Two big stations side by side
King's Cross and St Pancras International sit across Pancras Road from each other in north London. King's Cross is the terminus for LNER trains to York, Newcastle and Edinburgh, as well as Grand Central, Lumo and Hull Trains. St Pancras handles Eurostar services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, plus East Midlands Railway and Southeastern high-speed trains to Kent. When you book, tell us which of the two you are catching from and we will set you down at the nearest entrance.
Why take a car rather than the train?
From Gipsy Hill there is no direct train to King's Cross. The usual trip means a Southern train to London Bridge or Victoria and then the Northern or Victoria line, with stairs and crowded platforms along the way. With a large suitcase, a Eurostar ski bag or elderly relatives, a car from your door is simply easier. You also know exactly when you will arrive, which matters for Eurostar, where the gates close well before departure.
Route and typical time
The drive is roughly 9 miles. Most drivers head north through Herne Hill, Camberwell and the Elephant and Castle, cross the river at Blackfriars or Waterloo Bridge, then run up through Farringdon or Bloomsbury to Euston Road. Traffic around Holborn and Euston Road can be slow in the daytime, so we plan the pick-up time with that in mind.
| Journey | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Gipsy Hill to King's Cross, early morning or evening | 35–45 minutes |
| Gipsy Hill to King's Cross, weekday daytime | 50–65 minutes |
Typical estimates. Routes into the centre may cross the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours; ask when you book whether this applies.
Allowing enough time for Eurostar
Eurostar asks passengers to arrive well ahead of departure for security and passport checks, and gates close a short time before the train leaves. Check your ticket for the exact advice, and add the daytime estimate above plus a margin. For an early Eurostar we often suggest leaving Gipsy Hill around two hours before departure.
Getting around the King's Cross area
The area behind the stations, around Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, has changed a great deal and is now full of offices, restaurants and university buildings. If you are going there rather than to a train, give us the exact address, as some streets are pedestrian-only and the driver will need to drop you at the nearest road. The British Library is also a short walk west along Euston Road.
Collections from King's Cross and St Pancras
Coming back from Edinburgh or Paris? Give us your train time and service, and the driver will plan around its arrival. If the train is late, let us know by text or call 020 8659 9999. We can meet you at an agreed point near the station so you do not have to carry bags far.
Many customers pair a station trip with a flight or another train. You might also want our Euston station taxi, which is a short walk along Euston Road, or taxis to Paddington for trains to the west. Families and groups with lots of luggage can book our 6 seater taxi, and we cover pick-ups from Upper Norwood and Crystal Palace too.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drop me at St Pancras instead of King's Cross?
Yes. The two stations are next to each other. Tell us which one you need, and whether you are catching a Eurostar, and we will drop you at the most convenient entrance.
How early should I leave Gipsy Hill for a Eurostar train?
We usually suggest leaving around two hours before departure in the morning, as the drive can take up to an hour and Eurostar has security and passport checks before boarding.
Is there a direct train from Gipsy Hill to King's Cross?
No. You would need to change at London Bridge or Victoria onto the Underground, which is why many people with luggage prefer a car.
Can you meet me off a late LNER train from Scotland?
Yes. Give us your train details and the driver will plan around the scheduled arrival. We work 24 hours a day, so late arrivals are fine.