London Victoria Station

The basics

An extraordinary 74 million people pass through London Victoria Station yearly, making it one of the city’s busiest terminuses. For travelers who fly into Gatwick Airport, the Gatwick Express connects to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. Mainline trains run on 18 platforms to destinations across southern England, from Brighton and Dover to Portsmouth and Southampton. Several London Underground lines and numerous buses access the station, and Victoria Coach Station is a 5-minute walk.

Beyond its importance as a transit hub, London Victoria Station is an architectural and historical landmark. It’s a stop on numerous sightseeing tours of Central London, from hop-on hop-off bus tours to walking tours.

Things to know before you go

• Station amenities include free-to-use bathrooms, luggage storage, waiting rooms, first-aid, and ATMs.

• The station has step-free access, making it accessible to wheelchair users, and accessible bathrooms are provided.

• Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vapes, is prohibited.

• There are more than 15 restaurants, coffee shops, and eateries inside the station and numerous shops.

• Purchase train tickets online before your journey to receive the best prices; ticket machines are spread across the station.

How to get there

London Victoria Station is located in Central London’s Westminster area. If traveling there via public transit, take the Circle Line, District Line, or Victoria Line of the London Underground, or use local London bus lines. The station can also be reached via numerous mainline train services, including the Gatwick Express. A taxi stand is right outside, and bike parking is provided.

When to get there

London Victoria Station is always open. Its ticket windows are staffed daily, from early morning until late evening, though they are closed overnight. The station can be especially busy in morning and evening rush hours, while strikes and industrial action occasionally impact services.

What to see near London Victoria Station

Victoria Station couldn’t be more convenient for visiting sightseers. Situated in the heart of Westminster, the station is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. Nearby highlights include Buckingham Palace, royal parks like Green Park and St. James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Ways to explore

Victoria links London with destinations across southern England via Southern, Southeastern, and Thameslink train lines, while the Gatwick Express is the fastest way to travel between Gatwick Airport and Central London. Several tube lines and numerous buses stop at the station, and Victoria Coach Station is a 5-minute walk. Beyond its importance as a transit hub, London Victoria Station is an architectural and historical landmark. It’s a stop on numerous sightseeing tours, from hop-on hop-off bus tours to walking tours.

Accessibility

The station is wheelchair-accessible with step-free access to both the mainline platforms and underground lines and accessible restrooms. A passenger assistance team is available to help wheelchair users seeking assistance or any travelers with reduced mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A good book, snacks (for long train rides)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, a jacket

Not allowed

Weapons, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, shops, restaurants, luggage storage, water fountain, free Wi-Fi

Address

Victoria Station is located in the Westminster area, close to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. It’s easy to reach via mainline trains, buses, and the tube.

Driving

To get to Victoria by car, take Vauxhall Bridge Road (from the south) or Grosvenor Place (from the north). Parking is available for a fee at the station.

Public transportation

The easiest way to get to Victoria is by public transportation. Many mainline trains stop at the station, as do numerous city buses. The District, Circle, and Victoria tube lines all stop here.

Best times to visit

The best time to visit the station is whenever you need to take a train, but note that it can get crowded during the morning and evening rush hours.

Best days to visit

Any day is a good day to visit, but weekdays can be more crowded.

Best months to visit

The station is open year-round, but the most pleasant weather for a London trip is typically between May and September.