Kent UK Travel Guide
London's major airports serve as the main points of entry for travelers from other countries heading to Dover. These airports hold extensive international connections and services.
All major foreign carriers serve London's airports. Direct flights are available from most global hubs. Low-cost carriers like easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air operate extensively from Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. Flight prices are highest in summer (June-August) and peak holidays. Shoulder seasons often yield better value. Booking flights it's wise to secure a booking in advance. Services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are useful for finding deals.
Gatwick Express to London Victoria, then transfer to St Pancras for high-speed train to Dover Priory (~2-3 hours total).
National Express coaches exist, usually with a change in London/Canterbury (~3-4 hours).
Drive via M23, M25, A2/M2 motorways. Offers flexibility, but traffic is a factor.
Book flights in advance, especially for peak periods, for better rates. Use flight search sites like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
London airports hold shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, vehicle rental desks, and various public transport connections.
Consider an eSIM from Airalo for convenient access to data upon arrival.
Dover Priory serves as the main train station, providing direct connections to London and other communities in Kent. No what you need to know to cross the border applies for travel within the UK.
National Express operates coach services to Dover from London Victoria Coach Station and further main UK cities. These services are generally slower as opposed to trains but often a more affordable option for long-travel over long distances. Dover Bus Station is next to Dover Priory train station.
Renting a car provides greater flexibility for exploring Dover and Kent. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rental options.
UK roads are generally well-maintained. Motorways (M roads) are multi-lane highways. A-roads are key routes, B-roads are minor. Rural roads can be narrow and winding. Traffic can be congested on motorways and in urban areas during peak hours and weekends.
Prepare for your departure from Dover to ensure a stress-free end to your trip. No specific departure tax applies for travelers leaving by air or sea. Air Passenger Duty (APD) for flying is typically included in your ticket price.
Dover Priory train station offers basic facilities. The Port of Dover ferry terminal has more extensive facilities. If departing from one of the London airports, you will find full services.
No specific departure tax. APD (Air Passenger Duty) is part of your ticket price.
Arrive 60-90 minutes before departure for check-in and security. Plenty of the time period is good for vehicle travelers.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early. Find your platform/stop and board comfortably.
Dover's identity remains deeply tied to its port, a main gateway from mainland Europe. This port is Europe's busiest ferry port, an important link to the main landmass Europe.
Dover The Cruise ship terminal hosts numerous cruise lines. It acts as a port of call or an embarkation/disembarkation point for cruises exploring the Baltic, Mediterranean, and British Isles. River transportation is not applicable to Dover.
The Port of Dover is a role as a connection to mainland Europe, handling extensive ferry traffic.
Dover Cruise Terminal welcomes international cruise ship operators, acting as a popular make a stop for various itineraries.
Efficient connections from the port to public transport by train and bus services facilitate onward travel into Kent or London.
Book ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or for travel with vehicles, to secure your preferred crossing time and potentially better rates. Check operator websites for current timetables and prices.
