Getting from Orpington to London Charing Cross with Southeastern takes twenty-five to forty-five minutes.
You’ll begin your journey in the suburbs of South London and then head north towards Lewisham and Bermondsey before passing The Shard. Afterwards, you’ll roll on over to Waterloo and then cross the River Thames to arrive at Charing Cross Station.
Southeastern operates a high-speed network that covers London, Kent, and East Sussex, serving 450,000 passengers daily.
Departing from Orpington
Orpington Station is on Station Approach, just off Crofton Road. It’s a small but busy station that facilitates fast and convenient travel to central London. Southeastern and Thameslink are the primary operators of this station.
The station has a taxi drop-off point at the entrance and is serviced by local buses. Its large car park, consisting of 319 spaces, is available all week.
Main stops
There are usually two stations from Orpington to London Charing Cross: London Bridge and London Waterloo East.
However, another Southeastern service stops at eight stations: Petts Wood, Chislehurst, Elmstead Woods, Grove Park, Hither Green, Lewisham, London Bridge, and London Waterloo East.
So, it’s best to ensure which service you use before travelling. If you want to buy cheap train tickets, book early, add a Railcard for an extra discount, and use TrainPal to find the cheapest tickets.
Arriving at London Charing Cross
Located on The Strand, London Charing Cross offers passengers an incredible way to get around London. Its own dedicated tube station serves the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and it’s also close to Embankment tube station, which runs on the Northern, Bakerloo, Circle, and District lines—offering a convenient way to get around the city in a heartbeat.
There are so many things to do near Charing Cross, as it’s literally in the very heart of London. Trafalgar Square, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Gallery, and Leicester Square are nearby. To the west, you'll find Buckingham Palace and St James’ Park; meanwhile, Covent Garden, Somerset House, and the West End can be found to the east. So, whether you prefer the intellectual gratification London has to offer, or you’re more suited to schmoozing in Covent Garden beer bars, Charing Cross can help you get there.
Southeastern train classes
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
- First Class: There are no Orpington to London Charing Cross First Class tickets. This is because Southeastern abolished its first-class service in 2022.
Southeastern train travel advice
- Luggage: Bags and other luggage items are permitted. Luggage must weigh no more than 23kg. No more than two large suitcases.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bikes are welcomed but there is a ‘first come, first served’ policy. You cannot bring your bike if your train departs London during peak hours.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Up to four children between 5 and 15 can travel for £1 with one fare-paying adult ticket. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Assist with travel planning, provide travel information, handle luggage, reserve seats, support boarding, and offer connection services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.