A Paddington station taxi from Kingston is the easy way to start a trip to the west of England or Wales. There is no direct train from Kingston to Paddington, so by rail you would normally change at Waterloo or take the Underground across town. A pre-booked minicab takes you and your bags from your door straight to the station.
Where trains from Paddington go
Paddington is the London terminus for Great Western Railway, with trains to Reading, Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Swansea, and down to Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall. It is also on the Elizabeth line and the Heathrow Express. That makes it the station many Kingston families use at the start of a summer holiday in Devon or Cornwall, often with a lot of luggage.
Route and typical journey time
Paddington is around 12 miles from Kingston, in the north-west corner of central London. Drivers usually head north through Putney or Barnes, cross the river at Putney Bridge or Hammersmith, and continue up through west London to the station. Routes into central London can pass through the Congestion Charge zone, and all of Greater London is inside the Ultra Low Emission Zone. Ask us when you book how any road charges are handled for your journey.
| Journey | Typical time* |
|---|---|
| Kingston to Paddington, early morning | 35–45 min |
| Kingston to Paddington, weekday daytime | 50–70 min |
| Paddington to Kingston, late evening | 35–50 min |
*Typical times, not guaranteed. Allow extra time to reach your platform.
Arriving at Paddington
The station is busy, and the roads around it are often congested at peak times. Your driver will drop you as close to the entrance as the road layout allows. For a long-distance train with a reserved seat, aim to arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before departure so you are not rushing with your bags.
Family holidays and luggage
Holiday trains from Paddington are popular in school holidays. If you are taking pushchairs, surfboards in bags, or a week's worth of cases, book a 6 seater or 7 seater taxi and tell us what you are carrying. Taking the dog to Cornwall? Our pet friendly taxi page explains how to book.
Paddington or Heathrow?
Some people from Kingston travel to Paddington to catch the Heathrow Express. In most cases that is the long way round: Heathrow is closer to Kingston than Paddington is. Our Kingston to Heathrow taxi goes straight to your terminal at a fixed price.
Book a Paddington run
Call 020 3740 4439 or use the booking form, giving your train time. We take Paddington bookings from Kingston and nearby areas such as Teddington, Surbiton and Kingston Vale.
Elizabeth line connections
Paddington is also a stop on the Elizabeth line, which runs east through central London to Canary Wharf and beyond. If you are meeting someone off a train at Paddington, or travelling on by the Elizabeth line, tell us where you plan to meet so the driver can find you quickly in a busy station area.
Meeting a passenger at Paddington
If you are booking a car for someone arriving at Paddington, give us their name, mobile number and train time. Ask them to call us if the train is delayed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Kingston to Paddington?
Typically 45 to 70 minutes. Traffic through Putney, Fulham and west London is the main variable.
Is Paddington the station for trains to the West Country?
Yes. Great Western Railway runs from Paddington to Reading, Oxford, Bristol, south Wales, Devon and Cornwall.
Can I get to Heathrow from Paddington?
Yes, by the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line. But from Kingston, a direct Heathrow taxi is usually much quicker than going via Paddington.
Can you collect me from Paddington?
Yes. Give us your arrival time and agree a meeting point when you book. If your train is late, call 020 3740 4439.
Can I book a larger car for a family holiday train?
Yes. A 6 or 7 seater keeps a family and luggage together on the way to the station.
