This websites requires JavaScript to work. It looks like your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or has it turned off. Please try again with JavaScript support.

70% of our customers find a cheaper split ticket, saving £25 on average

Trains from Canterbury East to
Cardiff Central

Search for Split Tickets to get the Cheapest Fares (save up to 90%)

No card or booking fees

Canterbury East to Cardiff Central by train

A train trip from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central takes about 5hrs 15 mins on average, covering roughly 184 miles (296 kilometres). With around 26 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £31.00, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Canterbury East to Cardiff Central Key Stats

Arrival Station

Cardiff Central

Departure Station

Canterbury East

Frequency

26trains
per day

Journey Time

from4hrs 14 mins

Changes

2-3no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

05:19 / 00:18

Distance

184miles
(296 km)

5 Routes

4 Train Operators

Prices

from£31.00

Travelling from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central by Train

Hop on a Train from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!

On average, the journey takes around 5hrs 15 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Cardiff Central), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 4hrs 14 mins. With roughly 26 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 184-mile (296 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Southeastern, GWR, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!

The best part? Tickets start from just £31.00 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.

So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Cardiff Central!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central

Curious about your trip from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central by train?

The travel time between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 5hrs 15 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 14 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central is 4hrs 14 mins.

How much does the train from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central cost?

Train ticket prices from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central can start from as little as £31.00 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 26 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:19, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:18.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central?

First class tickets on trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central?

Amenities on trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Cardiff Central, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Canterbury East & Cardiff Central. However, there are 26 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central?

Southeastern, GWR, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast are the main train operating companies running services between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Canterbury East and Cardiff Central, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Canterbury East to Cardiff Central Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central on Friday 25th April 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Friday 25th April
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
12:47 Canterbury East17:06 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 19 mins Get Tickets
13:47 Canterbury East18:05 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
14:47 Canterbury East19:10 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 23 mins Get Tickets
15:47 Canterbury East20:14 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 27 mins Get Tickets
16:13 Canterbury East20:38 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 25 mins Get Tickets
16:47 Canterbury East21:01 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 14 mins Get Tickets
17:17 Canterbury East21:38 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 21 mins Get Tickets
18:17 Canterbury East22:37 Cardiff Central2 changesLondon Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 20 mins Get Tickets
19:19 Canterbury East23:35 Cardiff Central3 changesFaversham
London Victoria
London Paddington
4 hrs 16 mins Get Tickets
20:14 Canterbury East00:54 Cardiff Central3 changesDover Priory
London St Pancras International
London Paddington
4 hrs 40 mins Get Tickets
20:47 Canterbury East07:23 Cardiff Central3 changesLondon Victoria
London Euston
Birmingham New Street
10 hrs 36 mins Get Tickets
22:34 Canterbury East08:36 Cardiff Central3 changesFaversham
London Victoria
London Paddington
10 hrs 2 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Canterbury East to Cardiff Central journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central start from as little as £31.00

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central start from £115.20 one way, or £116.20 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Canterbury East to Cardiff Central are available for £102.00 one way, or £102.70 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Canterbury East Station

Discover Canterbury East Train Station

Welcome to Canterbury East train station, a charming gateway to the historic city of Canterbury. This convenient station, nestled in the county of Kent, offers an array of services designed to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re commuting for work, planning a day out in Canterbury, or setting off on an adventure further afield, the station provides plenty of facilities to help you along the way.

Facilities at Canterbury East

At Canterbury East, buying and collecting tickets is a breeze. The ticket office is open from 06:10 to 20:20 on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 07:30 to 19:00 on Sundays. If you’re an early bird or a late traveler, rest assured, ticket machines are available when the station building is open, making collecting pre-purchased tickets straightforward. You’ll also find smartcard services and an induction loop to assist those with hearing impairments.

Accessibility is a priority here, with step-free access, ramps available for train access, and accessible toilets to ensure a comfortable transit experience. Although there isn’t a waiting room, there are seating areas where you can relax while awaiting your train. For those keen on cycling, there are 46 bicycle storage spaces under shelter on Platform 2. While the station does not offer cycle hire facilities, you are encouraged to use the stands provided, though you do so at your own risk.

Onward Travel Options

When it comes to onward travel, Canterbury East is well connected. The taxi rank is conveniently situated at the front of the station, and for those moments when train services are disrupted, replacement bus services are available from Station Road East, just across from the station entrance. Planning a bus journey? Detailed information to help with your route planning is accessible in a printable format here.

If you're hiring a car, nearby facilities are available although the station itself doesn't offer this service directly. For those driving to the station, a 24-hour car park operated by APCOA Parking offers 144 spaces with an off-peak evening rate of just £1.50 after 6 PM. Regular parking charges start from £4.90 for daily parking. Car park security is bolstered by CCTV, ensuring peace of mind while you travel.

Exciting Destinations Easily Accessible from Canterbury East

Canterbury East is more than just a transit point—it's your portal to exploring both local and distant attractions. From here, you can swiftly reach bustling cities such as London St Pancras International and London Victoria. For those preferring a more local exploration, trips to seaside towns like Whitstable, or historical sites like Dover Priory, are within easy reach. Discover routes to other nearby destinations including Faversham, Rainham (Kent), and Bromley South, each offering their unique attractions and experiences.

Embark on Your Journey

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, Canterbury East station provides everything you need for a comfortable start. From secure parking, easy access for all, and helpful customer service, this station ensures your travel is hassle-free. Why wait? Dive into your next adventure with a train journey departing from Canterbury East, and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures this part of the UK has to offer. After all, a journey from Canterbury East is a gateway to endless possibilities.

Everything you need to know about Cardiff Central Station

Discover Cardiff Central Train Station

Cardiff Central train station is not just a hub of connectivity but a vibrant part of the city's fabric. Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, the station serves as a gateway to a rich tapestry of Welsh culture and beyond, offering excellent transport links to many popular destinations. Whether you're a local commuter, a tourist exploring Wales, or a business traveler, Cardiff Central provides the amenities and services to ensure your journey is comfortable and convenient.

Facilities and Amenities

Cardiff Central station is designed with the comfort of travelers in mind. With ticket office hours stretching from early morning until late at night, and the presence of both regular and accessible ticket machines, purchasing and collecting tickets is straightforward. If you've opted to buy your tickets online, you can conveniently collect them from the ticket machines.

The station is fully accessible with step-free access across all platforms, making travel simple for everyone, including those with mobility issues. You'll also find helpful staff available almost 24/7 to assist with any inquiries. With multiple waiting rooms open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, you can relax comfortably while awaiting your train. And if you're looking to pass the time, Cardiff Central boasts shops like WHSmith, and various vending machines for hot and cold refreshments.

Connectivity and Travel Links

This bustling station is well-connected to local and regional transport services. You can access the taxi ranks located on Saunders Road or take advantage of the newly opened Cardiff Bus Interchange at Central Square, which enhances your options for onward journey convenience. For those needing to catch a flight, the T9 Airport Express coach service is just a stone's throw away, offering a direct link to Cardiff Airport in about 40 minutes. Discover the flexibility of limitless travel within Cardiff when you purchase a Cardiff PlusBus ticket alongside your train ticket!

Popular Destinations

Cardiff Central serves as a perfect launch point for scenic and practical rail journeys. Head to London Paddington for a day in the capital, or perhaps enjoy a coastal trip to Swansea. For those seeking closer adventures, you might consider hopping on a train to Newport or the historic city of Bath Spa.

In Conclusion

Cardiff Central train station stands as a pillar of convenience and connectivity in Wales. Whether you're buying a ticket on-site or collecting one pre-purchased online, embarking on a quick local trip or a grand voyage to the bustling cityscape of London, Cardiff Central has got you covered. With its strategic location, comprehensive facilities, and countless onward travel possibilities, your journey begins right here. Dive into the efficiency and ease offered by Cardiff Central and let it be the starting point for your next travel adventure.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Canterbury East