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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Manchester to Canterbury. The train trip from Manchester to Canterbury is usually about 4 hours and 58 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Avanti West Coast train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 207 mi (333 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 40m |
| Lowest price | €96.56 |
| Most frequent service | Avanti West Coast |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Canterbury?
Avanti West Coast is the one and only train line which connects Manchester to Canterbury. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 2 | 4h 58m | €96.55 |
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail links between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. On any given day, Avanti West Coast operates almost 300 routes and departs hourly from select destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Manchester and Canterbury is approximately 207 miles, or 333 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 40 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Manchester to Canterbury on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Manchester twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Canterbury to Manchester.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
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 Manchester?
Main departure station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
There is one train station in Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
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
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Need a return trip from Canterbury to Manchester?
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