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Trains from Shirley to
Canterbury East

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Shirley to Canterbury East by train

Considering a train trip from Shirley to Canterbury East? The journey typically lasts around 5hrs 21 mins and spans about 147 miles (236 kilometres). With approximately 18 trains running each day, you're spoiled for choice when scheduling your travel. By booking your tickets in advance, you could secure fares starting from just £13.00, making it a budget-friendly option for smart travelers.

Shirley to Canterbury East Key Stats

Arrival Station

Canterbury East

Departure Station

Shirley

Frequency

18trains
per day

Journey Time

from4hrs 35 mins

Changes

3-4no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

06:50 / 23:31

Distance

147miles
(236 km)

3 Routes

3 Train Operators

Prices

from£13.00

Travelling from Shirley to Canterbury East by Train

Embark on a train journey from Shirley to Canterbury East, and you'll find it's quicker than you might anticipate!

The typical travel time is about 5hrs 21 mins, but if you're in a hurry or just eager to arrive, the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 4hrs 35 mins. With approximately 18 trains running daily, you have a wealth of options to choose from. This scenic route, spanning 147 miles (236 km), generally involves just one transfer, and operators like Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Trains, Southeastern offer comfortable seating with plenty of room for your luggage.

Here's the best part: by booking your tickets in advance, you can snag fares starting from only £13.00, offering a substantial saving over buying tickets at the last minute. For even more savings, consider traveling during Off-Peak times or using a Railcard.

Ready to secure those budget-friendly tickets? Use our Journey Planner to discover the latest deals and keep your travel costs down. Dive into more travel tips below or consult our timetable for up-to-date train schedules. All aboard for Canterbury East!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Shirley and Canterbury East

Curious about your trip from Shirley 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 Shirley and Canterbury East by train?

The travel time between Shirley and Canterbury East by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 5hrs 21 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 35 mins.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Shirley to Canterbury East is 4hrs 35 mins.

How much does the train from Shirley to Canterbury East cost?

Train ticket prices from Shirley to Canterbury East can start from as little as £13.00 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 Shirley and Canterbury East?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Shirley and Canterbury East vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 18 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 06:50, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:31.

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

First class tickets on trains between Shirley 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 Shirley and Canterbury East?

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

What is the cheapest way to travel from Shirley 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 Shirley 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 Shirley to Canterbury East?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Shirley & Canterbury East. However, there are 18 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Shirley to Canterbury East?

Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Trains and Southeastern are the main train operating companies running services between Shirley and Canterbury East.

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

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

When are Shirley to Canterbury East Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Shirley to Canterbury East on Thursday 1st May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

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

Thursday 1st May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
06:50 Shirley11:40 Canterbury East3 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London Victoria
4 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
07:20 Shirley11:55 Canterbury East4 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London St Pancras International
4 hrs 35 mins Get Tickets
07:50 Shirley12:40 Canterbury East3 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London Victoria
4 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
08:50 Shirley13:40 Canterbury East3 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London Victoria
4 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
09:20 Shirley13:55 Canterbury East4 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London St Pancras International
4 hrs 35 mins Get Tickets
09:50 Shirley14:40 Canterbury East3 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London Victoria
4 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
10:20 Shirley14:55 Canterbury East4 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London St Pancras International
4 hrs 35 mins Get Tickets
10:50 Shirley15:40 Canterbury East4 changesBirmingham New Street
London Euston
London Victoria
4 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
11:20 Shirley15:55 Canterbury East4 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London St Pancras International
4 hrs 35 mins Get Tickets
11:50 Shirley16:43 Canterbury East3 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London Victoria
4 hrs 53 mins Get Tickets
12:20 Shirley16:55 Canterbury East4 changesBirmingham Moor Street
London Marylebone
London St Pancras International
4 hrs 35 mins Get Tickets
12:50 Shirley17:42 Canterbury East4 changesBirmingham New Street
London Euston
London Victoria
4 hrs 52 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Shirley 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 Shirley to Canterbury East start from as little as £13.00

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 Shirley to Canterbury East start from £65.00 one way, or £65.10 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 Shirley to Canterbury East are available for £100.50 one way, or £165.00 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 Shirley Station

Discovering Shirley Train Station

Positioned in the heart of Shirley, this station is a gateway to a host of destinations in the UK. Whether you're a regular commuter or planning a rural escape, Shirley Train Station offers both convenience and a warm welcome. With its modest size but sufficient facilities, it's the kind of station that makes travel easy and fuss-free.

Facilities and Amenities at Shirley Station

Shirley Train Station offers a range of essential facilities to make your journey comfortable. The ticket office is open from Monday to Friday, 6:30 am to 12:00 pm, with extended hours until 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. While ticket machines are available for ease, the station lacks accessible ticket machines. However, rest assured you can collect tickets conveniently from the office.

Accessible features at Shirley include step-free access to all platforms, making it a category A station for accessibility. Though there are no waiting rooms, there is a seating area and available toilets on Platform 1. These include accessible toilets operated by a RADAR key, obtainable from station staff during their hours.

Onward Travel from Shirley Station

Travelling beyond Shirley is simple with several onward travel options. Should rail replacement services be necessary, they depart from the station entrance. For those preferring taxis, local services like Shirley (SRL) Station A to B, Senator, and Able are available for hire. Additionally, the station is well-connected by buses, allowing easy exploration of the surrounding area.

Popular Travel Routes and Inspirations

Whether you're stepping out for a day trip or heading to work, Shirley Station is your starting point. Find convenient links like Shirley to Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill. For a scenic escape, consider taking the train to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Other popular routes include trips to Jewellery Quarter, University (Birmingham), and London Marylebone.

Concluding Your Journey

Whether it's a bustling city or a quiet town, Shirley provides the launchpad to numerous adventures throughout the UK. Despite the absence of some amenities like shops, as well as Wi-Fi, the station's core functions remain robust. Shirley Train Station proves itself to be a reliable, well-placed facility for both routine and exploratory travel. Ready to embark on your next journey? Start by securing your tickets from Shirley. Happy travels!

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 Shirley