Travelling to London by Train - Information, Transport

Travelling to London by Train

Travelling to or from London by rail is invariably enlivened by using one of the well-established main-line stations that are part of the country's heritage.

Like spokes from a hub the tracks reach out to all parts of the country. Carrying traffic to the north there is Kings's Cross, St Pancras and Euston, all on the busy Euston road.

The west is served by Paddington and Marylebone.

To the south there is Waterloo, Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street, whilst those to or from the east will encounter Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street.

Each has its own particular flavour. Notable are St Pancras, a great Victorian Gothic pile and similarly Liverpool Street, though not on quite the same heroic scale. Victoria carries strong associations of the romanticism of rail travel, with the boat trains, the classic trans-continental trains and the occasional whiff of steam as a 'special', perhaps The Cathedrals Express, leaves its platform.

On an historic note Queen Boudicca, scourge of the Roman occupation and sacker of London, who is generally believed to have taken poison, together with her three daughters, when finally defeated by the Romans, is said to be buried beneath Platform 10 at King's Cross.

Nowadays Waterloo carries the Channel Tunnel traffic and the Eurostar terminus adds a welcome touch of modernity to the overall impression of weathered brick.

All the stations are well served by the Underground, buses and, of course, taxis. However, in some cases it is easy enough to travel across London without changing trains.

Stanstead, Luton and Gatwick Airports all have good rail links. Heathrow relies upon the Underground and a fast 15 minute link runs from Paddington Station every 15 minutes. The conventional Tube takes longer, but is cheaper and more accessible.

Very often good deals are available and it is always worth enquiring when making your travel plans.

For train departures and a more general (and very efficient) information service the number to call is 0845 7484950.

Security at the stations is in the capable hands of the British Transport Police. They also look after the London Underground, the Docklands Light Railway and the Croydon Tramlink. Some 2,000 officers preserve the security and well being of around five million travelling people a day. You are in good, safe hands.

Almost indistinguishable from the regular Police forces in uniform and appearance, they will call on them and other emergency services should the need arise.