Bearsted is a village on the eastern edge of Maidstone, with one of the largest village greens in Kent, cricket in summer and a ring of old pubs and cottages around it. Just to the east and south, the ME17 postcode covers a string of villages in the countryside below the North Downs: Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham, Headcorn, Langley and Sutton Valence, with Leeds Castle in the middle. A taxi from Gatwick Airport to Bearsted and the ME17 villages costs from £109 for a saloon, fixed at booking.
The route from Gatwick
From Gatwick, the driver takes the M23 north to the M25, heads east to junction 5, then follows the M26 into the M20 past West Malling and Maidstone. Bearsted is just off junction 7, and the ME17 villages are reached from junctions 7 and 8. It is around 45 miles, nearly all motorway.
In normal traffic, it takes 50 minutes to an hour. The M25 around junctions 5 to 7 and the M20 near Maidstone can be slow at rush hour. The M20 is also affected when the Channel ports are very busy. For late evening landings, the run is usually quicker.
Bearsted and the ME17 villages
Bearsted itself, around the Green and the Street, is in ME14, and we cover it alongside the ME17 villages:
- Hollingbourne, Harrietsham and Lenham, strung along the foot of the Downs on the A20.
- Leeds village and Broomfield, around Leeds Castle.
- Langley, Sutton Valence and Chart Sutton, on the ridge south of Maidstone with views across the Weald.
- Headcorn and Ulcombe, in the flatter country to the south.
Many properties in these villages are down lanes, and some have names rather than numbers. Add directions or a what3words reference when you book, and the driver will find you.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle sits on islands in a lake near Hollingbourne, and it is one of the most visited historic houses in England. It hosts weddings, concerts, conferences and a well-known hotel and holiday cottages in its grounds. Many guests fly into Gatwick for events at the castle. If you are going there, tell us which entrance or accommodation you need, and the driver will follow the estate signs.
Train options
Bearsted, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham and Lenham have stations on the line from London Victoria to Ashford via Maidstone East, and Headcorn is on the main line from Tonbridge to Ashford. There is no direct train from Gatwick. The usual rail route is via London, or via Redhill and Tonbridge, with at least one change and often two. Allow around an hour and three quarters to two hours.
For a solo traveller who lives near a station, that is cheaper. For families, travellers with large cases, or anyone landing late, the car is the easier option, and for three or four people, the fixed fare compares well.
Gatwick's drop-off charges
If a friend drives you to Gatwick for your next trip, warn them that the forecourt drop-off zones have cost £10 for the first ten minutes since January 2026, rising by £1 a minute up to thirty minutes. The plate is read by camera and the charge must be paid online by midnight the next day. The free Long Stay car park allows two hours with a shuttle bus. If you pre-book with us, it is included in the price you are quoted.
Meet and greet
Your driver tracks your flight, waits in the arrivals hall with a name board, and walks you to the car. If your flight is delayed, there is no extra cost.
Leaving for Gatwick
The same fixed fare applies from Bearsted or ME17 to Gatwick. As a guide, leave around three hours before a short-haul flight and three and a half hours before long-haul, adding time if the M20 is busy.
Weddings and events in the Kent countryside
Besides Leeds Castle, the countryside around Maidstone has many wedding and event venues: barns, manor houses and hotels set among the orchards and hop fields. Guests often fly into Gatwick from overseas. If you are coming for a wedding, book your transfer early, especially on summer Saturdays, and give us the venue name. For a group of guests, an eight-seat MPV takes everyone together with luggage, at one fixed price for the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a taxi from Gatwick to Bearsted?
From £109 for a saloon carrying up to four passengers, fixed at booking.
How long does it take?
Around 50 minutes to an hour for 45 miles via the M25, M26 and M20.
Do you cover Lenham, Headcorn and Sutton Valence?
Yes. Any address in ME17 and the surrounding villages can be booked at a fixed price.
Can you take me to Leeds Castle?
Yes. Tell us which entrance or accommodation you need.
Is there a direct train from Gatwick?
No. You will need at least one change, usually two.
Can the driver find a rural address?
Yes. Add directions or a what3words reference when you book.
Will the driver wait if my flight is late?
Yes. Your flight number is tracked, and the driver's arrival time changes to match, free of charge.
Can you take a group of wedding guests?
Yes. MPVs and eight-seaters take groups with luggage at a single fixed price.
