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The cheapest and fastest trains from Reading to Canterbury
Showing times and prices for 20 Feb
Cheapest price
£69
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
2 h 31 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
144 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reading to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reading to Canterbury will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £69.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Reading for Canterbury every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 144 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 31 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 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.
09:472h31
Reading12:18Canterbury
£691One-way
0 changes
09:472h31
Reading12:18Canterbury
£691One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Reading to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £46, and a train costs an average of £68.
Distance: 144 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£68 Average Price | £52 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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.
Live departures
Reading to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Reading to Canterbury trains for today, Thursday 19 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 08:30
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:47 Reading | 2h31 | 12:18 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:19 Reading | 2h15 | 12:34 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reading to Canterbury by coach or train
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.
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20 Feb
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Why should you book Reading to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Southeastern operates all trains services from Reading to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Reading to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- 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 Southeastern with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Reading to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Reading to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reading to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Reading to Canterbury run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £68 but you can travel from only £46 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 22:46. The fastest train covers the 144 km distance in 2h 7m.
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 £46
Distance 144 km |
Average train duration 1h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £68 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 2h 7m |
First train 04:35 |
Last train 22:46 |
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 £46
Train companies: Southeastern from Reading to Canterbury trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Reading and Canterbury from £46. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Duration
2h 7m
Cheapest Price
£68
Southeastern frequency
5 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
Family area
FAQs: Reading to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reading 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 Reading to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £68, while the average price tends to be around £68.
The train journey from Reading to Canterbury covers a distance of 144 km and takes approximately 2h 7m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Reading to Canterbury is 144 km.
The first train from Reading to Canterbury leaves at 4:35.
The last train from Reading to Canterbury departs at 22:46.
Trains from Reading to Canterbury run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Reading to Canterbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Reading to Canterbury.
To get from Reading to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Reading to Canterbury.
The train station in Reading that goes to Canterbury is Reading station (RDG), and it arrives at Canterbury West (CBW).
The cheapest way to get from Reading to Canterbury is by coach, costing approximately £46.
Booking trains from Reading 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 Reading to Canterbury offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with sections passing through the picturesque landscapes of the North Downs and charming Kentish villages, providing a moderately scenic experience.
A day trip from Reading to Canterbury is not feasible since the journey duration is 2h 7m. However, trains run 4 times per day.
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 Reading to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Reading and Canterbury
Reading
Canterbury
The major train station for departures in Reading is Reading. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Reading for your trip from Reading to Canterbury.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 22:45 Saturday 05:30 - 22:45 Sunday 07:15 - 22:45 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations are sold at the following times only: Mon - Sat 08:00 - 20:00 and Sun 09:00 - 20:00
Parking
- Car Park: Multi Storey Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: platforms can be reached via lift and bridge, ticket office is step free.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: Accessible low-level Pay Phone is available at the station main concourse. Please request staff assistance if you need to.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxi are available at the station entrance. please request staff assistance if you need to.
- 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 and at the car park.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets are located on Station Platforms and in The Brunel Arcade building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station, underground short stay car park and long stay car park.
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Reading
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the North side of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:25 - 12:55 Saturday 07:00 - 13:30 Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Step free Category C - This station does not have step free access to operational platforms
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please call our free help line for assistance.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: No
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Platforms 2/3
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent entrance to station
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Tilehurst
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses starting/terminate at Tilehurst: Station forecourt All other buses: A329 Oxford Road bus stops near the station
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityThe major train station for arrivals in Canterbury is Canterbury West. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Canterbury West for your journey to Canterbury from Reading.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 19:30 Saturday 06:15 - 19:30 Sunday 08:30 - 17:00 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on platforms 1 and 2 Only available when staff present
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: downside platform - London end
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Canterbury West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station forecourt
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:20 Saturday 06:10 - 20:20 Sunday 07:30 - 19:00 This station is not continuously staffed please see staffing times for details of when staff are available.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on both platforms Only available when staff present
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 2
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Canterbury East
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement bus stop in Station Road East, opposite the station entrance.
Most popular train connections from Reading
More options for your journey from Reading to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Reading
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
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