About Charing Cross station
Charing Cross sits on the Strand, a few steps from Trafalgar Square, Embankment and the theatres of Covent Garden. Southeastern trains run from here through London Bridge to south-east London and Kent. It is a compact station, and the forecourt opens straight onto one of the busiest streets in London.
From Kingston, there is no direct train. Most journeys mean Waterloo and then a walk across Hungerford Bridge, or a Tube change. With bags, or late at night, a taxi is often the easier choice.
Getting there from Kingston
The usual route goes up the A3 to Wandsworth, then along the river through Vauxhall and Westminster, past the Houses of Parliament and up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. At quiet times it is a pleasant drive with views of the Thames. At busy times, the stretch through Westminster can be slow, so the driver may choose a different approach.
West End theatres and dinners
Charing Cross is one of the closest stations to the West End theatres, which is why many of our bookings here are for evenings out rather than trains. A typical booking is a pick-up in Kingston at 6pm for a 7.30pm show, and a collection at 10.30pm when the curtain comes down. For a group, our 7 seater taxi means everyone travels and arrives together.
| Show time | Suggested Kingston pick-up |
|---|---|
| 2:30pm matinee | around 1:15pm |
| 7:30pm evening show | around 6:00pm on weekdays |
Suggested times are typical and allow for traffic and finding your seat.
Trains to Kent
If you are visiting family in Sevenoaks or Tunbridge Wells, or heading for a weekend on the Kent coast, Charing Cross is where your train starts. Getting there by car means you can start the journey with your luggage in the boot and no change at Waterloo. If it suits you better, the same trains also call at London Bridge.
Nearby places we drop off
Charing Cross is surrounded by places people want to reach directly rather than via the station. We regularly drop off at the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square, at hotels along the Strand and Northumberland Avenue, at Embankment Gardens and at restaurants in Covent Garden. Give us the venue name and the driver will get as close as the road layout allows. Several streets around Covent Garden are pedestrianised or restricted at certain times, so the final drop-off may be on the nearest open street, a short walk away.
Collections from Charing Cross
The area in front of the station is busy, and cars cannot wait for long. We agree a meeting point when you book, often on a nearby side street, and the driver calls you when they arrive. For a trip home after an evening out, book the return in advance so a car is ready when you are. We also cover nearby stations such as Waterloo and Victoria.
Charing Cross taxi questions
Where do trains from Charing Cross go?
Southeastern runs from Charing Cross to south-east London and Kent, including Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and the Kent coast via some routes.
Can you drop me at a theatre instead of the station?
Yes. Give us the theatre or restaurant address, and the driver will take you as close as the roads allow.
Is Charing Cross in the Congestion Charge zone?
Yes, it is in central London. During charging hours, ask when you book how the Congestion Charge is handled for your journey.
How long does it take from Kingston?
Usually 50 to 65 minutes outside rush hour. Weekday mornings and Friday evenings can be slower.