A station in the heart of the West End
Charing Cross sits on the Strand, a few steps from Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Covent Garden. Southeastern trains run from here to Kent, including Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Hastings, Ashford and Dover. Many of these trains also stop at Waterloo East and London Bridge on their way out of town.
Because the station is right in the West End, people also use it as a meeting point for theatre trips, dinners and days out. A car from Gipsy Hill drops you outside without any walking from the tube.
The drive from SE19
Charing Cross is about 7 miles from Gipsy Hill. The most common route runs through Brixton and Kennington, over Westminster Bridge and along Whitehall to Trafalgar Square. At busy times drivers may cross at Waterloo Bridge and come along the Strand instead. The station is well inside the Congestion Charge zone, so journeys during charging hours may cost more. We will always tell you the fare before you travel.
| Journey | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Gipsy Hill to Charing Cross, off-peak | 30–40 minutes |
| Gipsy Hill to Charing Cross, weekday peak | 40–55 minutes |
| Charing Cross to Gipsy Hill, after midnight | 25–35 minutes |
Typical estimates. Protests and events around Whitehall and Trafalgar Square can cause road closures.
Trips to Kent and the coast
If you are visiting family in Tunbridge Wells or heading to Dover for a ferry, you might take a Southeastern train from Charing Cross. With a lot of luggage, being dropped at the station entrance rather than dragging cases through the Underground makes a real difference. Tell us the train time and we will leave enough margin for central London traffic.
A night out in the West End
Many of our Charing Cross bookings are not about trains at all. It is the closest station to many theatres around the Strand, St Martin's Lane and Covent Garden. A pre-booked car there and back means nobody needs to watch the clock for the last train to Gipsy Hill. Book the return in advance or call when you are ready.
Handy for Embankment and the river
Charing Cross is also close to Embankment, the Victoria Embankment Gardens and the riverboat piers, so it is a good pick-up point after a Thames boat trip. Give us the pier or street you are nearest to, and we will agree a spot where the driver can stop.
Picking you up at Charing Cross
The forecourt and nearby streets are busy, so we will agree a pick-up point that is easy to find. Send us your train time or event finish time, and text or call 020 8659 9999 if plans change.
If you are travelling towards Kent from a different station, see our London Bridge taxi page. For trains west, try our Waterloo taxi. Groups going out together often book our 7 seater minicab, and we collect from Crystal Palace and all nearby areas.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get to Charing Cross from Gipsy Hill by car?
Typically 30 to 40 minutes off-peak and 40 to 55 minutes at weekday peak times.
Can you pick us up from the West End after a show?
Yes. Charing Cross is a popular meeting point after theatre trips. Tell us roughly when the show ends and we will arrange a pick-up point nearby.
Does the Congestion Charge apply to Charing Cross?
Yes, the station is inside the zone, so journeys during charging hours may be affected. We will confirm the fare when you book.
Can I book a taxi to Charing Cross for a Southeastern train to Kent?
Yes. Give us the train time and we will plan the pick-up so you arrive with time to spare.
Can you collect me from Embankment pier instead of the station?
Yes. Give us the pier name and your boat's arrival time and we will agree a pick-up point on the nearest road.