Travel Information

Sustainable Travel to Maidstone – Getting Here and Getting Around

Join Maidstone on the journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.

We’re delighted to welcome eco-conscious visitors to Maidstone — where enjoying your trip and caring for the planet go hand in hand. Just 32 miles from London, Maidstone is an easy and rewarding day trip destination. Sustainability is important to us, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing fun! With a little planning, you can explore everything Maidstone has to offer while travelling responsibly.

To help plan your journey and explore the area, the Kent Connected app is a fantastic resource for routes, public transport, and cycling options.

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By Train

Maidstone is well-connected by rail, with three mainline stations in the town centre: Maidstone East, Maidstone West, and Maidstone Barracks.

• For UK travel, visit National Rail Enquiries.

• For European connections, try The Trainline.

Once you arrive, most of Maidstone’s highlights are within easy walking distance — including hotels like Premier Inn and Travelodge, plus attractions such as:

• Maidstone Museum

• Kentish Lady River Boat Trips

• Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex

• Mote Park (with lakes, trails, and activities)

• Prison Island and The Maidstone Distillery

• Great shopping, dining, and riverside walks

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Exploring the Area by Train

North–South Line

Running through Aylesford, Maidstone Barracks, East Farleigh, Wateringbury, Yalding, Beltring, and Paddock Wood, this line links charming villages and attractions such as:

• The Friars at Aylesford – history, paddle boarding & peace

• Wateringbury – canoeing and traditional cream teas

• The Anchor Inn at Yalding – riverside relaxation

• The Hop Farm at Beltring – family fun and events

Short taxi rides connect you to Cobtree Manor Park, Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, The Village Hotel, and the North Downs walking trails.

West–East Line

Connecting London Charing Cross to Dover, this line passes Paddock Wood, Marden, Staplehurst, and Headcorn.

• Anno Distillery (Marden)

• Balfour Winery (Staplehurst – short taxi ride)

• Headcorn Aerodrome – hire e-bikes and explore the countryside

Maidstone East Line

Heading east, the line stops at Bearsted, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, and Lenham, continuing to Charing and Ashford.
Each stop offers access to the North Downs Way, Pilgrims Way, and scenic countryside walks.

• Bearsted – near Delta Hotels by Marriott Tudor Park and The Black Horse Inn

• Hollingbourne – around 1.5 miles to Leeds Castle and 1 mile to Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

• Lenham – closest to Chilston Park Hotel

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Travelling from Airports and Beyond

• From Gatwick Airport: Take the Gatwick Express to London Victoria, then change for Maidstone East.

• From Eurostar (London St Pancras): Connect easily to Maidstone East or Maidstone West.

• From Dover, Ashford, or the Channel Tunnel: Access Maidstone via the M20 (junctions 5–8).

• From London and the rest of the UK: Travel via the M25 and M26/M20 motorways.

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Electric Vehicle Travel

We warmly welcome visitors driving electric vehicles. With more charging points appearing every month, travelling sustainably is easier than ever.
Find local charging points here: Chargemap – Maidstone

For parking details, visit our Car Parking Information page.

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Electric Bikes

Exploring Maidstone by electric bike is a fun, sustainable option. Local hire companies offer daily or multi-day rentals, often meeting you at the railway station for convenience. Bikes come with all necessary charging equipment — perfect for effortless countryside adventures.

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Group Travel by Coach

Travelling as a group? Coaches are one of the most sustainable ways to visit Maidstone.
Coach parking is free at Sittingbourne Road Car/Coach Park.

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By Bus

Maidstone’s main bus operators are:

• Arriva (major provider)

• East Farleigh Coaches

• New Venture Coaches

Timetables are available at Arriva Bus, or you can pick up printed copies from:

• Maidstone Museum & Tourist Information

• The Mall Shopping Centre

• Maidstone Link (Council Offices)

Buses run Monday to Sunday, with limited services on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Maidstone Bus Station is conveniently located beneath The Mall Shopping Centre, King Street.

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Discover Maidstone — Sustainably

Whether you arrive by train, coach, bus, bike, or EV, travelling sustainably in Maidstone helps protect the beauty of Kent for generations to come.
Join us in exploring responsibly — and enjoy everything our vibrant town and countryside have to offer.