London Train Stations: Navigate Your Journey with Easy Tips

Overview of London’s Rail Network

London’s rail network is a complex and extensive system, encompassing various networks like the London Underground stations, London Overground, National Rail Services, as well as the DLR and the Tramlink. The London Underground also known as the Tube is a rapid transit system with 11 lines and 272 stations.

Besides, London Overground stations are the suburban rail network, and National Rail services extend throughout the capital and beyond. Here, the DLR is a light rail system serving the Docklands area, and Tramlink operates in Croydon and the surrounding area. Let’s understand the overall London rail network below.

• London Underground - This is one of the main train stations in London, which is also the oldest rapid transit system in the world, dating back to 1863.
• London Overground - This is a suburban railway network that serves various parts of Greater London, including Hertfordshire, with 113 stations on six lines.
• National Rail - It’s Some services are operated by Transport for London, and it is a network of train services throughout London.
• Docklands Light Railway - DLR is a light rail system serving the Docklands area in east London.
• Tramlink - This is a light rail system in London that serves Croydon and surrounding areas.

The DLR and Tramlink are also part of the TfL system. All the above transport systems accept payment via Oyster cards, Travelcards, and contactless. Hopefully, you understood the London train stations' network well.

List of London Train Stations

If you are living in student accommodation in London, then you must be aware of its transport system to get discounts and cheap tickets. Here, we have listed the most popular London train stations, such as Birmingham, Waterloo, Cannon Street, Euston, Liverpool, etc. along with their details.

1. London Charing Cross Station

Among the North London train stations, Charing Cross railway station is a major underground station in Central London, managed by Network Rail. It is between the Strand and the Hungerford Bridge in Westminster and near many tourist attractions like Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. It’s a key transport interchange, connecting the railway network to the London Underground and bus routes.

• Location - The Strand, London, Greater London, WC2N 5HF.
• Opening Time - Monday to Saturday: 06:00 - 23:20; Sunday: 08:20 - 23:20.
• Facilities -ATMs, Wi-Fi, toilets, shops, and refreshment facilities.
• Nearby Attractions - Close to The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and other tourist hotspots.

2. Birmingham New Street Station

Birmingham New Street Station is managed by Network Rail and is a major rail hub in the UK. It serves 1250 trains daily and connects to various destinations. According to theLondon train station map, Birmingham New Street is the largest and busiest railway station, which serves over 46 million passengers annually. It connects various cities and is a central point for the British railway system.

• Location - Station Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4QA.
• Opening Time - Monday to Friday: 04:30 to 02:00, Saturday: 04:30 to 00:30, and Sunday: 08:00 to 02:00.
• Facilities -Offers toilets (including accessible and baby change), refreshment facilities, bicycle storage, information points, and WiFi.
• Nearby Attractions -Bullring Shopping Centre, the National SEA LIFE Centre, and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

3. Moorgate Train Station

Moorgate station in London is a major hub for both London Underground and National Rail services and is located in Zone 1. It is an underground station with three levels and has entrances on Moorgate and Moorfields. While it is not step-free to all platforms, it does offer step-free access to the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.

• Location - Moorgate, London EC2Y 9AE.
• Opening Time -Monday to Saturday from 06:00 to 20:00, and on Sundays from 08:00 to 19:00.
• Facilities - Ticket machines, assistance meeting points, waiting rooms, ATMs, refreshment facilities, shops, newsagents, Wi-Fi, telephones, and postal services.
• Nearby Attractions - Guildhall Art Gallery, Finsbury Circus Gardens, and Britain's Museum of Popular Music.

4. London Cannon Street Station

London Cannon Street station is a terminal station serving the south and southeast of London, which connects with the City of London. It is located near the River Thames in the eastern part of the city center and operates on the Southeastern Line alongside nearby Charing Cross. Cannon Street also has an associated Underground station on the Circle and District Lines.

• Location -Cannon Street, London, Greater London, EC4N 6AP.
• Opening Time -Monday to Friday 04:30 to 01:02, Saturday 05:00 to 01:02, Sunday 07:00 to 01:02.
• Facilities -Shops, food outlets, accessible toilets, and staff assistance.
• Nearby Attractions - St. Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England Museum, and Sky Garden.

5. London Bridge Train Station

Among the south London train stations, this is one of the best Underground stations. The London Bridge is the capital’s oldest railway station and has undergone numerous transformations to adapt to increasing passenger demand. It is located in the Borough of Southwark, with entrances on Tooley Street and St Thomas Street. London Bridge is the fourth busiest station in the UK and handles millions of passengers annually.

• Location - London Bridge Station, Tooley Street / St Thomas Street, London, Greater London, SE1 3QX.
• Opening Time - Monday to Saturday: 04:00 – 01:00, Sunday: 06:00 – 01:00.
• Facilities -Toilets, changing rooms, seating areas, ATMs, bicycle storage, and a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Nearby Attractions - The Shard, HMS Belfast, Southwark Cathedral, and the London Bridge Experience.

6. London Euston Train Station

London Euston train station first opened in 1837 and was rebuilt in the 1960s. It mainly serves intercity routes to the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales, and Scotland. It is a major central London train station that serves as the southern terminus of the West Coast Main Line. It connects London with many destinations, such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

• Location - Euston Road, London, Greater London, NW1 2RT.
• Opening Time - Monday to Saturday: 04:30–01:34, Saturday: 04:30–02:00, Sunday: 05:15–01:34.
• Facilities - Shops, food, services, ticket office (with advance bookings available), and travel center.
• Nearby Attractions - British Library, Wellcome Collection, and the British Museum.

7. London Victoria Train Station

London Victoria train station is located in the City of Westminster and serves as a major hub for National Rail Services with trains to various destinations. It is directly connected to the largest and most significant coach station in London and offers long-distance coach services. It also bridges various destinations, including London Zones, seaside resorts, seaports, and Gatwick Airport.

• Location - Victoria Station, Victoria, London, SW1E 5ND.
• Opening Time- -4 hours, Monday to Sunday. Ticket offices are open from 06:30 to 22:00.
• Facilities - Ticket halls, escalators, toilets, cash machines, boarding ramps, wifi, help points, left luggage, and waiting room.
• Nearby Attractions - Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral, Tate Britain, and Kensington Gardens.

8. London Waterloo Train Station

Waterloo is among the busiest and largest London Tube stations. It connects various popular London streetswith the south and southwest zones. London Waterloo train station is known for its iconic Victory Arch and offers a wide range of facilities and services for travelers. This station is a vital part of London’s transportation network and serves commuters, tourists, and those who travel to and from other parts of the UK.

• Location - Waterloo Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 8SW.
• Opening Time -Open from 5:30 AM to 11:15 PM (Mon-Sat) and 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM (Sun).
• Facilities - Ticket machines, shops, toilets, Wi-Fi, cycle storage, and parking.
• Nearby Attractions - TheLondon Eye, South Bank, The National Theatre, Tate Modern, County Hall, and the London Dungeon.

9. London Paddington Train Station

Paddington Station is an underground station in London. In West London train stations, it is one of the busiest train stations. It is a key hub for travel to and from the West Country, South Wales, and suburban areas of West London. While Paddington is located in central London, it is also recognized as a station within the West London area, as it's positioned further west compared to other central stations like King's Cross.

• Location - Praed Street, London, W2 1HQ.
• Opening Time - Monday to Saturday: 06:10 to 22:15, Sunday: 07:00 to 22:15. 
• Facilities - Ticket office, ticket machines, pre-purchased ticket collection, car park, bicycle parking, step-free access, toilets, cash machines, and customer information screens.
• Nearby Attractions - Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Canal, and Little Venice.

10. London Marylebone Train Station

Marylebone train station is located in Central London. It serves as the southern end of the Chiltern Railway’s Chiltern Main Line to Birmingham and other destinations like Oxford and High Wycombe. It is mainly known for being quieter and easily accessible by bus and taxi. It has easy access to other Underground lines like Jubilee and Baker Street.

• Location -Marylebone Station, Melcombe Place, London NW1 6JJ.
• Opening Time - Monday to Friday: 06:30 to 22:10, Saturday: 06:30 to 22:10, Sunday: 07:30 to 21:40. 
• Facilities - Ticket halls, ticket machines, customer help points, seating areas, toilets, and Wi-Fi.
• Nearby Attractions - Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds, Baker Street, and the Wallace Collection.

11. London City Airport Train Station

This station has two entrances and features escalators and lifts for platform access, including a dedicated lift for step-free access. London City Airport Train Station is an elevated, fully enclosed station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) line, serving the airport. It is located on the King George V branch of the DLR, with trains running to the Bank in the City of London and Woolwich Arsenal.

• Location -Hartmann Road, Newham, London, E16 2DU.
• Opening Time -Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday 7:00 am to 12:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• Facilities -Elevated and enclosed, entrances, shops & services, waiting room, direct access to the airport.
• Nearby Attractions -Excel London, Royal Docks, Canary Wharf, Bank of England, O2 Arena, and Barrow’s Building.

12. London Liverpool Street Train Station

This is one of the key transport hubs for commuters and tourists. London Liverpool Street train station is known for its large capacity, and serves approximately more than 80 million passengers annually, making it the busiest station in the UK. The station is the gateway to the City of London, Shoreditch, and other east London destinations.

• Location - Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 7PY.
• Opening Time - Monday: 03:10–01:03, Tuesday–Thursday: 04:00–01:03, Friday–Saturday: 03:10–01:03, and Sunday: 03:40–01:03.
• Facilities -Cash machines, baby changing, post boxes, shops, refreshment facilities (coffee shops, bars, etc.), toilets, telephones, and a waiting room.
• Nearby Attractions -Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Spitalfields Market, Leadenhall Market, Churchill War Rooms, St. Botolph's Church, and St. Paul's Cathedral.

13. London Stansted Train Station

London Stansted train station, officially named Stansted Airport railway station, is a station directly beneath the terminal building. It offers a quick and convenient way to travel to and from the airport. The station features three platforms with 1 and 3 being used by the Stansted Express and Norwich services, and 2 being used by CrossCountry services.

• Location - Bassingbourn Road, Stansted, Essex, CM24 1QW.
• Opening Time - Monday-Saturday from 08:00-20:00, Sunday from 10:00-20:00, and on Bank Holidays from 09:00-18:00.
• Facilities - Toilets, baby changing, accessible toilets, waiting rooms, ticket offices, refreshments, ATMs, lifts, ramps, escalators, and parking.
• Nearby Attractions -Mountfitchet Castle, Hatfield Forest, Bishop's Stortford, and Stansted Mountfitchet.

14. Harry Potter Train Station London

In the Harry Potter books and films, King’s Cross Station in London is the station where students board the Hogwarts Express, the magical train to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is especially Platform Platform 9¾, a magical platform hidden between 9 and 10. In reality, King’s Cross Station does have a platform 9¾ wall and a trolley where fans can take photos.

• Location -London N1 9AP, United Kingdom.
• Opening Time -8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday to Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays.
• Facilities - Shops, cafes, Harry Potter shops, lost property offices, information desks, ticket counters, and waiting rooms.
• Nearby Attractions - Pancras Station, Leadenhall Market, Millennium Bridge, Alnwick Castle, 12 Grimmauld Place.

15. London Gatwick Train Station

This station is managed by Gatwick Express and is a well-equipped hub located within the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport. Gatwick train station has undergone recent improvements, including a new second concourse and facilities like escalators, lifts, and stairways. You can make all ticket payments by an Oyster card London. It provides a seamless connection between the airport and the surrounding area, including London, making it a crucial link for travelers.

• Location - Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0RD.
• Opening Time - 24 hours, 7 days a week, including public holidays.
• Facilities - Ticket machines, Oyster cards, restrooms, ATM, baby changing, currency exchange, refreshment, customer assistance points, and car parking.
• Nearby Attractions -Tilgate Park, Hampton Court Palace, Chessington World of Adventures, Gatwick Aviation Museum, South Downs National Park, and Hawth Theatre.

Finally, you have explored the best stations, which are located in Central London and nearby zones.

Tips for Navigating London Train Stations

Navigating station routes easily is important if you are living in student accommodation in UK, or nearby cities, or you are a traveler or visitor. Here, we have provided a few tips so that you can explore the city well and make your journey unforgettable.

• Plan your journey by utilizing apps like Citymapper or Google Maps and check live updates for train stations. This will help you understand the London train stations map easily.
• While visiting, you can look for signs indicating lines, directions, and platforms.
• A few train stations have multiple entrances like King’s Cross and Oxford Circus, so do not get confused.
• You must know how different lines intersect and branch out. Check overhead digital boards for train destinations and timing.
• Most central stations have escalators and elevators, such as London Waterloo, Liverpool, Gatwick, etc, so you can use them.
• Larger stations offer a variety of shops and restaurants. You can also use ticket machines for purchasing tickets or topping up your Oyster cards.
• When you use escalators, stand on the right, wait for the passenger to leave the train before boarding, and avoid blocking doorways.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have discussed several London train stations, along with their timings, locations, facilities, and nearby attractions, in this blog. While visiting the city, all the above information will be helpful for you to navigate the destinations. We have also provided you tips that every student, traveler, resident, or visitor must know before boarding the train. So, it is time to start your journey and make some unforgettable memories in London’s train stations!

FAQs

1. How Many Train Stations in London?

There are 334 train stations and 270 Underground (Tube) stations in Greater London. Moreover, the capital is home to nine out of ten of the busiest railway stations in the UK.

2. Can I Use an Oyster Card at London Train Stations?

Yes, you can use Oyster cards on most National Rail services within London and some outside of London. You can also use it on other TfL services like the Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, most Elizabeth lines, the IFS Cloud Cable Car, and Thames Clippers River Bus services.

3. What’s the Difference Between London Underground and National Rail?

The main difference between London Underground and National Rail is their scope and operator. The London Underground is a network of mostly underground railways within the city of London, operated by TfL (Transport for London). Besides, National Rail is the broader national rail network across England, Scotland, and Wales, operated by passenger train operating companies (TOCs).

4. What Is the Best App to Check Train Times in London?

For checking the times of trains at London railway stations, the best app is the National Rail Enquiries app, as it offers real-time travel updates and personalized features, and allows users to track their train. The Trainline app is also a popular option for checking train times, booking tickets, and tracking train progress.

5. Can I Travel Between London Stations Easily?

You can travel easily between London stations using the extensive public transportation network. TheLondon Underground stations (Tube), bus, train, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and Elizabeth Line offer various options for reaching different parts of London.