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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Brighton to Canterbury. The train trip from Brighton to Canterbury is usually about 2 hours and 42 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Thameslink train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 62 mi (99 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 32m |
| Lowest price | €76.01 |
| Most frequent service | Thameslink |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Brighton to Canterbury?
2 train services operate from Brighton to Canterbury. Thameslink usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick Express | 1 | 2h 58m | €76.01 |
| Thameslink | 5 | 2h 39m | €76.01 |
The Gatwick Express is a train service that provides direct travel between Victoria station and Gatwick Airport railway station, with intermediate stops at Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and Preston Park. The trains operate on a half-hourly schedule and provide standard, non-reserved seating as well as first-class compartments. The trains also offer additional luggage storage spaces and free WiFi for passengers.
Thameslink services run 24 hours a day with trains usually every 20-30 minutes, and coverage between Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, and London. Thameslink has separate first-class cars, and standard-class seating may be standing room only during peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains departing from Brighton to Canterbury tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Brighton at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 13:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Canterbury to Brighton.
City Information
Brighton
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Set between the countryside and the sea, Brighton is a colorful town that attracts visitors year-round, but especially in the summer. There are breathtaking landmarks as well as fantastic beachfront properties that ensure your Brighton vacation is as exciting or relaxing as you choose.
Two of the most iconic attractions in the city are the British Airways i360 and Royal Pavilion. The Royal Pavilion palace boasts Chinese- and Indian-inspired interiors and exteriors. The British Airways i360 offers a more modern view, serving as an observation tower and showcase of gliding engineering. Inside a glass-walled pod, you can glide 450 feet high and enjoy 360-degree views of Brighton.
Visit the Brighton Palace Pier and Sea Life Brighton for some outdoor family fun. Brighton Palace Pier offers beachfront rides and many other activities and food and drinks for the entire family to enjoy. Next door, Sea Life Brighton introduces kids to sea creatures of all types, including a shark that swims in an underwater tunnel.
Brighton is packed with fab restaurants, hip bars, and cozy pubs. What's more, Brighton is a Gold Award recipient for being one of England's most sustainable food places. Some of the top places to eat are Socialite, No. 1 Bar and Bistro, The Set Restaurant, and The Great Globalls.
There is a small Brighton City Airport, but the closest major airport is London Gatwick, located in Crawley; you can take a bus or train from Gatwick to Brighton. Brighton's train service is available on Gatwick Express, Southern, or Thameslink trains. If you prefer to take the bus, hop on National Express, which runs 40 routes in the area.
Canterbury
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Roman-era walls surround Canterbury's medieval city center, so you know visiting will be like a blast from the past. Start by exploring the cathedrals and castles that represent the city's history, like the Canterbury Cathedral. Also, don't miss the medieval Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint, which combines education and big adventures in its historically-themed escape rooms.
If you're ready to enjoy the city's great outdoors, then head to the Barham and Adisham Walk, Beacon Hill Herne Bay, Belmont House and Gardens, or the Bigbury Camp. Wine connoisseurs will love swishing their wine glasses at several vineyards, breweries, and distilleries. You can drive to the scenic Chartham Vineyard or simply join a group brewery and distillery tour.
Canterbury is a very compact city, and most destinations within the city walls can be easily reached via a short walk. To travel to Canterbury, you can take a Southeastern train or a National Express bus.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Brighton?
Main departure station: 11 Terminus Rd
There is one train station in Brighton.
All train stations in Brighton:
11 Terminus Rd
Where is the train station in Canterbury?
Image credit: Joshua Brown
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Canterbury West
Canterbury West Railway Station is a small train station northwest of Canterbury Cathedral and most of the town's attractions and services. However, there are several restaurants, a supermarket, and plentiful parking right next to the station. You will find the main station buildings on the side of Platform 1, housing a café and public toilets. Platforms 1 and 2 both have waiting rooms. Southeastern trains on the Ashford to Ramsgate and the London to Ashford lines stop in Canterbury and connect to a robust rail network throughout the United Kingdom.
Train stations in Canterbury:
Canterbury West
Canterbury East
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Need a return trip from Canterbury to Brighton?
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