 changes
- 6:184h16Preston10:34Canterbury£2241One-way0 changes
Live departures
Preston to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Canterbury trains for today, Tuesday 29 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21:18 Preston | 10h21 | 7:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| Wednesday 30 September | |||||
| 6:18 Preston | 4h16 | 10:34 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston to Canterbury by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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.
Wed
30 Sept
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct
04 Oct
Mon
05 Oct
05 Oct
Tue
06 Oct
06 Oct
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Preston to Canterbury and enjoy the approximately 377 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 20:01.
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
Distance 377 km |
First train 5:20 |
Last train 20:01 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 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
Train companies: Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast from Preston to Canterbury trainsCaledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Preston and Canterbury. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Caledonian Sleeper Duration
5h 19m
Cheapest Caledonian Sleeper Price
£128
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
4h 33m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£57
Avanti West Coast frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. 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
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: Preston to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 train distance from Preston to Canterbury is 377 km.
The first train from Preston to Canterbury leaves at 5:20.
The last train from Preston to Canterbury departs at 20:01.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Preston to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Preston to Canterbury.
Yes, there is a night train from Preston to Canterbury.
Booking trains from Preston 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 Preston to Canterbury offers a mix of urban and countryside views, including the picturesque landscapes of the North of England and parts of the Kent countryside. However, it is not widely recognised as one of the most scenic train routes in the UK.
Yes, you can take the train from Preston to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Preston and Canterbury
Most Preston to Canterbury trains use the Preston to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Preston and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Preston
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Which Preston station do trains to Canterbury leave from?
Trains from Preston to Canterbury leave from Preston. The station is 1 km from Preston city centre at Fishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom.
PrestonFishergate, Preston PR1 8AP, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3, 2, 2A, 111, 111C · 13m · £8 · every ~36 min
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Preston arrive at?
Trains from Preston 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.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Preston
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.
