Getting to Kent: Travel Guide by Car, Rail, Bus and Ferry
Kent, known as the Garden of England, is one of the most accessible counties in the UK, thanks to its excellent transport connections.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape to the coast, a day trip to Canterbury, or a longer holiday exploring the county’s countryside and historic towns, getting here is straightforward. This guide covers the main ways to travel to Kent, by train, car, bus, ferry and Eurotunnel — so you can plan your journey with ease.
Travelling to Kent by Train
Kent benefits from one of the UK’s most extensive rail networks, with high-speed and regional services linking the county to London and beyond.
High-Speed Rail: The fastest way to reach Kent is via Southeastern’s High Speed 1 service from London St Pancras International to Canterbury West, Ashford International, or other key stations. The journey from London St Pancras to Canterbury West takes around 55–60 minutes.
Other London Terminals: Direct services also run from London Victoria, London Charing Cross, and London Bridge to various Kent destinations, including coastal towns such as Margate, Ramsgate and Dover.
Eurostar Connections: If arriving from Europe, Ashford International is connected to the Eurostar network (services may require a change in London depending on the timetable).
Tip: Book advance tickets for the best fares and check train timetables on the National Rail website before travelling.
Driving to Kent by Car
For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, Kent is well served by major motorways and A-roads.
From London: Take the M2 or M20 for the quickest routes into the heart of the county.
For Coastal Towns: Follow the A2 (towards Dover) or the A20 (towards Folkestone) for direct access to the Kent coast.
Parking & Access: Most towns have central car parks, and many attractions in rural areas offer free or low-cost parking.
Driving is often the most convenient way to explore Kent’s countryside, vineyards, and lesser-known heritage sites, where public transport options may be limited.
Getting to Kent by Bus and Coach
National Express and other coach operators run regular services between London and major Kent towns, including Canterbury, Dover, Maidstone and Margate.
From London: Coaches depart from London Victoria Coach Station, with journey times varying from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the destination.
Local Buses: Once in Kent, local bus services connect towns and villages. Operators include Stagecoach, Arriva, and smaller independent companies.
Travelling by bus or coach is often the most affordable option, particularly for those on a budget or without a railcard.
Arriving in Kent by Ferry or Eurotunnel
Kent is a major gateway to the UK from continental Europe, with Dover and Folkestone providing fast cross-Channel connections.
Ferry to Dover: Ferries from Calais and Dunkirk arrive at Dover, with crossing times from around 90 minutes. On arrival, it’s a short drive or train journey to other parts of the county.
Eurotunnel to Folkestone: The Channel Tunnel provides one of the quickest ways to bring a car from France to the UK. The crossing from Calais to Folkestone takes just 35 minutes.
** onward Connections**: Both Dover and Folkestone are linked to Kent’s motorway network and rail services, making onward travel easy.
Final Travel Tips
Plan Ahead: Traffic and train services can be busy during summer weekends and school holidays.
Combine Transport Modes: Consider arriving by train and hiring a car locally for maximum flexibility.
Stay Connected: Download local transport apps for up-to-date timetables and travel alerts.
Kent’s mix of fast rail links, accessible roads, and international gateways makes it one of the easiest counties to reach — whether you’re coming from London, elsewhere in the UK, or further afield.
