Unlike many European capitals, London has no single central station. Instead, each main line ends at its own terminal, and they are spread across the city. Booking the right train is only half of it; you also need to know which station it leaves from and how long it takes to get there.
Which station for where?
| Station | Main destinations | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| St Pancras International | Eurostar to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam; Kent; the East Midlands; Sheffield | Allow extra time for Eurostar checks |
| King's Cross | Cambridge, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh | Next door to St Pancras |
| Euston | Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow; Watford Junction | For the Studio Tour shuttle |
| Paddington | Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Cornwall | Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line |
| Waterloo | Southampton, Portsmouth, Windsor, Hampton Court | One of the UK's busiest stations |
| Victoria | Brighton, Kent; Gatwick Express | Victoria Coach Station nearby |
| Liverpool Street | Cambridge, Norwich; Stansted Express | Elizabeth line interchange |
| London Bridge | Brighton, Kent; Thameslink to Gatwick | Close to the Shard and Borough Market |
| Marylebone | Oxford, Birmingham via Chiltern | Small and calm |
Many destinations are served from more than one station. Always check your ticket.
Getting to the station on time
Stations are crowded at rush hour, and some, such as Waterloo and Euston, are large, with a long walk from the entrance to the platform. As a rough guide, aim to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before a domestic departure, and much earlier for the Eurostar. Read our St Pancras and Eurostar guide for international trains.
The Underground connects all the main terminals, but changes with luggage can mean stairs and crowded trains. A car to the station door saves that, especially for families, older travellers and anyone with large cases.
Being met off a train
If you are arriving in London by train, give us your train and coach details when you book. We track the train, and your driver meets you at an agreed point. Some stations have restricted pickup areas, so we send clear instructions in advance. Station pickups include 30 minutes of free waiting.
Station or private car for the whole journey?
For longer trips, such as London to Oxford, Bath or Cambridge, a private car can be a good alternative to the train for families and groups, especially with luggage. Our guide to city-to-city transfers versus the train compares the two.
Questions we are often asked
Which London station has trains to Oxford?
Paddington and Marylebone both have direct trains to Oxford.
Which station do I need for Cambridge?
King's Cross has the fastest trains to Cambridge. Liverpool Street also has services.
How early should I get to a London station?
For a domestic train, 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough. For the Eurostar, follow the arrival time on your ticket, usually 75 to 90 minutes before departure.
Can you meet us off a train?
Yes. Give us your train details and we will track it. Your driver meets you at an agreed point, and station pickups include 30 minutes of free waiting.
Is the price per person?
No. Our prices are per vehicle and agreed before you travel.