Travel in Kent Kent is in a unique position at the crossroads of northern Europe and itÕs never been easier to make the journey. From December 2009, domestic rail services will also benefit from the UKÕs first high-speed line If you are in a hurry to do business in Europe, EurostarÕs high-speed services to the continent are available from two international stations in the countyÕs growth area at Ebbsfleet International (north Kent) and Ashford International. From December 2009, domestic rail services will also benefit from the UKÕs first high-speed line when new services are introduced linking east and north Kent with central London dramatically reducing journey times to and from the capital. For a short hop, travellers are really spoilt for choice at Dover, which is still the worldÕs largest passenger port. Apart from the frequent ferries to Calais and Dunkirk, there are fast catamarans to Boulogne, two cruise ship terminals and a 400-berth marina. By rail, the Eurotunnel shuttles take cars and lorries to Calais in 35 minutes. Travellers are within easy reach of the main flight centres at London Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton and Stansted, and there are two small airports in Kent at Manston and Lydd. On the buses, passengers have really taken to the Fastrack system introduced in north KentÕs growth area. The scheme provides dedicated bus lanes and services every 10 minutes, also linking the new Ebbsfleet International station with several areas including Bluewater. Motorists enter Kent from Essex over the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge on the M25 and there are fast motorway and ÔAÕ road connections as far as the coast. Recent improvements include the upgrading of the A2 and M2, the new dual carriageway linking Sheppey with the rest of Kent, and the East Kent Access scheme which unlocks development potential and eases local traffic flows in the Thanet/Sandwich area. The County Council is pioneering the use of hi-tech intelligent transport systems to keep traffic moving in the main urban centres. 11