Trains to London Charing Cross

Charing Cross station is a central London terminus on the western end of The Strand. Trains run south, crossing the River Thames over the Hungerford Bridge towards south-east London and Kent.

Opening in 1864, the station was built on the site of the Hungerford Market, which had been running since the 17th century. It was soon a bustling station for commuters and continental trips thanks to direct connections to Folkestone and Dover - the station even had signs in other languages. The stunning Renaissance-style Charing Cross Hotel adorns the station frontage.

As well as Charing Cross station, Sir John Hawkshaw designed the Hungerford Bridge, which also featured in a painting by Claude Monet. London Charing Cross has everything you would need in a train station. There are ticket machines and an office to buy train tickets, free WiFi, shops and seating.

Buses stop in front of Charing Cross station on The Strand, and all routes except for Heritage Routemaster buses 9 and 15 are accessible. Charing Cross is on the London Underground network’s Bakerloo and Northern lines. Alternatively, passengers can turn round the corner and walk to Embankment Tube station on the Circle, District, Bakerloo and Northern lines. Embankment Pier has river services along the Thames.

An accessible taxi rank is on the station forecourt. There is no car park at the station, and drivers can’t wait at the pick-up and drop-off point in the forecourt. Bicycle racks are also available in front of the station.

Southeastern operates all trains alighting at London Charing Cross, calling at one of the station’s six platforms. These commuter and regional trains serve Kent and south-east London. All trains stop at Waterloo East and London Bridge. The earlier you book, the easier it is to find cheap train tickets.

Tunbridge Wells to London Charing Cross

The train from Tunbridge Wells to Charing Cross takes around 55 minutes. Four services run an hour.

London Bridge to London Charing Cross

Get from London Bridge to Charing Cross in less than 10 minutes. Up to 16 trains operate every hour.

St Leonards Warrior Square to London Charing Cross

Journeys from this station in Hastings to Charing Cross take about an hour and a half, and two trains depart each hour.

Battle to London Charing Cross

Two trains depart Battle station each hour, taking as little as 1 hour and 18 minutes. Frequent travellers with Season Tickets can make even more savings.

All services at Charing Cross station are provided by Southeastern. The train operator’s network covers 540 miles (870 km) across 180 stations, including major London stations like Cannon Street, Victoria and Blackfriars. Frequent trains head to and from Dartford, Hayes, Sevenoaks, Hastings, and other destinations in south-east London and Kent.

Charing Cross station is ideally placed in the middle of London’s most popular sightseeing spots. Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Soho and St James’s are in the surrounding area. Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and impressive artworks on display at the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are down the road. Shopaholics will find the latest pieces in the flagship stores on Oxford Street and Regent’s Street. For independent shops, the world-renowned Carnaby Street and Covent Garden are filled with boutiques, vintage clothing stores and food markets.

Below the ground, Charing Cross Tube station has secret escalators leading to the filming location for Skyfall, Thor 2, and other blockbusters. Tours give you exclusive access to the disused Jubilee line concourse, platforms and passenger tunnels. You can even end the visit with afternoon tea at a 19th-century railway hotel overlooking The Strand.

Fancy a day in the city? Check real-time train timetables and book your next trip.

Is there luggage storage at Charing Cross?

Yes, the Excess Baggage Company provides a left luggage service at Charing Cross station. The office is near the Trafalgar Square exit.

What hotels are near Charing Cross?

There are hotels all around Charing Cross station for various budgets, from the Premier Inn and Hub to The Clermont or luxurious chateau-style The Royal Horseguards Hotel.

Are there shops at Charing Cross station?

Yes, Charing Cross has health and beauty, gift and convenience shops, as well as cafés and hot food outlets.

When does Charing Cross station close?

Charing Cross station closes at 00:50 Monday to Saturday and at 00:46 on Sunday.

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