Britain's busiest station
Waterloo handles more passengers than any other station in the country. South Western Railway runs from here to Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and Devon, including Guildford, Woking, Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth Harbour, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Exeter. Many people catching ferries to the Isle of Wight or cruise ships from Southampton start their journey at Waterloo.
Next door is Waterloo East, with Southeastern trains towards Kent, and the Underground connects to the Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo and City lines.
Getting there from Gipsy Hill
Waterloo is only about 6 miles from Gipsy Hill, but there is no direct train. The rail route involves a change, and the tube interchange at Waterloo is long. By car the trip is simple. Most drivers go through Brixton and Kennington, then up Kennington Road past the Imperial War Museum to the station. Waterloo is inside the Congestion Charge zone, which can affect fares during charging hours.
| Journey | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Gipsy Hill to Waterloo, off-peak | 25–35 minutes |
| Gipsy Hill to Waterloo, weekday peak | 35–50 minutes |
Typical estimates. Events on the South Bank can add time in the evening.
Heading for a cruise or ferry?
Cruise passengers often have more luggage than on any other trip: formal wear, several suitcases and perhaps a garment bag or two. If you are taking the train from Waterloo to Southampton, an estate car or MPV gives the space you need to get to the station comfortably. If you would rather go all the way by road, just ask us to quote for the whole journey from Gipsy Hill to your port.
Evening shows and the South Bank
Waterloo is also the nearest station for the National Theatre, the Old Vic, the Southbank Centre and the London Eye. If you are going out for the evening, a car there and back saves worrying about late trains home. We are happy to collect you after the show, so just tell us roughly when it ends.
Coming back from the south-west
Trains from Exeter, Bournemouth and Southampton often arrive in the evening, and weekend engineering work sometimes means rail replacement buses and later arrivals. Share the service you are on and we will keep an eye on it. When you arrive, walk out towards the agreed meeting point and call the driver if you cannot see them.
Waterloo's taxi rank is for black cabs, so private hire drivers meet passengers at a separate, agreed point nearby. We will tell you exactly where when we confirm the booking.
Collections from Waterloo
For pick-ups, give us your train details. If you are running late, text or call 020 8659 9999. We will agree a clear meeting point, as the area around the station is busy and has one-way streets.
For other London termini, see our pages on Charing Cross station taxis and taxis to Victoria. For heading straight to an airport, try our Heathrow taxi. We also collect from Upper Norwood and the rest of our coverage area.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a taxi from Gipsy Hill to Waterloo?
Typically 25 to 35 minutes off-peak and 35 to 50 minutes at weekday rush hour.
Can you collect me from Waterloo after an evening show?
Yes. Tell us which theatre or venue you are at and roughly when it ends, and we will arrange a pick-up point nearby.
Can you take me all the way to Southampton cruise terminal?
Yes. Many people with lots of cruise luggage prefer a car for the whole journey. Ask us for a fixed-fare quote.
Is Waterloo inside the Congestion Charge zone?
Yes, so charging hours may affect the fare. We will confirm the total when you book.
Can you take me to Waterloo East instead of the main station?
Yes. Waterloo East is next door for Southeastern trains. Tell us which one you need and we will drop you at the most convenient entrance.
Do you meet trains arriving late at Waterloo?
Yes. We work 24 hours a day. Share the train details and text or call if it is running late.