A Waterloo station taxi from Kingston is the door-to-door alternative to the train. Kingston, Surbiton and Norbiton all have direct trains to London Waterloo, so we will be honest: if you are travelling light at a sensible hour, the train is often quicker. A minicab comes into its own when the train is not practical.
When a taxi to Waterloo makes sense
- Heavy luggage. Carrying cases up and down station stairs and across the Waterloo concourse is hard work.
- Very early or very late. When you need to be at Waterloo before the first train from Kingston, or you are coming home after the last one.
- Families and groups. Several tickets can cost more than one shared fare, especially for a 6 seater.
- Mobility. If stairs, crowds or standing on a busy train are difficult, a car is simply easier.
- Engineering works. Weekend rail closures on the lines through Kingston and Surbiton can mean replacement buses.
The drive from Kingston to Waterloo
Waterloo is about 12 miles from Kingston. The usual route heads north-east on the A3 through Roehampton and Wandsworth, then on towards Vauxhall and along the south side of the river to Waterloo. The alternative goes over Putney Bridge and along the north bank before crossing back. 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 Waterloo, early morning or late evening | 35–45 min |
| Kingston to Waterloo, weekday rush hour | 60–80 min |
| Waterloo to Kingston, after 10pm | 35–50 min |
*Typical times, not guaranteed.
About Waterloo station
Waterloo is one of the busiest stations in the country and the London terminus for South Western Railway, with trains to Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset and beyond. It also connects to the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City Underground lines. The station sits on the South Bank, so the London Eye, the Southbank Centre and the theatres of Waterloo Road are all close by.
Because the area around the station is busy and road layouts change, tell us where you want to be dropped or met, and allow a few extra minutes to walk to your platform.
Booking your Waterloo journey
- Book online or call 020 3740 4439, any time of day.
- Give your train time if you are catching one, so the pick-up time can be planned with a margin.
- For collections, agree a meeting point and keep your phone on.
Related journeys
Waterloo is also the starting point for many trips to the South Bank and the West End. If you are travelling on from London by air, see our Heathrow taxi page. Pick-ups for Waterloo are arranged across Kingston, including Kingston Hill, Norbiton and Hampton Wick.
Taxi or train from Kingston to Waterloo?
Here is a fair comparison, so you can choose:
| Train from Kingston or Surbiton | Minicab | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Travelling light at normal hours | Luggage, groups, very early or late trips |
| Door to door | No, you still need to reach the station | Yes |
| Luggage | Stairs, crowds and busy trains | Goes in the boot |
| Cost for a group | One ticket per person | One fare shared |
Frequently asked questions
Why take a taxi to Waterloo when there are trains from Kingston?
Trains are great when you are travelling light. A taxi makes more sense with heavy luggage, very early or late at night, with young children, or when several people are sharing the fare.
How long is the drive from Kingston to Waterloo?
Typically 45 to 70 minutes, depending on traffic through Wandsworth and Vauxhall. Weekday rush hours are the slowest.
Where will I be dropped at Waterloo?
Your driver will drop you as close to the station entrance as the roads allow. Tell us if you need a particular entrance.
Can I be collected from Waterloo after a late train?
Yes. Give us your train time when you book and agree where to meet. If your train is delayed, call 020 3740 4439.
Can you take me to the South Bank instead?
Yes. The London Eye, the Southbank Centre and the theatres near Waterloo are all a short walk from the station, and we can drop you at any address.