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Trains from London Waterloo East to
Canterbury East

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London Waterloo East to Canterbury East by train

Planning a train journey from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East? The trip usually takes about 3hrs, covering approximately 53 miles (86 kilometres). With roughly 22 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options to suit your schedule. Booking your tickets ahead of time can snag you fares as low as £12.90, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

London Waterloo East to Canterbury East Key Stats

Arrival Station

Canterbury East

Departure Station

London Waterloo East

Frequency

22trains
per day

Journey Time

from2hrs 2 mins

Changes

1-2no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

00:09 / 00:02

Distance

53miles
(86 km)

4 Routes

2 Train Operators

Prices

from£12.90

Travelling from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East by Train

Jump on a Train from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

Considering a train trip from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East? You’re in the right place, and the journey is faster than you might think!

Typically, the trip takes about 3hrs. If you're rushing or eager to reach London Waterloo East, the quickest trains can get you there in just 2hrs 2 mins. With approximately 22 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 53-mile (86 km) route usually requires just one change, with Thameslink, Southeastern providing comfortable seating and ample luggage space – because being cramped isn't anyone's idea of fun!

The best news? By booking early, you can find tickets starting at just £12.90, a significant saving compared to last-minute purchases. To save even more, consider traveling during Off-Peak hours or using a Railcard to keep your expenses down.

Ready to grab those low-cost tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest discounts and keep your budget happy. Explore more travel tips below or check our timetable for current train schedules. All aboard to Canterbury East!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East

Curious about your trip from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East? 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 London Waterloo East and Canterbury East by train?

The travel time between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 3hrs & the fastest journey takes 2hrs 2 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East is 2hrs 2 mins.

How much does the train from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East cost?

Train ticket prices from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East can start from as little as £12.90 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 London Waterloo East and Canterbury East?

The departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 22 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 00:09, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:02.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East?

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

What amenities are available on trains between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East?

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

What is the cheapest way to travel from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Canterbury East, 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 London Waterloo East to Canterbury East?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between London Waterloo East & Canterbury East. However, there are 22 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East?

Thameslink and Southeastern are the main train operating companies running services between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Canterbury East?

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

When are London Waterloo East to Canterbury East Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from London Waterloo East to Canterbury East on Friday 2nd May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

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

Friday 2nd May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
12:37 London Waterloo East14:39 Canterbury East1 change2 hrs 2 mins Get Tickets
13:37 London Waterloo East15:39 Canterbury East1 change2 hrs 2 mins Get Tickets
13:48 London Waterloo East16:06 Canterbury East2 changesOrpington
Bromley South
2 hrs 18 mins Get Tickets
14:37 London Waterloo East16:39 Canterbury East1 change2 hrs 2 mins Get Tickets
14:59 London Waterloo East17:09 Canterbury East2 changesOrpington
Bromley South
2 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
15:07 London Waterloo East17:20 Canterbury East1 change2 hrs 13 mins Get Tickets
15:37 London Waterloo East17:39 Canterbury East1 change2 hrs 2 mins Get Tickets
16:32 London Waterloo East18:09 Canterbury East1 changeLondon Bridge
1 hrs 37 mins Get Tickets
16:37 London Waterloo East18:45 Canterbury East1 change2 hrs 8 mins Get Tickets
17:32 London Waterloo East19:14 Canterbury East1 changeLondon Bridge
1 hrs 42 mins Get Tickets
17:37 London Waterloo East19:43 Canterbury East1 change2 hrs 6 mins Get Tickets
17:48 London Waterloo East20:11 Canterbury East2 changesLondon Bridge
2 hrs 23 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for London Waterloo East to Canterbury East 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 London Waterloo East to Canterbury East start from as little as £12.90

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 London Waterloo East to Canterbury East start from £33.90 one way, or £34.00 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 London Waterloo East to Canterbury East are available for £40.80 one way, or £39.40 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 London Waterloo East Station

Exploring London Waterloo East Train Station: A Convenient Gateway to Discover the City

Looking to explore the vibrant city of London and beyond? London Waterloo East train station is your perfect starting point. Conveniently situated, the station serves as a vital link, connecting you to numerous destinations within London and across the UK. Let’s dive into the details of what London Waterloo East has to offer and why it's an ideal choice for your travel plans.

Facilities and Amenities at London Waterloo East

Though London Waterloo East is a bustling hub, it provides essential amenities to ensure a smooth experience for travelers. While it lacks a traditional ticket office, fear not—ticket machines are readily available for both purchase and collection of pre-booked tickets. Accessibility is thoughtfully catered for, with accessible ticket machines and step-free access via lifts from Waterloo Main station. Need assistance? Help points are clearly marked, and staff are on hand to lend a helping hand when needed.

For those traveling with youngsters or seeking some comfort, the station hosts heated waiting rooms and accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities. CCTV surveillance is in place to ensure a secure environment throughout your journey. Hungry or in need of caffeine fix? Grab a snack or a hot drink from the coffee shops and vending machines on site—no worries about missing the news as newspapers are available too!

Onward Travel: Connecting You Further

Transportation links play a crucial role in making your journey seamless. London Waterloo East does not disappoint with its comprehensive connections to other parts of the city. The bus alighting point on Sandell Street ensures easy access to local transit and rail replacement services. If you're planning an onward journey by train, numerous exciting routes can spark your travel imagination.

Popular Routes: Embark on an Adventure

Dreaming of exploring iconic locations within and around London? London Waterloo East provides access to some fantastic destinations. Whether you're commuting or planning a day trip to explore new locales, this station links you to areas such as London Bridge, London Charing Cross, and Hither Green. With easy routes to places like East Croydon or Tonbridge, your adventures are just a train ride away.

Why Choose London Waterloo East?

As a commuter or an explorer, stepping through the doors of London Waterloo East gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel with ease. Whether it’s the convenience of arriving at London Bridge or the cultural allure of reaching London Charing Cross, this station offers it all. Its facilities cater to your needs, including accessibility and necessary travel support.

Embark on Your Journey Today!

Booking your ticket is the first step to countless experiences waiting at your fingertips. With easy access to online ticket collection, friendly staff to assist, and comprehensive travel links, London Waterloo East is not just a station—it's the beginning of your next adventure. Time to pack your bags, hop on board, and embrace the journey!

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.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from London Waterloo East