Getting to Kent |Visit Kent

Find out how you can travel to Kent by rail, road or by air.

From the UK

By Train

For the quickest and most direct journeys from London to Kent, take one of Southeastern’s train services. Key routes include:

Live Timetables and Tickets: Plan your journey and buy tickets through Good Journey or check live train updates via National Rail or Southeastern. Good Journey also offers practical advice on car-free travel and eco-friendly route planning, supporting sustainable tourism in Kent
High Speed One (HS1): Travel from London St Pancras International to Ashford International in under 40 minutes and onwards to or Canterbury West and Dover Priory in under one hour. This is the fastest option, using high-speed trains that skip through the Kent countryside. HS1 services are ideal for business and leisure travellers alike, offering comfortable, spacious seating and free Wi-Fi
Mainline Services: Regular Southeastern trains operate from London Bridge, Charing Cross, London Waterloo East, Victoria, and Cannon Street, connecting to major Kent towns like Dover, Ramsgate, and Tunbridge Wells. These services provide a blend of speed and scenic routes, making them a great option for those looking to explore Kent’s historic towns

By Road
If you prefer to drive, Kent is easily accessible from London. Simply take the M25 and connect to either the M2 or M20, depending on your final destination:

From the North and East: Cross the Dartford Bridge (toll applies) and join the M2 or M20
From the South and West: Use the M25 to reach the M26, which leads directly to the M20. For real-time traffic updates and route planning, consider using apps like Waze or Google Maps

By Coach
Stagecoach provides extensive bus services across Kent, including connections to key train stations, towns, and tourist attractions. For longer journeys, National Express coaches link London Victoria Coach Station to various destinations in Kent. You can check live bus timetables at Stagecoach or National Express. Stagecoach’s extensive network ensures reliable, budget-friendly travel across Kent, perfect for day trips and longer stays.

From overseas

Rail Travel
For those arriving from the continent, Eurostar services connect major European cities like Paris, Brussels, and Lille to London St Pancras International, where Southeastern’s HS1 provides quick onward travel to Kent.

Driving via LeShuttle
If you’re driving, the LeShuttle service from Calais to Folkestone takes just 35 minutes and connects directly to the M20, placing you in the heart of Kent within minutes. This option offers convenience and flexibility, with services running 24/7.

Ports and Ferries
While Dover remains a key entry point for ferries, consider Stagecoach buses for local onward travel from the port to key destinations across Kent. Dover also offers fast access to the M20 and M2, connecting quickly to the rest of the county.

Prefer to be up in the air?

For those flying into London, City, Gatwick and Heathrow are the nearest major airports. From London, Southeastern train services offer fast connections to Kent via central London. Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express services provide quick links to London terminals for onward Kent connections.

Car-Free Journey Planners

There are also a few journey planners that make getting around Kent and the UK a lot easier, making your journeys stress-free and more sustainably green:

Brexit Travel Guidance for 2025

Travel to and from the UK now includes new steps due to Brexit. Ensure your passport is stamped, check your visa requirements, and allow additional time for border controls. Check out our Advice to visitors travelling to Kent after Brexit.

For the latest guidance, visit gov.uk/travel-abroad.

Plan ahead, travel smart, and enjoy your journey to Kent!