Abbey Wood Station, London
Abbey Wood Station – Gateway to Southeast London on the Elizabeth Line
Abbey Wood Station is a major rail hub in southeast London, serving as the southeastern terminus of the Elizabeth Line. Located at the edge of the London Borough of Bexley and adjacent to the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the station has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years to accommodate new Crossrail services. It plays a vital role in connecting Greater London with key destinations, including Central London, Reading, and Shenfield.
Location and Station Layout
Abbey Wood Station sits between Harrow Manorway and Wilton Road. While the London Underground does not serve Abbey Wood directly, the station is served by both the Elizabeth Line and Southeastern National Rail services. There is no Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station at Abbey Wood, though Woolwich Arsenal, the closest DLR station, is only two stops away by rail. The Elizabeth Line and National Rail platforms are co-located within the same modern station building.
History and Development
The original Abbey Wood railway station opened in 1849 as part of the North Kent Line. It was initially named simply "Abbey Wood" and has kept that name ever since, drawing it from the historic Lesnes Abbey ruins nearby, a site dating back to the 12th century. The surrounding woodlands once formed part of the monastic grounds, giving rise to the name.
The station underwent a major transformation between 2014 and 2017 in anticipation of Crossrail (now the Elizabeth Line). The current structure opened in 2017, featuring expanded platforms, a new concourse, and step-free access throughout the station.
Station Architecture and Facilities
The new station building is a striking example of contemporary transport architecture. It features a soaring timber-clad roof, ample natural light, and improved accessibility. There are four platforms in total—two for National Rail and two for the Elizabeth Line. The station includes modern ticketing facilities, escalators and lifts, a bicycle parking area, and connections to local bus services.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Abbey Wood Station is approximately 13 miles (21 kilometres) southeast of Charing Cross. Depending on traffic, the journey can take 45 to 75 minutes by car.
Rail Services and Connectivity
Abbey Wood is served by the following services:
- Elizabeth Line: Terminus station offering high-frequency services westbound toward City of London, Paddington, Heathrow, and Reading.
- Southeastern National Rail: Trains toward Dartford, Gillingham, and London Cannon Street.
The station lies in Travelcard Zone 4.
Elizabeth Line Connections
On the Elizabeth Line, the preceding station is Woolwich, and as Abbey Wood is the terminus, there is no subsequent station eastbound.
Fares and Travel Times
To Reading Station
- Single Ticket: £17.90
- Oyster/Contactless: £13.90 (off-peak), £21.00 (peak)
- Travel Time: Approx. 85–90 minutes
To Shenfield Station
- Single Ticket: £17.50
- Oyster/Contactless: £12.20 (off-peak), £18.10 (peak)
- Travel Time: Approx. 80 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
There is no direct service from Abbey Wood to Charing Cross. A typical journey involves changing trains:
- Elizabeth Line westbound to Canary Wharf
- Change to the Jubilee Line westbound to Westminster
- Change to the District Line westbound or Bakerloo Line northbound to Charing Cross
- Single Ticket: Approx. £6.00
- Oyster/Contactless: £3.40 (off-peak), £4.30 (peak)
- Travel Time: Approx. 45–55 minutes
Fun Fact
Abbey Wood Station is located near the Lesnes Abbey ruins, a historic and picturesque spot founded in 1178. Visitors can explore the abbey remains and the adjacent Lesnes Abbey Woods, one of the most scenic green spaces in southeast London. The station’s redevelopment has sparked a regeneration of the surrounding area, with new homes, retail, and public spaces emerging rapidly since the arrival of the Elizabeth Line.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Abbey Wood
- Lines Served: Elizabeth Line, Southeastern National Rail
- Travelcard Zone: Zone 4
- Opened: 1849 (rebuilt in 2017 for Crossrail)
- Located In: London Borough of Bexley, near Royal Borough of Greenwich
- Distance from Charing Cross (by road): Approx. 13 miles (21 km)
- Nearest Elizabeth Line Station: Woolwich
- No London Underground or DLR station at this site
- To Reading: ~90 minutes, £13.90 (Oyster, off-peak)
- To Shenfield: ~80 minutes, £12.20 (Oyster, off-peak)
- To Charing Cross: ~50 minutes via Elizabeth Line and Tube
- Architectural Features: Timber roof, modern concourse, step-free access
- Nearby Attraction: Lesnes Abbey ruins and woods
Abbey Wood Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Abbey Wood Station, London (View image in full size)
