- 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
£33
Average price
£89
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 28 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
178 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Southampton to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Canterbury will cost around £89 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
To travel from Southampton to Canterbury you need to make at least 2 changes.
G88582 · C09946 · W32615+
P85671
L78764+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+
P85663
G00858+
W34472+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85663
L80064+
P89024 · P85923+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
L78760 · L81987+
Tube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International+
P85653
L78760 · L81987+
Tube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International+
P85653
G00858+
W34472+
Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+
P85663
L78764+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+
P85663
L78756+
P85653+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
L80064+
P89024 · P85923+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras InternationalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 178 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£36 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 49m Average total duration Fastest 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 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.
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Canterbury trains for today, Wednesday 12 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L80297+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85743 | On time 21:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h34 | 0:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
L80169+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85746 · P89108 | On time 21:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h58 | 1:28 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
| Thursday 13 August | |||||
L78756+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85653 | 8:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h34 | 11:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
L78760 · L81987+ Tube from Vauxhall to London St Pancras International+ P85653 | 8:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h04 | 11:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
G88582 · C09946 · W32615+ P85671 | 8:50 Southampton Central (SOU) | 4h44 | 13:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
L78764+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P85663 | 9:00 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h34 | 12:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 2 changes | |
G00858+ W34472+ Tube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International+ P85663 | 9:15 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h19 | 12:34 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
L80064+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ P89024 · P85923 | 9:30 Southampton Central (SOU) | 3h49 | 13:19 Canterbury West (CBW) | 3 changes | |
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 Southampton to Canterbury run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 22:23. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 3h 19m.
Distance 178 km |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 19m |
First train 4:52 |
Last train 22:23 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 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 Southampton 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 Southampton to Canterbury trains use the Southampton Central to Canterbury West station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury East. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Southampton Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Central.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Central. ATMs are available at Southampton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Central: 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 this station has no 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: Yes.
Southampton Airport Parkway is 5 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Southampton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Southampton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Southampton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton Airport Parkway: 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.
Swaythling is 4 km from Southampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Swaythling has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Swaythling.
Wi-Fi is available at Swaythling.
Ticket office support is available at Swaythling.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swaythling: Parking.
Available at Swaythling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Swaythling: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B station - This station has no step-free access to Platform 1 (for trains towards Eastleigh/ London Waterloo). There is level access to Platform 2 (for trains towards Southampton Central). Please be aware that this station has no 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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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