Tower Bridge by Train: Everything You Need to Know

Stretching majestically across the River Thames, Tower Bridge is an unmissable central London attraction that is easy to reach by train. Conveniently located for London sightseeing, Tower Bridge has excellent transport links with London stations by bus, tube, or taxi.

For visitors seeking the most direct way to get to Tower Bridge by train, you’ll want to arrive at London Bridge. This central London rail hub transports more than 50 million passengers into and out of the capital each year, with services operated by Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink. Arrivals into London Bridge come from places like Epsom, Peterborough, Dartford, Hayes, and Horsham. Managed by Network Rail, London Bridge is an accessible station, with seating areas, step-free access to all platforms, and accessible toilets for the comfort of all passengers.

After arriving at London Bridge, you can get to Tower Bridge with a simple walk under 10 minutes east along the Thames. Or for those who prefer to travel by bus, there is a bus station directly outside the station’s main entrance.

If you’re arriving in London at other stations, you can easily travel across London on the Underground. For example, from London Kings Cross to Tower Bridge, you only need to take the Circle Line to Tower Hill, from where you’ll only be a few minutes’ walk away. Whichever route you pick, buy cheap train tickets when you book in advance with TrainPal.

Secure your spot on an unforgettable Tower Bridge visitor experience by booking your trip in advance. With tickets from just £16 per person (with a reduced rate of £12 for students), this is an ideal day out in London. Family tickets are available too for various combinations of adults and children, with prices starting at £36.

Generally, Tower Bridge opening hours are 09:30-18:00, though this may vary at different times of the year. Last entry time is 17:00, and most visitors typically spend 1-2 hours exploring Tower Bridge’s attractions.

From history to heady heights, Tower Bridge provides an immersive experience for the whole family. Enjoy spectacular views across London from the iconic towers, and learn about the bridge’s exhilarating construction. Here are our top recommendations for making the most of your visit to Tower Bridge:

Delve into the history of Tower Bridge

Visitors have access to so much history at Tower Bridge, through a range of fantastic exhibitions that tell the story of the bridge’s construction and many memorable moments. Discover the origins of this iconic architectural achievement, and hear the story come to life with a new audio guide (available in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish).

See London differently on the Walkways

Experience breathtaking views over London from the Walkways, which connect the North and South Towers. At a height of 42 metres above the River Thames, take in panoramic views of London, from St Pauls and The Shard to the west and Canary Wharf and Shooter's Hill to the east.

Get mechanical in the Engine Rooms

Immersive panels and displays allow you to get up close with Victorian machinery in Tower Bridge’s historical Engine Rooms. From the original Victorian steam engines to coal-fired boilers, see the machines that once powered the Tower Bridge Lifts for over 80 years, and learn the stories of workers who made it happen.

Tower Bridge boasts more than a century of fascinating stories to educate and entertain every visitor. In October 1884, Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect, and Sir John Wolfe Barry set out their design for Tower Bridge; thanks to the relentless labour of 432 construction workers, the bridge was completed a decade later in 1894.

The largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built, Tower Bridge continues to operate with much of the same architectural ingenuity as it originally did. Its story to the present day includes daredevil exploits, minor damages during the Blitz, and a switch away from steam power to electricity.

Do you know how many tons of steel were used for the Tower’s framework and Walkways? The bridge’s massive piers were built on foundations sunk into the riverbed, with more than 11,000 tons of steel needed in the build!

Hayes to London

A convenient direct journey with Southeastern takes passengers from Hayes (Kent) to London Bridge in just 33 minutes. From Kent to central London is quick and affordable, especially when travelling with a railcard and when booking in advance with TrainPal.

Peterborough to London

Trains to Tower Bridge are simple from Peterborough, with direct Thameslink services taking you straight to the nearest station to the iconic attraction. Travel from Peterborough to London Bridge in 1 hour 35 minutes, without the need to change trains.

Edinburgh to London

Getting from Edinburgh to London is easy on direct LNER services that take just 4 and a half hours. Departing from Edinburgh (Waverley), you’ll arrive at London Kings Cross, from where you can take the Circle Line to Tower Hill. Remember to book cheap train tickets with TrainPal in advance, and reserve your seat on LNER trains.

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

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