Trains in London

Trains in London

Discover London trains and buy cheap tickets

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London Trains are an integral part of the city's transportation system, with Liverpool Street and Waterloo being the busiest stations in the UK. This guide aims to bring clarity to train travel within London, helping both residents and visitors navigate the capital city.

London Railway Stations

London is home to over 330 train stations, which can be overwhelming and confusing for travelers. To help you navigate this vast network, below is a list of some of the most popular stations in London along with key facts about each.

Train Connections with London Airports

There are six major airports in London, and many ways to reach them. See the guide below for how to reach them by train.
Train Connections with London Airports
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR)

    Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in London, offering a wide range of international flights. It has three main train stations: Terminal 2 & 3, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5.

    Direct trains to Heathrow Airport:

    • Elizabeth Line

    • Heathrow Express

  • Gatwick Airport (LGW)

    Gatwick Airport is one of London's major airports. It has a large number of international and domestic flights and is well-connected to central London. Gatwick Airport has two main train stations: South Terminal and North Terminal.

    Direct trains to Gatwick Airport:

    • Southern

    • Thameslink

  • Stansted Airport (STN)

    Stansted Airport is a major international airport located near London. It offers a range of domestic and European flights. Stansted Airport has one main train station: Stansted Airport Railway Station, which is located directly below the airport terminal.

    Direct trains to Stansted Airport:

    • Greater Anglia

  • Luton Airport (LTN)

    Luton Airport is a prominent international airport offering both domestic and European flights. Conveniently, Luton Airport Parkway, the airport train station, is located just outside the terminal, ensuring seamless connectivity to central London.

    Direct trains to Luton Airport:

    • East Midland Railway

    • Thameslink

  • London City Airport (LCY)

    The airport is on the DLR line, the station is located right next to the airport terminal. London Waterloo, London Bridge, and Stratford International are some nearby train stations to London City Airport

    Direct trains to London CIty Airport:

    • Southeastern

    • Thameslink

  • Southend Airport (SEN)

    Southend Airport, located in Essex, is an international airport that offers flights to various European destinations. It has its own train station, Southend Airport Railway Station, providing easy transportation to London Liverpool Street station.

    Direct trains to Southend Airport:

    • Greater Anglia

London Underground Zones

There is an extensive series of Underground trains in London, comprising a comprehensive railway network that facilitates intercity travel. Please refer to the map below for a complete overview of the entire Underground system in London.

St Pancras

King's Cross St Pancras Station is a bustling transportation hub in London, serving the Victoria, Northern, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan, Piccadilly lines. It also serves as the main gateway for Eurostar trains to continental Europe.

Waterloo

Waterloo Station serves the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern, and Waterloo & City lines, offering easy access to popular attractions such as the South Bank and the London Eye.

Oxford Circus

Oxford Circus Station serves the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines, providing easy access to the vibrant shopping district of Oxford Street and nearby attractions.

Bank

Bank station is a major underground station in the heart of the City of London. It serves the Central, Northern, DLR and Waterloo & City lines, connecting commuters to various destinations across London. It also serves as a vital link for the financial district and surrounding areas.

Paddington

Paddington Station serves the Bakerloo, Circle, District, Elizabeth Line and Hammersmith & City lines, and is also the starting point of the Great Western Railway.

How to Buy Cheap London Train Tickets

There are numerous ways to save money when traveling within London: booking in advance, avoiding travel during peak times, exploring different ticket types, and more. For frequent travelers, using Railcards, London Travelcards, and Season Tickets can help you save even more. Check below to learn more about these money-saving tips.
  • Network Railcard

    Network Railcard

    The Network Railcard is a discount card offered by Network Rail in the UK. It provides a 1/3 discount within the Network Railcard area, which includes London and the South East of England. This card is ideal for commuters, students, and regular travelers, as it offers significant savings on both peak and off-peak fares.

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  • London Travelcard

    London Travelcard

    The London Travelcard is a ticket that allows unlimited travel in London, including on trains, the underground, buses, and trams within specific zones. With a London Travelcard, you can save money compared to purchasing individual tickets. A London Travelcard is ideal for anyone who frequently commutes or goes sightseeing in London.

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  • Season Tickets

    Season Tickets

    A season ticket in London is a cost-effective option for regular commuters. It offers unlimited travel on specific routes and can be valid for a week, month, or even a year. Season tickets provide convenience and savings for those who frequently travel within the city.

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Cheapest Prices for Popular Routes
Train RoutesFlexi Season Tickets7-Day Season TicketsMonthly Season Tickets
London Bridge to VictoriaNot availableUS$31.17US$119.73
Waterloo to GuildfordUS$572.38US$150.36US$577.44

Train Operators in London

There are many train operators in London who provide various routes and services. Some of the major train operators in London include Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink, and Great Northern. It is worthwhile to check the operator that is covering your journey and check Trip.com for live train information on schedules, fares, and any disruptions or delays.

FAQs

  • Where are the terminal railway stations in London?

    Terminal stations are stations where the railway line ends. There are currently 14 terminal railway stations in London, including Blackfriars, Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Euston, Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, King's Cross, Marylebone, Moorgate, Paddington, St Pancras, Victoria, and Waterloo.
  • How can I check the live status for my train?

    To check the live status of your train, you can visit the official train operator website. Alternatively, you can use the Trip.com website or app.
  • What is the busiest train station in London?

    London Liverpool Street is currently the busiest train station in London, serving the highest number of passengers.
  • Are there train strikes happening in London right now?

    It's best to check our strike info page for the live train information regarding any ongoing train strikes in London.