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Canterbury location & best ways to get there

Where is Canterbury located?

Canterbury sits in the heart of Kent, about 89km southeast of central London. Most visitors arrive by high-speed rail from St Pancras International, which gets you into the city centre in under an hour; driving via the M2/A2 is a practical alternative if travelling with a group.

  • Access point: Canterbury West Station, Station Road West, Canterbury CT1 2LA, UK
  • Find on Maps: Canterbury West Station — recommended for live transit times and traffic updates.
  • Departure cities: From London: 89km, 55 min to 1 hr 30 min. From Dover: 30km, 25 to 35 min.

Compare your travel options

OriginMode of transportTravel timeEst. costBest for

London (St Pancras)

🚆 High-speed train

55 to 60 mins

From £14.50

Fastest, hassle-free commute

London (Victoria/Charing Cross)

🚆 Regional train

1 hr 30 mins to 1 hr 50 mins

From £11.00

Budget rail travel

London (Victoria Coach Station)

🚌 National Express bus

2 hr to 2 hr 30 mins

From £7.00

Cheapest option overall

London (Central)

🚗 Car

1 hr 30 mins to 2 hr 15 mins

£20 to £35 fuel + congestion charges

Detours through the Kent countryside

Any hub

🚐 Guided tour

8 to 10 hr (full day)

From £65.00

Combining Canterbury with Dover or Leeds Castle

How to get to Canterbury

  • Time & cost: 55 to 60 mins from London St Pancras to Canterbury West. Fares start from £14.50 for a single when booked in advance.
  • Accessibility: Step-free access via ramps and lifts at both St Pancras and Canterbury West; tactile paving present.
  • Details: Trains depart hourly. Advance tickets save up to 50% compared to buying at the station on the day.
  • Time & cost: 2 hr to 2 hr 30 mins from London Victoria Coach Station. Fares start from £7.00 for a single.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible lifts are available on coaches with 36 hours' prior notice via National Express mobility assistance.
  • Details: Drops off at Canterbury Bus Station, adjacent to the historic city walls.

Driving route (Caution first): Driving into Canterbury city centre is not recommended. The city uses a strict ANPR-monitored Low Emission Zone and pedestrianised zones where fines apply.

  • Time & cost: 1 hr 30 mins via the A2/M2 motorway from London.
  • Parking: Use the Park & Ride sites (Wincheap, New Dover Road, Sturry Road) for £4.00 per day, including bus transfer into the city.
  • Accessibility: Designated Blue Badge bays are available at the Queningate car park (50m from Cathedral, step-free access).

Traffic, timing and practical tips

  • Road traffic along the A2/M2 corridor peaks between 7:30am to 9:30am and 4:30pm to 6:30pm on weekdays.
  • Tourist traffic inside Canterbury spikes between 11am and 3pm, especially on summer weekends.
  • Avoid driving on Saturdays when parking lots fill before noon.
  • The High-Speed train from St Pancras saves up to an hour during peak driving windows.
  • Check Google Maps on the M2 and A2 road routes before departing London.

Getting around once you're there

  • Canterbury’s historic centre is compact, pedestrianised, and easily covered on foot.
  • Cobblestone streets surround the Cathedral, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • To reach sights further out, Stagecoach local buses run frequently from the main Bus Station on St George's Lane.
  • Taxis line up directly outside both Canterbury West and Canterbury East train stations.

Other transport services

Airport transfers

National Express coaches connect London Gatwick directly to Canterbury in 2 hours, avoiding transfers in central London.

Hop-on Hop-off buses

Open-top sightseeing buses run seasonally from Canterbury West, connecting the key historic sites along the outer ring road.

Transport passes

The BritRail Pass covers all high-speed rail links from London into Kent without requiring individual ticket bookings.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Canterbury

The Southeastern high-speed train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West is the fastest option, taking under 60 minutes.