What runs from Paddington
Paddington is the London terminus of Great Western Railway. Trains run west to Reading, Oxford, Swindon, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea, and all the way down to Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance. The Elizabeth line runs through the station underground, and the Heathrow Express starts here too.
Getting to Paddington from Kingston
Paddington is one of the easier central stations to reach from Kingston by road, because it sits on the western side of the city. Drivers usually go through Richmond, cross the river at Chiswick or Kew, and head in along the A4 through Hammersmith and Kensington. Another route goes through Putney and Earls Court. The driver checks traffic before setting off.
By train, the same trip means Waterloo and then the Bakerloo line, or several changes. A taxi is simpler, particularly with heavy cases or young children.
Typical drive times
| From | Typical drive to Paddington |
|---|---|
| Kingston town centre (KT1) | 45–60 min |
| Ham | 35–50 min |
| Teddington | 40–55 min |
| Surbiton | 50–65 min |
Estimates are typical outside rush hour. Ham and Teddington are closer because they are on the Richmond side of Kingston.
Holidays to Devon and Cornwall
Summer trains from Paddington to the South West are busy, and families often travel with a lot of luggage. If there are four or more of you with suitcases, buckets and spades, a 6 seater saves trying to squeeze everything into a saloon. Book early for the start of the school holidays.
Paddington and Heathrow
Some people assume they should go to Paddington to catch the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line to the airport. From Kingston, that is the long way round. Heathrow is around half an hour from Kingston by car, much less than the trip into Paddington and back out again.
Business trips to Bristol, Cardiff and Reading
Paddington is also the station for business trips to the Thames Valley and the South West. Commuters and day-trippers from Kingston often head to Reading, Swindon, Bristol or Cardiff for meetings. An early taxi to Paddington means you can catch a fast GWR service and be in Bristol by mid-morning. Companies booking regular trips for staff can ask the office about an account, so journeys are invoiced together.
Arriving at Paddington
For collections, tell us the train time and its starting station. Long-distance trains are sometimes delayed, so call the office if you know you will be late. The driver will meet you at an agreed point and take you home to Kingston, Hampton Wick or wherever you need to go.
Paddington taxi questions
How long does a taxi from Kingston to Paddington take?
Usually 45 to 60 minutes outside rush hour. Weekday mornings can take 75 minutes or more.
Is it quicker to get a taxi to Heathrow than to take the Heathrow Express from Paddington?
From Kingston, yes. Heathrow is much closer to Kingston than Paddington is, so a direct taxi to the airport is far quicker than going into London first.
Where does the driver drop off at Paddington?
At the station's set-down area or the nearest convenient point. If you are meeting someone or catching a specific train, tell us and the driver will aim for the most suitable entrance.
Can you pick me up from a GWR train at Paddington?
Yes. Give us the train time and where it is coming from. The driver will call you when they arrive and agree where to meet.
Can I be dropped off for the Elizabeth line at Paddington?
Yes. The Elizabeth line station is part of the Paddington complex. Tell the driver you are taking the Elizabeth line, and they will drop you at the most convenient entrance.