A Charing Cross station taxi from Kingston takes you right into the heart of the West End. The station stands on the Strand, a few steps from Trafalgar Square, so it is as much a drop-off for theatres, galleries and dinner as it is for trains.
Two reasons people book Charing Cross
- Trains to Kent and south-east London. Charing Cross is a London terminus for Southeastern, with services through London Bridge to places like Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Hastings. There is no direct train from Kingston, so a car avoids a change.
- A night out in the West End. Covent Garden, the National Gallery, Leicester Square and many theatres are a short walk away. Being dropped off and collected means no late-night train and no hunt for parking.
Getting there from Kingston
Charing Cross is about 12 miles from Kingston. Most routes come in along the A3 through Wandsworth, then cross the river at Vauxhall or Westminster and approach via the Embankment or Whitehall. Charing Cross is inside the central London Congestion Charge zone. Ask us when you book how road charges are handled for your journey.
| Journey | Typical time* |
|---|---|
| Kingston to Charing Cross, Sunday morning | 35–45 min |
| Kingston to Charing Cross, weekday evening (theatre time) | 60–80 min |
| Charing Cross to Kingston, after 11pm | 35–50 min |
*Typical times, not guaranteed.
Theatre nights: plan the pick-up
When shows finish, the streets around the West End theatres fill with people and traffic slows to a crawl. A few tips:
- Book your return when you book your outward trip, with an estimated finish time.
- Agree a meeting point a short walk from the theatre, where cars can stop more easily.
- Keep your phone on, and call 020 3740 4439 if the show overruns.
Groups going to a show together can share a 7 seater taxi, which often works out well against several train tickets.
Around the station
In front of the station is a stone cross, a Victorian copy of the medieval Eleanor Cross that gave the area its name. Behind the station, Embankment Underground station and the Victoria Embankment gardens lead down to the river and the Hungerford footbridges across to the South Bank and Waterloo.
Book a Charing Cross run
We take bookings from Kingston and the surrounding areas, including Surbiton, Thames Ditton and Esher. For trains from the other side of the river, see London Bridge station taxi.
Galleries and sights nearby
Charing Cross is a handy drop-off for many of London's best-known sights. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are on Trafalgar Square. Covent Garden is a short walk north, and Whitehall leads south to Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. If you are visiting with children or older relatives, being dropped close by saves a long walk from a Tube station.
Booking for a group
Theatre trips are often group outings. One 7 seater for up to seven people means everyone arrives together and the fare is shared.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Kingston to Charing Cross?
Typically 50 to 75 minutes. The West End is busy for much of the day, so allow extra time in the evening theatre rush.
Which trains leave from Charing Cross?
Southeastern trains to south-east London and Kent, including Tunbridge Wells and Hastings.
Can you drop me at a theatre instead of the station?
Yes. Give us the exact address and we can drop you at any venue in the West End.
Can I book a pick-up after a show?
Yes. Agree a pick-up time and meeting point when you book. Streets around theatres get crowded at the end of a show, so a meeting point a short walk away can be quicker. Call 020 3740 4439 if your plans change.
Is Embankment station nearby?
Yes. Embankment Underground station is just behind Charing Cross, by the river.