Trains to London Waterloo

Formerly the UK’s busiest railway station, London Waterloo is still one of the stations with the highest usage despite the “Elizabeth line effect”. It recorded over 62.5 million entries and exits in 2024 and remains the station with the most floor space and platforms in Britain. Named after the eponymous bridge (which was renamed to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815), it is situated in the London Borough of Lambeth.

Waterloo is an important station for commuters, locals and tourists. It was also a major terminus for World War I soldiers and British Expeditionary Force sailors travelling to Southampton. The Victory Arch at the main entrance is a memorial to pay tributes to those who lost their lives during the war and is the only part of the station to be listed.

Those travelling to and from London Waterloo can connect to the station’s free WiFi, purchase food, drink and other items from the new retail spaces on the balcony or collect or buy train tickets from the ticket office or machines. The ticket office is opposite platforms 16–17 and open 05:30–23:15 from Monday to Saturday and 06:30–22:30 on Sunday.

Waterloo has a station on the London Underground network, which is on the Bakerloo, Jubilee and Northern lines. The station is also connected to Waterloo East station on the South Eastern Main Line. Local buses depart from several points around the station day and night. London Eye Pier and Festival Pier are nearby for boats towards the City and Greenwich.

For travel by car or cab, a taxi rank is through the main arch outside the station, which is also a one-way pick-up and drop-off point for cars. A car park is located on Station Approach.

Plenty of bicycle parking is available, with over 170 spaces on Cab Road and more than 190 spaces by platform 11.

Waterloo station is a major rail hub for services to and from the south-west of England and the south coast. Destinations include Windsor, Dorking, Richmond and Guildford. For cheap train tickets, remember to book in advance.

Basingstoke to London Waterloo

The train from Basingstoke takes around an hour, and over 140 trains operate daily. Season Tickets are an excellent option for regular commuters.

Southampton to London Waterloo

It typically takes 1 hour and 19 minutes to travel from Southampton Central to London Waterloo by train. Direct trains depart every half hour.

Surbiton to London Waterloo

Up to six trains depart from this commuter hotspot each hour and get to Waterloo in around 32 minutes.

Portsmouth to London Waterloo

Journeys from Portsmouth Harbour are just over two hours on average, with some trains taking as little as 1 hour and 36 minutes. There are usually three trains an hour.

London Waterloo station is the terminus for trains serving destinations on the south coast and in South West England. The main train operator for regular trains is South Western Railway.

South Western Railway operates trains to south-west London and suburbs in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and Dorset. Additional services include regional trains to Somerset, Wiltshire and Devon, as well as the Island Line on the Isle of Wight.

Some may think Waterloo is just a hub for commuters, but there’s plenty to discover beyond the rail station. The South Bank is teeming with cultural venues, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Thames and London’s landmarks, like the London Eye and Big Ben. On the way there, explore the street art in the Leake Street Arches and choose from an array of tasty street food at the weekend Southbank Centre Food Market. For entertainment, watch a show at the National Theatre, Old Vic or Young Vic, or head over to the BFI IMAX for an immersive film experience.

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How much is parking at Waterloo station?

It currently costs £9.20 to park for up to one hour and £11.20 for up to two hours. Fees also vary depending on the time and day. For more prices, see APCOA’s website.

Is there luggage storage at Waterloo station?

Yes, the Excess Baggage Company provides left luggage facilities for a fee. They are located opposite the ramp to platforms 20–24.

Can you walk from Waterloo to Waterloo East station?

Yes, there is a walkway from the main concourse in Waterloo station to Waterloo East.

Are there shops in Waterloo station?

Yes, Waterloo Station has many shops and food outlets, including those on the upper level and at the former Eurostar terminus.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.