London Waterloo to Guildford Trains From £17.00*

Travelling from London Waterloo to Guildford by train with South Western Railway (SWR) offers a fast and direct route ideal for daily commuters and visitors. The journey covers around 27 miles and takes 34 minutes. With 164 trains operating daily and departures from 00:17 to 23:30, there are plenty of options to suit any schedule.

This route is popular with those exploring Surrey's countryside or commuting from Guildford into central London. Along the journey, travellers are treated to a mix of urban views and scenic suburban landscapes, passing through green spaces and traditional English towns.

South Western Railway operates one of the UK's busiest rail networks, connecting London Waterloo with major destinations in southern England such as Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, and Exeter. SWR also serves other regions, including Greater London, Hampshire, Dorset, and even the Isle of Wight, and operates electrified and diesel lines. With over 200 stations and over 140 million passengers served annually, SWR plays a crucial role in regional mobility and development.

Departing from London Waterloo

London Waterloo Station is one of Britain's busiest and best-connected rail terminals. It is situated in the Waterloo area of the London Borough of Lambeth. It's served by several London Underground lines, including Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City, making it easily accessible from all parts of the city.

There's a taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach for those arriving by road, while Santander Cycles and numerous bus routes offer alternative travel options. Waterloo is also within walking distance of landmarks like the South Bank and the London Eye.

Waterloo is the primary hub for South Western Railway, offering services to major cities and towns in the south and southwest of England, including Guildford, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, and Southampton. It's also well connected by Transport for London (TfL) services. The station is managed primarily by SWR on the mainline, while TfL runs Underground services.

Main stops

Direct South Western Railway trains from London Waterloo to Guildford stop at Clapham Junction, Surbiton, Cobham & Stoke d'Abernon, Horsley, Clandon and finally at Guildford.

Arriving at Guildford

Guildford railway station is a key transport hub in Surrey. It is located on the Portsmouth Direct Line and is a junction for the North Downs Line and the New Guildford Line. It is the larger of the two main stations in Guildford town centre and is well connected to London and the South East, approximately 30 miles from London Waterloo.

The station is mainly served by South Western Railway, with additional services from Southern, including trains to Gatwick Airport. Regular connections are available to Reading, Portsmouth Harbour, Alton, and Farnham.

From here, passengers can explore historic and cultural attractions such as Guildford Castle, Guildford Cathedral, Watts Chapel, and High Street, all within easy reach of the station.

South Western Railway train classes

South Western Railway provides two main classes of travel: Standard Class and First Class.

• Standard Class offers comfortable seating suitable for daily commuting or leisure travel.
• First Class, available on many services including Class 444 and Class 450 Desiro trains, provides a more spacious, quiet environment with additional amenities such as leather seating, tray tables, and power sockets.

Passengers with Standard Class tickets may upgrade to First Class for an additional fee, which can be paid at the station or onboard.

South Western Railway train travel advice

Before you travel with South Western Railway, it's worth reviewing their key passenger guidelines to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

• Luggage: You may bring up to two large bags and one small item per person. Use the overhead racks or storage spaces at the carriage ends. For added convenience, SWR Luggage Buddy offers a paid delivery option.
• Bicycles: Folded bikes are allowed without restriction. Full-size bikes may require a reservation and are restricted during peak travel times. They must be stored in designated bike areas, not block aisles or doors.
• Children: Children under 5 travel free, and those aged 5 to 15 pay half fare. While there is no official minimum age for unaccompanied travel, parents should consider the child's maturity. Railcards like the 16 to 17 Saver are available for older children.
• Pets: You can bring up to two dogs or small pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead, and pets must not occupy seats or obstruct aisles. Assistance dogs are always welcome.
• Passenger Assist: Passenger Assist can be booked up to two hours before for passengers with disabilities, mobility challenges, or hidden impairments. Assistance includes help navigating stations, boarding and alighting trains, and carrying luggage.

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