- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Swanley to Canterbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£31
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£32
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 12 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 20 m
Trains on 18 Sept
10
Distance
64 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swanley to Canterbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Swanley to Canterbury will cost around £32 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 10 trains from Swanley to Canterbury, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 64 km distance in an average of 1 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 12 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 24 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.
6:181h12Swanley7:30Canterbury£311One-way0 changes- 1:075h32Swanley6:39Canterbury£321One-way1 change
- 7:191h20Swanley8:39Canterbury£321One-way1 change
- 8:181h22Swanley9:40Canterbury£321One-way1 change
- 9:181h21Swanley10:39Canterbury£321One-way1 change
- 6:181h12Swanley7:30Canterbury£311One-way0 changes
- 7:191h20Swanley8:39Canterbury£321One-way1 change
- 9:181h21Swanley10:39Canterbury£321One-way1 change
- 8:181h22Swanley9:40Canterbury£321One-way1 change
- 10:151h24Swanley11:39Canterbury£321One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Swanley to Canterbury
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swanley to Canterbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £10 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 1h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £10, while a coach costs an average of £18.
Distance: 64 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£10 Average Price Cheapest | £18 Average Price | £13 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 56m Average total duration 1h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Swanley to Canterbury is a train with an average price of £10.
This is compared to other travel options from Swanley to Canterbury:
A train is £9 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Swanley to Canterbury costing on average £18.
The fastest way to travel from Swanley to Canterbury is by coach with an average journey time of 1h 5m.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 26m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swanley 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 £10 compared to roughly £13 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £4. The journey takes 1h 26m versus 56m 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.
Direct services run with Southeastern.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Swanley to Canterbury train times
The table below shows live departures for Swanley to Canterbury trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:18 Swanley | 1h12 | 7:30 Canterbury | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:19 Swanley | 1h20 | 8:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 8:18 Swanley | 1h22 | 9:40 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 9:18 Swanley | 1h21 | 10:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 10:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 11:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 11:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 12:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 12:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 13:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 13:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 14:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 14:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 15:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 15:15 Swanley | 1h28 | 16:43 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 16:15 Swanley | 1h27 | 17:42 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 16:45 Swanley | 1h24 | 18:09 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 17:15 Swanley | 1h21 | 18:36 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 17:48 Swanley | 1h25 | 19:13 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 18:15 Swanley | 1h21 | 19:36 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 18:48 Swanley | 1h27 | 20:15 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 19:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 20:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 20:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 21:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 21:15 Swanley | 1h24 | 22:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 22:15 Swanley | 1h34 | 23:49 Canterbury | 1 change | |
| 1:07 Swanley | 5h32 | 6:39 Canterbury | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Swanley 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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
Why should you book Swanley to Canterbury trains with Omio?
Southeastern as well as Southeastern offer trains services from Swanley to Canterbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swanley to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southeastern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern to find the best option for your trip from Swanley 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 Southeastern with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swanley to Canterbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swanley to Canterbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Swanley to Canterbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Swanley to Canterbury run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:16, the last at 22:59. The fastest train covers the 64 km distance in 1h 43m.
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 64 km |
Average train duration 1h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 5:16 |
Last train 22:59 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Train companies: Southeastern from Swanley to Canterbury trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Swanley and Canterbury from £10. 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 Southeastern Duration
1h 43m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£10
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
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: Swanley to Canterbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swanley 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 Swanley to Canterbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £10, while the average price tends to be around £10.
The train journey from Swanley to Canterbury covers a distance of 64 km and takes approximately 1h 43m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Swanley to Canterbury is 64 km.
The first train from Swanley to Canterbury leaves at 5:16.
The last train from Swanley to Canterbury departs at 22:59.
Trains from Swanley to Canterbury run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Swanley to Canterbury.
Yes, there is a direct train between Swanley and Canterbury. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Southeastern.
To get from Swanley to Canterbury, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Swanley to Canterbury.
The train station in Swanley that goes to Canterbury is Swanley station (SAY), and it arrives at Canterbury East (CBE).
The cheapest way to get from Swanley to Canterbury is by train, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Swanley 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 Swanley to Canterbury offers pleasant views of the Kent countryside, including rolling hills and picturesque villages, making it a scenic route for travellers.
Yes, a day trip from Swanley to Canterbury is feasible. The journey takes 1h 43m and the distance is 64 km. Trains run 5 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 Swanley to Canterbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swanley and Canterbury
Most Swanley to Canterbury trains use the Swanley to Canterbury East station pair, with some services arriving at Canterbury West. Use this guide to compare Swanley and Canterbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Swanley
Arrival train stations in Canterbury
Which Swanley station do trains to Canterbury leave from?
Trains from Swanley to Canterbury leave from Swanley. The station is 1 km from Swanley city centre at Swanley BR8 8JD, UK.
SwanleySwanley BR8 8JD, UK+44 345 322 7021
City-centre transport
Getting to Swanley from Swanley city centre
BusD29, D30, 429, 477 · 6m · every ~5 min
Swanley train station facilities and services
Swanley has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Swanley.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Swanley.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Swanley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Swanley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Swanley.
Which Canterbury station do trains from Swanley arrive at?
Trains from Swanley to Canterbury most often arrive at Canterbury East. Some services arrive at Canterbury West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Canterbury arrival station.
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.
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.
Most popular train connections from Swanley
More options for your journey from Swanley to Canterbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Canterbury and Swanley
Most popular train connections to Canterbury
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