How to Get to Canterbury From London

The London to Canterbury travel is one such day trip that is easy to choose among day trippers and history lovers. This is a glimpse of the old-time England found in a short distance through the busy capital in the form of this beautiful Cathedral City in Kent. You can make a quick trip and enjoy the ride, be it a short journey or spend a good time in London to Canterbury. Being aware of the things you can do can assist in the organization of your trip.

London to Canterbury Distance and Time

London and Canterbury are within easy reach, some 61 miles (98 kilometres) by road, which makes the city a destination of a day outing or weekend getaway. The distance will be straight which will be approximately 54 miles (87 kilometres) and the real routes of the journeys will be based on the highways as well as the city routes.

Depending on the mode of transport you are travelling with, it takes time. High-speed train is the quickest, and it will take you there within 54 minutes only. Normal driving time is estimated as 1 hour and 16 minutes when there is normal traffic flow, and buses are most likely to consume about 2 hours and 5 minutes.

London to Canterbury Transport Options

Whilst the London to Canterbury transport mode is concerned, everyone will find something that fits his or her budget as well as taste. It might be effective transportation or a more individualised ride, but this is a list of the most common methods of reaching there.

By Train: Fast and Convenient

The best mode of transport is trains, which are fast and comfortable. The London St Pancras International to Canterbury West southeastern service is high speed and completes the journey in 54 minutes, and runs on an hourly schedule every day. Booking and flexibility make tickets cost between £18 and £55, according to flexibility.  You may also leave London Victoria for Canterbury East, which could take a little more time, 1 hour and 30 minutes probably, though during off-peak hours, it has many more services. 

By Bus: Affordable and Scenic

London to Canterbury may also be reached by coach. National Express operates regularly between Victoria Coach Station and Elephant and Castle and Canterbury Bus Station. The journey lasts approximately two hours, and the cost of fares is between £10 and £35 according to the time of day.

Via Car: Adaptable and Autonomous

Freedom of driving is ultimate. The A2 and M2 motorway route covers a distance of 61 miles, and it takes 1 hour and 16 minutes during light traffic. Get real-time directions using sat-nav and also consider parking in Canterbury,y which is cheaper, such as the Watling Street car park, which is about £2 per hour. 

By Taxi: Door-to-Door and Comfort

Taxi cannot be beaten in terms of a hassle free, private transportation. A taxi ride in central London to Canterbury costs between 120 and 160 pounds, depending on the car and the time of day. The ride can be compared to an estimate of 1.5 drives.

The trip is equivalent to driving approximately 1.5. Professional rides with experienced drivers, such as those provided by Manchester Airport Taxis, are professional, reliable, and the service is ideal when one wants to have a luxurious ride without the burden of having to carry out the navigation. 

Through Ride-share: Cost-Effective Sharing

The most affordable method is ride-sharing through programs such as BlaBlaCar, where the cost would be between £4 and £13 per 1 hour and 36 minutes. The services operate approximately three times a day to get you to drivers moving in the same direction. It is environmentally conscious and social, yet it is limited to postings by users- look into the app beforehand.

What Is the Time of the Year to Go to Canterbury?

When you plan to visit Canterbury, you will be able to have the best of everything, and this is an improvement in the weather, the crowd, and the events. 

Spring beauty (March-May): Blooming Beauty

The spring has been a beautiful one, and the gardens and parks are all blooming and beautiful things are composed as one goes along the River Stour. The weather is 10-15 C (50-59 F) and it is one of the best seasons of the year to do some sightseeing without having to live in the heat in summer. Crowds are not that excessive, and people can go to the cathedral and abbeys without any problems, especially on weekdays. The neighbouring farms are also lambing, and that is why it makes the country experience good conditions if you visit it.

Summer: Festival Vibes (June-August)

Summer is warmer and also life-filled with events like Canterbury Festival in July, which also comes along with music, theatre and arts. It is high season of day-trippers,r and the streets and attractions will be crowded; therefore, make your reservations early. It is perfect when you have intentions of enjoying the outdoors, such as punting, picnics, but not on the weekends, as you may not like a crowd. July and August record the highest number of visitors, and early mornings are very crucial in the event of a quiet start.

Fall: Picturesque Beauty (September-October)

Autumn is mild, and the leaves are beautiful, and hence the green sections in the city turn to gold. The reduction in the number of tourists would reduce the queues in places like the Abbey of St Augustin, and the harvest festivals would bring local flavour with fresh produce of Kent. It is a fabulous season to take photos and go on long walks, and it is even better that the accommodation costs are even lower if staying overnight.

Winter: Vermont Inns (November-February)

It is not as noisy, and winter is colder, and it would suit people who do not want to be distracted. The lights around the cathedral and the twinkling lights in December in Christmas markets are festive. Whereas there are outdoor activities that can be cold, indoor activities, such as museums, will flourish. You can avoid it if you would like to be warmer, but it is affordable, and you can get off-season deals. 

Top Sights and attractions in a Canterbury day trip

Canterbury is a day trip that is full of history, culture, and relaxation. Pay attention to these points so that you get the maximum out of your time, and you need to begin early to get the basics done. Give attention to the cathedral, and then blend it with such non-urgent activities like river excursions and shopping.

Visit Canterbury Cathedral: UNESCO-listed, the centre of the city, a Gothic structure of architecture, and the shrine of Becket. Guided tour (ticket fees are required) and learn pilgrim stories and gorgeous stained-glass (1-2 hours).

Punt on the River Stour: Go on a 45-minute boat ride around the area (£15-20) past the old bridges and gardens. It is a nice tour to go to the hidden places and the guides narrate about the local legends.

Visit St Augustine Abbey: Explore the remains of this 6th-century establishment (£9 entry), using audio fliers to learn the history of early Christianity. The cathedral is within easy walking distance, and it has some quiet grounds.

Walk Westgate Gardens: No fee to this park bordering the River with flower beds, medieval towers, and picnic areas. Ideal to take a mid-day walk in nature.