London Airports to Kent & Nearby Towns

The nearest major airport to Kent is London City Airport (LCY), located about 55 km from the county’s north-western edge.

Kent is a historic ceremonial county located in the South East of England. To the north, it faces Essex across the Thames Estuary, while the Strait of Dover lies to its south-east. East Sussex borders Kent to the south-west, Surrey to the west, and Greater London to the north-west. Maidstone serves as the county town and administrative centre. Kent is often referred to as “The Garden of England” thanks to its lush green landscapes, charming historic towns, and picturesque coastal resorts.

Sitting roughly 65  km from central London, Kent offers excellent connectivity to the capital by both road and rail. Major routes such as the M20, M2, and A2, along with the High-Speed 1 (HS1) train line, ensure fast and frequent travel between Kent and London. This prime location makes Kent an attractive choice for both residents and visitors looking for a blend of countryside charm and easy access to city life.

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Transportation from London Airports to Kent

When travelling from London’s airports to Kent, distances vary depending on your point of arrival. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is approximately 110 km from Kent, while London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is about 65 km away. LCY offers one of the shortest routes at roughly 55 km. London Stansted Airport (STN) is around 95 km from Kent, London Luton Airport (LTN) sits about 115 km away, and London Southend Airport (SEN) is located approximately 70 km from the region.

Travelling from London’s airports to Kent is easy, with multiple transportation options available. Direct train services connect several airports, such as Gatwick and London City, to key Kent towns, while high-speed trains, private coaches, airport shuttle, London city taxis, private transfers such as chauffeur service, first-class transfers, VIP airport transfers, public buses services.

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Transportation Options from Gatwick Airport to Kent

Gatwick Airport is conveniently located about 65 km from Kent, making it a popular arrival point for travelers heading to the region. Whether by Gatwick Airport taxi transfer, train, or coach, there are several options to reach Kent quickly and comfortably.

1. Private Transfers from GTW to Kent

Enjoy seamless airport pickup from any Gatwick to Kent, with a professional driver ready to meet you at arrivals and assist with your luggage.  Whether you're traveling solo or in a group, choose from sedans, SUVs, limousines, or minivans, with meet-and-greet service and assistance with your luggage. Booking in advance grants door-to-door convenience, avoids the hassles of multiple connections, and ensures reliable, customized travel to any destination in Kent. 

2. Gatwick Airport Taxi to Kent

Taxis are available from both Gatwick terminals, but fares are notably steep often ranging from £131 to £190, depending on vehicle type and destination within Kent. While convenient, high fares and potential traffic (especially near the M25) make this a less appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers.

3. Trains via London or direct Southeastern from GTW

You can take a train from Gatwick Airport station to London (Victoria or St Pancras), then transfer to a Southeastern service into Kent towns such as Ashford or Maidstone. Journey times are typically 1.5 to 2 hours, with fares around £50–£60 to Ashford, or £15–£30 to Maidstone.

Though efficient in theory, these trips require transfers and navigating busy stations less ideal for travelers with luggage or in unfamiliar terrain.

4. National Express from Gatwick

National Express offers coach services from Gatwick to several Kent destinations, including Maidstone or Dover. Prices generally fall between £10–£20, but travel times stretch to 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Expect slower journeys and potential delays, especially for arrivals during peak hours.

VIP Transfers from Luton Airport to Kent

Transportation Options from Luton Airport to Kent

Luton Airport is situated approximately 115 km northwest of Kent, serving as a key gateway for travelers heading to the southeast region. A variety of transport choices ensure smooth connections to Kent’s towns and cities, ranging from Luton Airport private car transfers to public transport.

1. Private Transfers from LTN to Kent

For a hassle-free and comfortable journey, AirportTransfer.com offers premium airport car transfer services from Luton Airport to anywhere in Kent. Whether you’re travelling alone or with a group, select from a fleet of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, or larger vans. Their meet-and-greet service helps with luggage, ensuring a seamless door-to-door trip. Booking ahead guarantees reliability and personalized scheduling tailored to your needs.

2. Taxi or Minicab from LTN to Kent

Taxis are available outside Luton’s terminals, but fares to Kent are generally high, often exceeding £140 depending on your exact destination and vehicle choice. While taxis provide direct routes, the cost combined with potential congestion on motorways like the M25 makes them less ideal for those seeking budget-friendly travel.

3. Train (via London St Pancras or direct connections)

From Luton Airport Parkway station, travelers can take a train into central London (St Pancras International), where connections to Southeastern services lead to Kent towns such as Ashford or Canterbury. The full journey typically takes between 2 and 2.5 hours, with ticket prices varying from £20 to £60 depending on destination and time. Though economical, this option involves train changes and navigating busy stations, which might be challenging for those with heavy luggage or tight schedules.

4. Public Bus Services from LTN to Kent

National Express coaches run from Luton Airport to various parts of Kent, including Maidstone and Dover. Tickets are competitively priced, usually ranging from £12 to £22, but journeys can take upwards of 3 hours due to stops and traffic conditions. This is a budget option best suited for travelers with flexible timeframes.

Limo Service from Heathrow Airport to Kent

Transportation Options from Heathrow Airport to Kent

Heathrow Airport lies about 110 km west of Kent and offers several transportation methods tailored to different needs, from comfort and speed to budget-friendliness such us taxis, trains, Heathrow Airport Chauffeur Service. 

1. Private Transfers with AirportTransfer.com

Travel from Heathrow Airport to Kent in style with luxury black car service, offering comfort, privacy, and a premium travel experience. Choose from luxury sedans, SUVs, or larger vehicles for groups. The service includes meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, and door-to-door convenience, making your journey stress-free. 

2. Taxi from Heathrow Airport to Kent

Taxis are readily available outside Heathrow terminals and provide direct, flexible rides to Kent. While generally more expensive than public transport or shared shuttles, taxis offer the convenience of non-stop travel. Expect fares roughly between £150 and £200 depending on your exact destination in Kent and traffic conditions.

4. Airport Shuttle from Heathrow Airport to Kent

Pre-booked shared shuttles operate between Heathrow and various Kent locations. While more affordable than private transfers or taxis, they usually include multiple stops, which can increase travel time.

5. Train from Heathrow Airport to Kent

Travel Though no direct trains run from Heathrow to Kent, you can take the Heathrow Express or TfL Rail to London Paddington, then transfer via Tube or taxi to London St Pancras International station. From there, Southeastern trains provide frequent services to major Kent towns such as Ashford, Canterbury, and Maidstone. The entire journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and requires transfers.

6. National Express Bus from Heathrow Airport to Kent

Public local buses within Kent operate extensively, but there are no direct regular public bus routes connecting Heathrow Airport to Kent towns. Travelers relying on buses would need to combine several services, making this option impractical for airport transfers. Public coaches run routes from Heathrow to key Kent destinations, including Maidstone and Dover. These are economical options, with fares typically between £10 and £20, but journeys can last 3 hours or more due to stops and traffic.

Private Bus Rental from London City Airport to Kent

Transportation Options from London City Airport to Kent

London City Airport is conveniently located about 55 km from Kent, making it one of the closest London airports to the region. Multiple transportation options are such us taxis, bus, London City Airport transfers available to suit different budgets and travel preferences.

1. Private Transfers with AirportTransfer.com at LYC

Experience a direct, stress-free ride from London City Airport to Kent with premium class airport taxis, ensuring reliability and elegance on every journey. For a hassle-free and comfortable journey, AirportTransfer.com offers private car with a driver from London City Airport to anywhere in Kent. You can select from a fleet of vehicles including luxury sedans, SUVs, and larger vans for groups. Their professional meet-and-greet service, luggage assistance, and door-to-door convenience ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

2. Taxis from LYC to Kent

Taxis are available directly outside London City Airport and provide convenient, direct transport to Kent. Although more costly than public transport, taxis offer non-stop travel tailored to your schedule. Fares typically range between £150 and £180 depending on your destination in Kent and traffic conditions.

3. Train Travel from LYC to Kent

Although London City Airport does not have a direct train station, you can take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to connect to the London Underground network. From there, travel to London St Pancras International or London Victoria stations to catch Southeastern trains to Kent towns such as Canterbury, Ashford, or Maidstone. The entire journey, including transfers, usually takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

4. Airport Coach Services from LYC to Kent

National Express and other coach companies operate services linking London City Airport with Kent’s larger towns. These coaches offer affordable fares, generally between £10 and £20, but journeys may be longer due to multiple stops and traffic.

London Taxis to Kent from the Airport

Transportation Options from Southend Airport to Kent

London Southend Airport sits on the eastern edge of England and boasts its own rail link, making it a convenient exit point for Kent-bound travelers. Also, you can take a taxi, train or booking a Southend Airport premium car service. 

1. Private Transfers with AirportTransfer.com at SEN

For seamless comfort and assured reliability, AirportTransfer.com offers direct black car transfers from Southend to anywhere in Kent. You can book sedans, SUVs, or spacious group vehicles. Standard inclusions are door-to-door service, meet-and-greet at the terminal, and luggage assistance.

2. Taxis from SEN Airport to Kent

Licensed taxis are easily found outside the terminal. While convenient and direct, fares—such as a trip from Gravesend to Southend pricing around £200 for a saloon car—can be relatively high, especially for longer transfers. 

3. Train from Southend Airport Station to Kent

Southend Airport station, operated by Greater Anglia, connects via the Shenfield–Southend line. Regular trains head toward London Liverpool Street, offering onward rail connections into Kent.

Travel times vary:

To Gillingham (Kent): Around 2 hours 35 minutes, with fares starting from £34.60.

To Leigh (Kent): Approximately 2 hours 9 to 42 minutes, about 33 miles away; fares begin at £41.80 when booked in advance.

To Ashurst (Kent): Roughly 2 hours 20 to 31 minutes; tickets from £43.80.

Most routes require at least one transfer, commonly through London or Stratford, and include operators like Southeastern, Thameslink, and Great Anglia.

4. Local Bus Services from the Southend Airport

At the airport exit, you’ll find several local bus lines managed by Arriva Southend. These services connect to nearby towns like Southend-on-Sea, Rochford, and Rayleigh. For broader coverage, the Essex Airlink X30 route runs between Southend Airport and Chelmsford and continues toward Kent via connections, but it’s less direct.

Executive Private Transfer from Stansted Airport to Kent

Transportation Options from Stansted Airport to Kent

The airport, located about 95 km north of Kent, offers several travel methods (taxi, airport bus, Stansted Airport private chauffeur service) for reaching the Kent region efficiently.

1. Private Transfers with AirportTransfer.com at STN

For a seamless, door-to-door journey, AirportTransfer.com is the standout choice. Offering a fleet ranging from executive sedans to spacious vans, they provide meet-and-greet service, luggage assistance, and fixed upfront pricing. Booking in advance Stansted Airport premium transfer service ensures a comfortable, tailored trip to any destination in Kent without the stress of changes or delays.

2. Taxis from Stansted Airport to Kent

Taxis are available outside Stansted terminals for direct travel to Kent. While convenient and flexible, fares can be expensive due to the distance, often ranging between £150–£200 depending on your exact destination and traffic.

3. Train Line from Stansted Airport to Kent

There’s no direct train from Stansted Airport to Kent. You would take the Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street, then transfer via London Underground or taxi to London St Pancras International or London Victoria stations. From there, Southeastern trains connect to Kent towns such as Ashford, Canterbury, or Maidstone. Total journey times usually exceed 2.5 hours and involve multiple changes.

4. Bus Option from Stansted Airport to Kent

National Express coaches operate routes connecting Stansted Airport to London and beyond, including Kent. However, journeys often require transfers in London and can be longer due to stops. Coach fares are generally affordable but travel times vary significantly.

Kent Hotel Transfers with Executive Car Transfers and Bus Hire 

Private Transfers from London Airports to Kent Region

AirportTransfer.com offers premium taxi transfer services from every London airport to any destination across the Kent region. Whether you’re traveling for leisure, business, or a special event, AT ensures a safe, stress-free, and transparent journey with no hidden costs.

With AT, you’ll enjoy direct pick-up from your chosen airport and travel straight to your hotel, home, or any address in Kent. You can choose from a wide range of vehicles from executive sedans and luxury limousines to spacious minivans for families or groups. All services include professional drivers and 7/24 customer support. You can cancel your ride up to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup and get a 100% refund. You can manage everything easily using the AirportTransfer App from the Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store.

Bus Hire with a Private Driver in Kent

For larger groups, AirportTransfer.com offers London Kent coach hire with a professional driver, perfect for corporate events, school trips, sports teams, wedding parties, or sightseeing tours. These modern buses come equipped with comfortable seating, climate control, luggage storage, and onboard amenities for a relaxed journey.

From all London airports, you can arrange safe, direct, and hassle-free group transfers to nearby Kent towns such as Maidstone, Canterbury, Dover, Rochester, Chatham, Ashford, and Ramsgate all with no extra or hidden charges.

Kent Hotel Transfers

Travelers heading to Kent’s most popular luxury hotels can enjoy direct Kent hotel transfers with AirportTransfer.com. Some of the region’s top accommodation options include:

The Pig at Bridge Place, Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, Chilston Park Hotel, Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa, The Marquis at Alkham, Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa, Crescent Turner Hotel, The Yarrow Hotel, The Victoria Hotel, Hempstead House Hotel & Spa

With AT, you can reach any of these hotels comfortably and directly from any London airport, without the stress of multiple transfers or unreliable public transport.

Note: AirportTransfer.com has no affiliation or partnership with the hotels listed above. Their names are provided solely for informational purposes, to help you plan your journey more effectively.