Bus services in Kent

Image of two buses driving on the road

Last updated: 16 March 2023

This page is for residents to find out the latest information on bus services in Kent.

Who runs bus services

We don’t run bus services in Kent, they are run for profit by private bus operators. We do not have the powers or funding of an organisation like Transport for London.

However, we do provide funding to subsidise some routes or services that are not viable for private bus operators to run.

Bus use in Kent, as with rest of the UK, has only partially recovered since the pandemic. Local use of buses is around 80% of pre-pandemic levels, with off-peak use being much less than this.

Changes to bus services in Kent

Most changes to bus services have been proposed by private bus companies (affecting more than 100 services), some of which impact on school routes. View the list of bus services affected.

Bus operators continue to face significant financial pressures from rising costs, significantly lower passenger numbers since the pandemic and a shortage of drivers.

These services are not provided, or subsidised, by KCC.

In recognition of the impact these bus operator cuts would have on pupils and their families, we worked closely with them during the summer to provide a range of different measures to enable as many pupils as possible to get to school from September and protect as many school buses as possible at least until the end of the current school year. This is detailed in the bus service list below. This work resulted in a much better position for passengers than was thought possible earlier in the summer.

The 100+ bus withdrawals announced this year by private bus operators are entirely separate to the 38 bus contracts we planned to withdraw subsidies from. We consulted on these bus reduction plans in the summer, and councillors voted to proceed with the planned subsidy withdrawals at the Full Council meeting on 20 October, to achieve a saving of £2.2 million. These services will stop on 12 February 2023.

KCC continues to invest over £30 million in support of Kent’s bus network and its users. This includes subsidising more than 80 bus routes, subsidising the costs of bus travel for students through the Kent Travel Saver and 16+ schemes and supporting free travel for elderly and disabled bus users.

In recognition of the importance that local communities place on bus services, this year we have significantly boosted the money available for local community transport schemes, increasing the fund from £100,000 to £450,000. We will be inviting applications from local communities shortly – find out more about community transport schemes. The decision to find the funding to protect the Kent Karriers also acknowledged the role that these services play, particularly when other bus services are struggling to survive and, in some instances, are being withdrawn or reduced by operators.

We have also committed to setting up a cross-party group to develop our future bus policy.

The latest bus service updates

These are the known and anticipated changes and cancellations to bus services in Kent, including the services affected by our subsidy withdrawals. The information shows services that are provided on a commercial basis (by bus operators) and those that are funded by us.

We are working with operators to try to provide some alternative services. When we receive information about alternative services, the information below will be updated.

Bus numberOperatorRoute Change and impactDate of expected changeLatest update
4StagecoachGreenhill to Whitstable to Canterbury

Service withdrawn.

Triangle and 5 provides an alternative service for most areas but Greenhill to Whitstable link is lost. Estuary View will be reliant on the 638 service.

30 April 2023-
5ArrivaCranbrook to MaidstoneSunday service withdrawn by the operator February 2023-
5ArrivaMaidstone to SandhurstWithdrawal the 6:44pm Maidstone to Sandhurst journey and later on Monday to Saturday

Day time services not covered by this contract

Estimated saving: £59,601

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
6ArrivaEast Peckham to Tunbridge WellsThis contract provides for the diversion of the Sunday 6 service through Pembury, the remainder of the service operates on a commercial basis

Estimated saving: £11,700

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
6/ 645StagecoachHerne and Broomfield in to Hillborough School8:19am journey from Herne to Hillborough School via Broomfield and the return journey in the afternoon would be withdrawn

Estimated saving:
£27,659

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
7StagecoachHerne Bay to Altira ParkService withdrawn.
 
Broomfield covered by service 6.  Service 36 covers the remainder.
30 April 2023-
8ChalkwellSittingbourne to Kenilworth Court/ ConyerWithdrawal of 6 off peak journeys, Monday to Friday operating between Sittingbourne, Borden, Kenilworth Court, Bapchild and Teynham

Plus the 3:20pm from Sittingbourne Community College to Teynham

Estimated saving:
£313,698

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
9ArrivaBearsted to MaidstoneWithdrawal of the 7:28am service from Bearsted on school days.19 February 2023An earlier running journey continues to meet the school need.
9ChalkwellSittingbourne town serviceWithdrawal of the whole service, which operates on Mondays to Saturdays for Kenilworth Court, Bell Road and Northwood Avenue

Estimated saving:
included in the savings of the number 8 Chalkwell bus service

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
13Nu-VentureHollingbourne to MaidstoneWithdrawal of the current Saturday service operating between Hollingbourne and Parkwood (for connections to Maidstone) via Leeds and Langley

Monday to Friday service continues unchanged

Estimated saving: £25,391

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
17StagecoachFolkestone to CanterburyWithdrawal of 4 journeys operating Monday to Saturday evening between Folkestone and Canterbury starting with the 7:40pm from Folkestone

Daytime services not covered by this contract

Estimated saving: £46,613

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
24AutocarSandhurst to MaidstoneWithdrawal of Tuesday 9:30am journey from Sandhurst to Maidstone and the return journey at 1:20pm from Maidstone

Estimated saving: £15,469

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.

Bus numberOperatorRoute Change and impactDate of expected changeLatest update
58Nu-VentureAddington, Ryarsh, Trottiscliffe, Birling to MaidstoneWithdrawal of the whole Monday to Saturday service

This service provides the only public transport for villages to the west of West Malling, including journeys for school children

Estimated saving: £84,915

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023From 13 February Nu-Venture will provide a limited shopper service for these areas running on Fridays only.
59Nu-VentureGrafty Green, Ulcombe, Kingswood, Chart Sutton to Maidstone

Withdrawal of the whole service which operates Monday to Saturday between Grafty Green and Parkwood (for connections to Maidstone)

Service 89 school journeys from the same area are not covered by this contract

Estimated saving: £126,000

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023From 13 February Nu-Venture will provide a limited shopper service for these areas running on Wednesdays only.
61
61A
64A
StagecoachAycliffe, Dover Town Centre, River to WhitfieldWithdrawal of 3 Monday to Saturday evening journeys starting with the 6:18pm from Whitfield

Daytime service not included as part of this contract

Estimated saving: £33,477

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
70Nu-VentureBorough Green, Platt, Offham to LarkfieldWithdrawal of all journeys which provides 8 off-peak journeys for Borough Green, Platt and Offham

Estimated saving: £61,851

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023From 13 February Nu-Venture will provide a limited shopper service for these areas running on Mondays only.
88Nu-VentureMaidstone to Kings HillWithdrawal of the commuter service operating Monday to Friday from Maidstone to Kings Hill via Barming and Wateringbury

This service provides one journey in the morning and 2 journeys in the afternoon

Estimated saving: £30,444

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.

Bus numberOperatorRouteChange and impactDate of expected changeLatest update
103StagecoachFolkestone to LyddService withdrawn (expected commercial bus change)February 2023-
104StagecoachCheriton to LyddService withdrawn (expected commercial bus change)February 2023-
111StagecoachAshford to FolkestoneWithdrawal of Thursday only service also operating via Mersham, Aldington, Lympne, West Hythe and Burmarsh

Expected savings: £13,007

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process.
123StagecoachBiddenden to AshfordWithdrawal of the whole service operating Monday to Friday to Ashford from Smarden, Pluckley, Egerton and Hothfield, including journeys to and from Ashford schools

Expected savings: £85,627

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023From 13 February Stagecoach will operate a new 10E service on School days only which will serve the majority of the current 123 route.

Bus numberOperatorRouteChange and impactDate of expected changeLatest update
222AutocarWrotham, Ightham, Borough Green, Shipbourne to TonbridgeWithdrawal of 4 journeys Monday to Friday and all Saturday journeys

Other Monday to Friday journeys, including those at school times will continue

Estimated saving: £40,500

(change linked to bus subsidy)

12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
235AutocarTonbridge to Tunbridge WellsService withdrawal

(expected commercial bus change)
December  2022Service has been cancelled by the operator owing to driver shortage.
255AutocarBenenden to Tunbridge WellsWithdrawal of service 3 days a week (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) between Benenden and Tunbridge Wells via Hawkhurst, Flimwell and Lamberhurst

Estimated saving: £23,034

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
266AutocarKilndown to MaidstoneWithdrawal of Tuesday only service between Kilndown and Maidstone via Horsmonden, Claygate, Laddingford and Nettlestead

Estimated saving: £11,115

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
277ArrivaHenwood Green to Tunbridge WellsWithdrawal of one early morning journey operating Monday to Friday leaving Stone Court Lane at 6:37am

Estimated saving: £6,281

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
288AutocarGroombridge to Weald of KentService withdrawnDecember 2022Service has been cancelled by the operator owing to driver shortage.
292
299
AutocarTenterden to Sandhurst and Tonbridge to TenterdenWithdrawal of the 292 Tenterden to Sandhurst and 299 Tonbridge to Tenterden services which provide one return journey each operating on Fridays only

Estimated saving: £14,498

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
296AutocarPaddock Wood to Tunbridge WellsWithdrawal of the service which operates on Monday, Thursday and Saturday between Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells via Horsmonden, Brenchley and Kippings Cross

Estimated saving: £25,720

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
306
308 
RedrouteGravesend to SevenoaksReduced level of service from April but all areas remain covered on Mondays to Fridays.  

Saturday service between Vigo and Sevenoaks withdrawn.
3 April 2023-
332ChalkwellStockbury, Yelsted to Sittingbourne schoolsWithdrawal of school day only service to Sittingbourne schools

Estimated saving: £43,055

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023-
343
344
345
ChalkwellNewnham, Doddington, Lynsted, Teynham, Bapchild and Conyer to SittingbourneWithdrawal of all 3 services

The service operates Monday to Saturday providing the only public transport for rural parts of Sittingbourne including journeys for school children

Estimated saving: included in the Chalkwell 8 service savings

(change linked to bus subsidy)

12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
347ArrivaSittingbourne to KemsleyService withdrawnFebruary 2023Replacement service will be operated by Chalkwell
349ArrivaSittingbourne to MustonService withdrawnFebruary 2023Replacement service will be operated by Chalkwell
360ChalkwellLeysdown to Sheerness and QueenboroughService currently operates Monday to Sunday

Estimated saving: £31,779

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023

Changes to Monday to Saturday Service.  

Sunday service withdrawn.

361ChalkwellSheerness to RushendenService operates Monday to SundayFebruary 2023Revised timetable from February 2023
362ChalkwellSheerness to (west) MinsterService reduced to hourlyFebruary 2023-
367ChalkwellSheerness to Warden PointService operates Monday to SaturdayFebruary 2023Service withdrawn.

Bus numberOperatorRouteChange and impactDate of expected changeLatest update
433ArrivaBluewater, Longfield, Hartley to New Ash GreenWithdrawal of the whole Sunday service

The Monday to Saturday service is not covered by this contract

Estimated saving: £34,005

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
474
475
Go CoachBluewater to LongfieldWithdrawal of the whole service which runs Monday to Saturday, operating a circular service between Bluewater and Longfield via Bean, Betsham, Southfleet and New Barn

Estimated saving: £114,847

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023From 13 February a new Go Coach C1 off-peak only, less frequent service replaces much of the 474/475 route and is extended to serve Darent Valley Hospital and Darenth.
489ArrivaNew Ash Green, Southfleet, Longfield to GravesendWithdrawal of the whole Sunday service

The Monday to Saturday service is not covered by this contract

Estimated saving: included in the Arriva 433 service savings

(change linked to bus subsidy)
12 February 2023Subject to outcome of KCC decision making process
541
542
544
Regents CoachesDover, Deal, Sandwich to Canterbury

Withdrawal of all  journeys which operate on different days from Monday to Saturday for rural parts of Dover.

This includes the cancellation of the 541 journey to Adisham Primary School.

12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction.

Estimated saving: £81,270 
558
578 
Nu-VentureAddington to Maidstone schoolsService withdrawn

(expected commercial bus changes)
February 2023From February this service will operate from Barming to Maidstone only - no longer serving the villages in the West Malling area.

Bus numberOperatorRoute Change and impactDate of expected changeLatest update
634Regents CoachesStudd Hill to BeltingeWithdrawal of shopper service which operates between Studd Hill and Beltinge on a Thursday only.12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Estimated savings:  £14,281
647ArrivaIwadeService withdrawnFebruary 2023Replacement service will be operated by Chalkwell
662ChalkwellTeynham to Faversham schoolsWithdrawal of school day only service12 February 2023From 20 February Chalkwell will operate a new 355 service covering these areas.

KCC bus subsidy reduction

Estimated savings: £62,069
664ChalkwellConyer to Lynsted Primary SchoolWithdrawal of school day only service12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Estimated savings: £62,069
666ChalkwellFaversham to Sheldwich SchoolWithdrawal of school day only service.

Estimated savings: included in the savings of the 662 Chalkwell service.
12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction
976StagecoachSwingfield Minnis to Folkestone AcademyService withdrawnFebruary 2023Service withdrawn. Revised 73 service will cover passengers from Hawkinge.

Bus numberOperatorRoute Change and impactDate of expected changeLatest update
Detling ShopperCompaidDetling to MaidstoneWithdrawal of Monday to Friday shopper bus from Detling Village to Maidstone12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Expected savings: £37,469

Compaid have registered a new Shopper service that will continue to operate without subsidy.
E1Go CoachEdenbridge town centreWithdrawal of the whole Monday to Friday circular service around Edenbridge12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Expected savings: £141,363
HC2Go CoachDunton Green to Hugh ChristieWithdrawal of school day only service12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Expected savings: £43,700
HS7
HS8
ChalkwellCharing to Homewood SchoolWithdrawal of school services from Charing, Pluckley, Smarden and Biddenden into Homewood School12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Expected savings: £121,450
Sandwich ConnectBritanniaStaple, Sandwich to NorthbourneWithdrawal of the Sandwich Connect service which operates Monday to Friday to Sandwich from Northbourne, Staple and Ash.12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Expected savings: £51,657
Tenterden Hopper ServiceTenterden Social HubTenterden village serviceWithdrawal of the Tenterden Hopper Service which operates Monday to Friday and on 4 different routes to various villages just outside of Tenterden12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Expected savings: £50,934
TW9Go CoachLangton Green to Tunbridge WellsWithdrawal of school day only service12 February 2023

KCC bus subsidy reduction.

Expected savings: £38,170.

From February Go Coach will operate a new 234 service covering the same areas.

X1
X2
ArrivaKings Hill to MaidstoneWithdrawal of the Monday to Friday service linking Kings Hill with Maidstone and West Malling Station, including the link to Maidstone schools.12 February 2023KCC bus subsidy reduction

Expected savings: £207,721