If you’ve recently swapped a cramped London flat for a house with a garden in the “Garden of England,” welcome! You are part of a major 2026 trend. More people than ever are moving to towns like Ashford, Sevenoaks, and Faversham to find a better balance between city work and country life.
However, the “last mile” of your commute can be the biggest surprise for a former Londoner. In Kent, you can’t just step out and wave down a black cab on every corner. Here is everything you need to know about navigating your new home like a local.
1. The High-Speed Rail Advantage
The crown jewel of Kent transport is the Southeastern High Speed link.
- Ashford International to London St Pancras: Just 38 minutes.
- Ebbsfleet International: Only 18 minutes to the city.
- The Reality: While the train is fast, getting to the station at 6:30 AM in the rain is not fun. Parking at major hubs like Ashford or Ebbsfleet has become increasingly expensive and crowded in 2026.
- The Taxi Solution: Many commuters now pre-book a Kent Taxis pickup for their morning train. It’s often cheaper than daily station parking, and you get dropped right at the entrance.
2. Navigating the M25 and M20
If you’re driving, you’ll become well-acquainted with the M20.
- Current 2026 Projects: The Lower Thames Crossing project is now in a major construction phase, which can occasionally impact traffic flow toward the Dartford Crossing.
- Local Insight: Our drivers monitor live traffic 24/7. If there is a “sinkhole” on the A2 or an accident on the M20 (which, let’s be honest, happens!), we know the back routes through the Kentish lanes to keep you moving.
3. School Runs and SEND Transport
Kent has some of the best schools in the UK, but they aren’t always within walking distance.
- Post-16 Changes: As of the 2026 academic year, Kent County Council has updated its transport policies for students.
- Reliability for Parents: If your child is heading to a grammar school or a college like Hadlow or EKC, and the bus isn’t an option, we provide a safe, vetted, and regular school-run service that parents can trust.
4. Rural “Dead Zones”
Londoners are used to “The Knowledge” and Uber being everywhere. In rural Kent—places like Charing, Pluckley, or Wye—mobile signal can be patchy, and ride-share apps often show “No Cars Available.”
- The Local Rule: Always keep a local firm’s number saved. Because we are based in Kent, we prioritize local residents over “floating” app-based drivers who might be miles away in London.
5. Moving Day Logistics
Moving house is stressful enough.
- The “Key Gap”: Often, you have to vacate your old home by noon, but you don’t get the keys to your new Kent home until 4:00 PM.
- How We Help: We often provide “shuttle” services for families on moving day—taking children, pets, and overnight bags to a local cafe or park while the removal vans do their work.
Why Kent Taxis is Your New Best Friend
We Know the “Unmarked” Roads
Many new developments in Kent (like those in Ebbsfleet Garden City or Chilmington Green) aren’t always on standard sat-navs yet. Our drivers live here—we know exactly where your new front door is.
Set-and-Forget Bookings
If you know you need a taxi every Tuesday and Thursday for your office days, we can set up a recurring booking via WhatsApp. You’ll never have to worry about “will a car be available?” again.
The “Welcome to Kent” Treatment
New to the area? Ask your driver for recommendations! Whether you need the best local pub, a reliable plumber, or the quickest way to the coast, we are happy to share our local secrets.
Settling In? Let Us Handle the Drive.
Save our number today. You might not need us this morning, but on the first rainy day when the train is delayed, you’ll be glad we’re in your contacts.
- Phone: 01233367347
- WhatsApp: Save Our Number Now
- Email: info@kenttaxis.co.uk
- Website: www.kenttaxis.co.uk