Petts Wood to London Trains From €10.52*

The rail journey from Petts Wood to London covers 12 miles, with around 301 trains operating daily. Average journey times are approximately 40 minutes, while the quickest direct services reach London in just 21 minutes. Both Southeastern and Thameslink operate on this route, although Southeastern provides the overwhelming majority of services and offers a wider choice of London terminals.

The table below compares both operators, helping you choose the best option based on journey time, destination and onboard facilities.

• Southeastern: Operates the fastest and most frequent direct services, making it the preferred choice for commuters travelling to London Bridge, Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross.
• Thameslink: Offers fewer departures but provides convenient direct access to stations further north without changing trains.

Around 301 services operate every day, giving passengers plenty of flexibility, while several London terminals provide straightforward access to The Tube, buses and onward National Rail services.

Departure from Petts Wood

Specific transport links

• TfL buses: Routes 208, 273, R3 and R7 stop at or immediately outside Station Square, providing convenient local connections throughout Bromley.
• Night buses: The N199 serves the station overnight, offering a useful alternative when regular rail services have finished.
• Connections to nearby hubs: Bus services provide easy links to Bromley South and Orpington, where additional National Rail services are available.

Station layout

• Platform arrangement: Petts Wood has four platforms arranged across two island platforms connected by a central footbridge.
• London-bound services: Most trains towards London depart from Platforms 3 or 4, although platform allocations can vary, so always check departure screens.

Pre-departure essentials

If you have time before boarding, you'll find a coffee kiosk operating on Platforms 3 and 4 during weekday mornings. Just outside the station, Station Square offers cafes including Costa Coffee alongside independent coffee shops. Nearby convenience stores and bakeries are ideal for picking up drinks, snacks or a meal deal before your train departs.

Onboard trains from Petts Wood to London

The journey takes passengers through a changing landscape that moves from suburban neighbourhoods to London's distinctive skyline in as little as 21 minutes.

The scenic side

• Sit on the right-hand side to enjoy views across Jubilee Country Park shortly after leaving Petts Wood before the scenery gradually changes into dense urban development approaching central London.

Key landmarks

• Jubilee Country Park: One of south-east London's largest green spaces appears soon after departure, offering attractive woodland and open parkland views.
• The Shard: Visible shortly before arriving at London Bridge, this landmark dominates the skyline above the station approaches.
• River Thames: Services terminating at Cannon Street cross completely over the River Thames via the railway bridge as they enter the terminal station.
• Tower Bridge: Depending on your route, passengers may catch partial views of Tower Bridge near the approach to Cannon Street.

Arriving at London

Trains from Petts Wood terminate at four major London stations: London Bridge, Charing Cross, Victoria, and Cannon Street. Collectively, these stations handle hundreds of millions of passengers every year, yet clear signage and excellent transport links make it easy to continue your journey across the capital.

London Bridge

London Bridge is the fastest and most common destination from Petts Wood, with some Southeastern services arriving in as little as 21 minutes.

The correct exit

• Tooley Street exit: Use this exit for More London, City Hall, London Bridge City Pier and riverside attractions.
• Joiner Street/The Shard exit: Follow signs here for The Shard, the station taxi rank, bus station and retail outlets.
• Borough High Street exit: Best for Borough High Street markets, bank offices, and walking towards the City of London.

Onward travel

• The Tube: Connect directly with the Jubilee and Northern lines without leaving the station.
• TfL buses: London Bridge Bus Station is immediately outside the main concourse, with frequent services across central and south London.
• River services: Walk approximately five minutes to London Bridge City Pier for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
• National Rail: Continue to destinations across south-east London, Kent and Sussex using connecting rail services.

Walkability

London Bridge is an excellent station if you plan to explore on foot. Borough Market, Hay's Galleria, The Shard and the South Bank are all within a 10-minute walk, while crossing London Bridge places you in the City of London in around 10 to 15 minutes.

Charing Cross

Situated at the western end of the Strand, Charing Cross is the ideal arrival point for London's West End. It places you within easy reach of world-famous theatres, museums, shopping streets and historic landmarks, making it particularly popular with leisure travellers.

The correct exit

• Strand exit: The quickest route to Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the National Gallery and West End theatres.
• Villiers Street exit: Best for Embankment, the River Thames, nearby hotels and river cruises.

Onward travel

• The Tube: Direct access to the Bakerloo and Northern lines.
• TfL buses: Numerous routes depart from the Strand and Trafalgar Square towards Westminster, Waterloo, Holborn and Kensington.
• River services: Embankment Pier is around a five-minute walk for Thames river services.
• Walking routes: Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Soho are all comfortably reached on foot.

Walkability

Charing Cross is one of the most centrally located stations in London. Trafalgar Square is less than two minutes away, while Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Whitehall are all within a 15-minute walk.

London Victoria

Victoria is a major transport interchange serving commuters, tourists and international visitors. It provides convenient access to Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Belgravia, while also offering some of London's best transport connections.

The correct exit

• Victoria Street exit: Best for Westminster, St James's Park, government offices and nearby hotels.
• Buckingham Palace Road exit:  Follow this exit for a direct walk to Victoria Coach Station and Buckingham Palace.

Onward travel

• The Tube: Connect with the Victoria, District and Circle lines directly from the station.
• TfL buses: Victoria Bus Station sits immediately in front of the station, serving numerous routes across central, west, and south London.
• National Coach services: Victoria Coach Station is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
• Taxis: A large taxi rank operates outside both main station entrances.

Walkability

Many of central London's most famous landmarks are within walking distance. Buckingham Palace, Green Park, Westminster Cathedral and St James's Park can all be reached in around 10 to 20 minutes without using public transport.

Cannon Street

Located in the heart of the City of London, Cannon Street is particularly convenient for business travellers heading to London's financial district. The station also provides quick access to historic attractions along the River Thames.

The correct exit

• Cannon Street exit: Ideal for Bank, Mansion House, the Royal Exchange and surrounding office districts.
• Dowgate Hill exit: Best for Upper Thames Street, riverside walks and nearby hotels.

Onward travel

• The Tube: District and Circle line services are available directly beneath the station.
• TfL buses: Frequent routes serve St Paul's Cathedral, Liverpool Street, Holborn and London Bridge.
• Walking connections: Bank, Monument and Mansion House Underground stations are all within a few minutes on foot.
• National Rail: Southeastern services depart from here, providing direct links towards south-east London and Kent.

Walkability

The City is highly pedestrian-friendly, with St Paul's Cathedral, Leadenhall Market, Bank and the Monument all reachable within 10 to 15 minutes. The Thames Path is also just a short stroll from the station.