4.9
4.6
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 an average ticket price of £51 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 10m. 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 £51, while a train costs an average of £64.
Distance: 144 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest | £29 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  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.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Canterbury:
A coach is £13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Canterbury costing on average £64.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 0m.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (1h 40m by train vs 2h 5m by car). Tickets start at around £64 compared to roughly £29 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
How to get to Canterbury from Reading by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Reading to Canterbury is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Canterbury are London, Dover, Whitstable, Margate and Ramsgate. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Canterbury on Omio.
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
Dover is a historic Kent port known for the White Cliffs and Dover Castle. Its busy harbour, wartime past and chalk coastline give the town a distinctly maritime character.
Whitstable is a north Kent seaside town known for oysters, a working harbour and a relaxed maritime feel. Its shingle beach, beach huts and independent cafés give it an easy-going character shaped by fishing traditions.
Margate is a Kent seaside town known for its sandy beach, Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary. Its old town, tidal pool and broad seafront give it a relaxed character that blends resort nostalgia with a lively creative scene.
Ramsgate is a Kent seaside town known for its Royal Harbour, elegant seafront and sandy beach. Its maritime history, links to the Dunkirk evacuation and lively waterfront give it a practical, historic character.
Travel to Canterbury easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Reading to Canterbury.
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Canterbury:
A coach is £13 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reading to Canterbury costing on average £64.
Other travel options to Canterbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 0m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Reading and Canterbury as scheduled services by coach and train can vary by season or day of the week.
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