Trains to London Blackfriars

Blackfriars station is a central London rail station. It’s the only station in the city that spans the River Thames, located along the Blackfriars Railway Bridge with entrances on either end. That makes Blackfriars station part of the City of London and the London Borough of Southwark.

London Blackfriars was opened in 1886 under the name St. Paul’s to replace the former Blackfriars Bridge station and the previous railway bridge. The site of the 19th-century station remains as the current station’s southern entrance. In 1937, the station was renamed Blackfriars to avoid confusion with St Paul’s Tube station. Additional office space was built above the station, and the original railway bridge was closed in the 1970s. Major refurbishments in 2009 increased station capacity, extending platforms across the bridge and building a new entrance on the South Bank.

The modern-day station includes shops, toilets and step-free access to all platforms. Passengers can buy train tickets from the ticket office or machines. There is no public WiFi in Blackfriars station or any waiting rooms on the platforms.

Planning a journey to the city? Check real-time train timetables and find cheap train tickets.

Three daytime and two night bus routes stop near Blackfriars station. It is also on the London Underground network (fare zone 1), providing connections to the Circle and District lines. River services also stop by the station, heading towards Putney and Canary Wharf from Blackfriars Millennium Pier. There is no car park, but a taxi rank is outside the Queen Victoria Street entrance. Bicycle storage is limited; 12 spaces are outside the northern entrance.

Blackfriars station is on the Thameslink route. Services (operated by Thameslink and Southeastern) travel to destinations such as St Albans City, Sevenoaks, Elephant & Castle and Bedford.

Luton Airport to London Blackfriars

Six trains travel from Luton Airport Parkway to Blackfriars, taking around 40–50 minutes.

Brighton to London Blackfriars

Get from the seaside to the city in under 1 hour and 15 minutes; there are four trains each hour. Season Tickets between Brighton and Blackfriars offer additional savings.

Cricklewood to London Blackfriars

This journey from north-west London takes 22 minutes on average, and four trains depart an hour.

Hitchin to London Blackfriars

Two trains leave every hour and reach Blackfriars in around 46 minutes. Faster services take 41 minutes.

London Blackfriars station is predominantly served by Thameslink trains. The company’s routes are both local services from north to south London and regional services from destinations like Bedford and Cambridge to Brighton. The station also has connections to a few Southeastern services towards south-east London and Kent. While the majority of trains are cross-London Thameslink services, Blackfriars is considered a London terminus. Tickets marked “London Terminals” are valid for travel to/from the south.

Blackfriars station is in a convenient location to explore all the corners of London. The southern ticket hall is just off the Thames Path, leading you to the South Bank. The OXO Tower has a bar and restaurant with the best views of the Thames. If you’re not in the mood for a meal, it’s free to take a trip up to the viewing deck between the bar and restaurant terraces. Also on this bank is the Tate Modern, the nearest museum that’s only 0.5 km (0.3 miles) away.

The area around the Blackfriars station’s north exit blends modern buildings with beautiful architecture and quaint alleys from old London. Sights include the Bank of England, the College of Arms and the Temple Bar Memorial, the former ceremonial entrance to the City of London. Plenty of stunning churches are nearby - St Benet Paul’s Wharf, St Bride’s Church and, of course, St Paul’s Cathedral.

Where is Blackfriars station?

Blackfriars train station is in the City of London along the Blackfriars Railway Bridge. It can be accessed from either side of the River Thames.

Are there shops in Blackfriars station?

Yes, small shops and coffee kiosks, including a Petit Pret, are at both ends of the Blackfriars station.

What zone is Blackfriars station in?

Blackfriars station is in zone 1.

How many exits does Blackfriars station have?

There are two exits at Blackfriars station on the north and south banks of the Thames. The northern exit is on Queen Victoria Street, and the southern exit is on the Thames Path.

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