Trains from London
Travelling to Canterbury from 'the North' by train is a crazy business. Just as Canterbury has a lot of history so, it seems, have the railway lines. It always seems as if there is some kind of engineering work going on and the journey with the (hopefully soon to be replaced) antiquated slam-door trains is never really a smooth one. Despite all this, the journey from London Victoria to either Canterbury West or Canterbury East train station will take you straight through some beautiful Kentish countryside. A 'cheap day return' from London will set you back about £16 while a five-day return is only around £2 more.
Before travelling by train to Canterbury it is worthwhile phoning National Rail Enquiries on +44 (0) 8457 484950. They are available twenty four hours a day and will be able to give the latest information on train times, ticket prices, engineering works and a lot of other generally useful stuff.
Trains from Places that are Not London
Canterbury West and East stations are generally very well connected on the rail network. If you get on the right train, you can get anywhere in the world. However, you may find that you need to catch a plane or go on a boat to get to some of the more distant places.
Some of the local places that you can get to Canterbury from without catching a plane or going on a boat include Ramsgate, Margate, and Broadstairs. The Channel tunnel has now made it possible to get to Canterbury by train from Europe (by changing trains at Ashford International from a Eurostar train to a Canterbury bound Connex train).
Coaches from London
A cheaper alternative to the train from London is getting a National Express coach from London Victoria coach station. You miss the stunning Kentish countryside but it only costs £8 for a day return or £11.50 for a 'period return'. The biggest downside is that it usually takes about thirty minutes longer than the train.
On the National Express web site it is possible to check coach times, book tickets, and all the other things you can imagine would be possible on a coach company website.
Buses from Kent
Bus services take people to Canterbury from all over Kent. They are effectively the link between Canterbury and the small towns and villages that are not that well served by the coach and train networks. Either pick up timetables at the bus station, located at the top of Canterbury high street, or search online.
Coaches from Europe
Although the Eurolines coach network is not as quick as the Eurostar train, it offers a cheap way to get to the United Kingdom from central Europe. Serving many different places in Europe it is possible to either stop at Dover and get a bus, coach or train from there to Canterbury or stop at London and get a coach or train from there.
Ferries from Europe
Do you dream of the wind in your hair, the subtle aroma of the sea surrounding you, and the sight of the white cliffs of Dover gradually coming into view? If so, the best way of getting to Canterbury from Europe has to be on a ferry. Ferries to Dover leave from both Calais and Ostend many times a day. Prices vary greatly according to season, the number of people in the car, and the size of the car. Sometimes there are also special offers.
The best thing to do is to look at the websites of the three main Europe to Dover ferry companies: Seafrance, Hoverspeed, and P&O Stena Line. Upon arrival in Dover, cars should follow signs to Canterbury (remembering to drive on the left hand side of the road). Foot passengers can either get a coach, a bus, or the train to Canterbury.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Europe Insiders page.
