You’re going to cross paths with Charing Cross train station in London.
It’s almost impossible to visit the city and not move through Charing Cross by foot, rail, or bus. Charing Cross is the center of London and Charing Cross railway station is the spider spinning a web-like railway network through the city.
Whether you’re headed to The National Gallery or scoping out where Ben Franklin lived before he took up residence on a hundred-dollar-bill, here’s everything you should know about London Charing Cross train station.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Peter Zelei Images. Image Location: Charing Cross Station, London, England
What to know about Charing Cross train station
Here is all you need to know about this busy British train station serving Southeastern Railway and Southwestern Railway lines.
Where is London Charing Cross train station?
London Charing Cross train station is located in Charing Cross, a central area of London surrounded by Covent Garden, St. James’s, and Westminster. Walk across the Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges from South Bank and you’ll waltz right into the Charing Cross railway station.
Is there an Underground station at Charing Cross train station?
Yes, the Charing Cross Underground station is right across the street from the Charing Cross train station. It connects to the Bakerloo (brown) and Northern (black) tube lines.
Can I get from Charing Cross to Victoria train station?
Yes, Charing Cross is just about 2 miles from Victoria train station, which feels like less of a hike since you’ll pass through St. James’s Park and see Buckingham Palace. If you want to get from Charing Cross to Victoria train station by rail, walk from Charing Cross train station to the Embankment Underground station. Take the District Line (green) to Victoria Underground station and the Victoria train station is just upstairs.
What is inside Charing Cross train station?
London Charing Cross train station does not have shower facilities or luggage trolleys, but it has nearly everything else. Luggage storage, waiting areas, restaurants, and retail fill this 1800s railway station. A sugar rush is always in sight with Krispy Kreme, Hotel Chocolat, The Pasty Shop, Costa, and Caffè Nero on deck.
Upper Crust has a more proper meal in the form of sandwiches. A few shops like M&S, Boots, and WHSmith are also inside; but just beyond the platform you’ll find a dozen other Charing Cross cafés and shops on the block.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jeremy Walker. Image Location: National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London
What attractions are near London Charing Cross train station?
Whether you step off either the Charing Cross tube or railway station, you’re only steps away from the Benjamin Franklin House, Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, and the Victoria Embankment Gardens. A few footsteps further and you can reach Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the London Transport Museum, as well as other London attractions to explore.
Are there hotels near Charing Cross train station London?
Looking for hotels near Charing Cross train station? We’ve got you covered like a down comforter:
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Five-star hotels near Charing Cross train station London:
- The Royal Horseguards Hotel
- The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Corinthia London
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
- St Martins Lane Hotel London
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four-star hotels near Charing Cross train station London:
- The Clermont London, Charing Cross
- Page Common Coffee House
- The Grand
- Citadines Apart’hotel Trafalgar Square London
⭐⭐⭐ Three-star hotels near Charing Cross train station London:
- Hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden hotel
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
- Assembly Covent Garden
Image Credit: Getty Images, David Tomlinson. Image Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England
What are the best day trips from Charing Cross station?
Day trips from Charing Cross station offer the perfect excuse to explore England without dragging your luggage along with you. Here are a few English stations to keep on your radar:
Tunbridge Wells via Tonbridge
With spa hotels, cute cafés, and loads of parks to stroll with your coffee, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a Kent town where golfing, shopping, and drinking will fill your itinerary. Naturally, we recommend a ride on the Spa Valley Railway — a vintage steam and diesel trains that take scene tours of the area.
Dover Priory via Tonbridge
The White Cliffs of Dover are worth a gander (and a good long walk if you’ve got the time). You could also tour Dover Castle (a Mary & George filming location), hang out on the beach, and tour the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery.
Ramsgate via Canterbury West
Readers of Pride and Prejudice may recall the town of Ramsgate mentioned in the Jane Austen novel. This seaside town has a tunnel system used as bombing shelters during WWII and has the distinction as the United Kingdom’s only Royal Harbour.
Cross more train stations off of your London list
Getting to and from London is easy, thanks to its extensive train network covering Great Britain from end-to-end and connecting you to Western Europe’s capital cities. Download the Trainline app and discover where London’s railways hubs can keep your vacation from going off the rails.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matteo Colombo. Image Location: Charing Cross Station, London, England
