Baker Street Station, London
Baker Street Station is one of the oldest and most iconic London Underground Stations, situated in central London. Located in the Marylebone area within the City of Westminster, it lies at the junction of Baker Street and Marylebone Road. The station’s multiple exits span both roads, and its prominent street-level building houses ticket halls, shops, and a small convenience store, blending function with Victorian charm.
Transport Services and Connections
Baker Street Station is a key interchange on the London Underground, served by five lines: the Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line, Jubilee Line, and Metropolitan Line. No Elizabeth Line, Northern Line, or Victoria Line trains serve the station, nor is there a District Line or Waterloo & City Line connection. It is not served by National Rail or Overground.
Here are the Tube connections in detail:
Distance from Charing Cross
Baker Street Station is approximately 1.2 miles (about 2 kilometres) by road from Charing Cross, the traditional centre of central London. The drive typically takes less than 10 minutes in light traffic, passing through the City and notable areas such as Regent Street and Oxford Circus.
Historical Significance
Opened on 10 January 1863, Baker Street is among the world’s oldest underground stations. It was one of the original stations of the Metropolitan Railway, the world’s first underground passenger railway and predecessor to today's Metropolitan Line. The station began service with steam locomotives and has undergone several transformations since then.
The name "Baker Street" originates from the street on which the station lies. The street itself was named after builder William Baker, who laid it out in the 18th century. The station has retained this name since its inception, contributing to its enduring identity.
Sherlock Holmes and Fun Facts
Baker Street Station is famously associated with Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes was said to reside at 221B Baker Street, just a short walk from the station. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is located at that address and is a popular tourist attraction.
Inside the station, passengers will find decorative tiles depicting Holmes's silhouette, along with plaques and signs that pay homage to the beloved detective. The station’s close cultural ties to Holmes make it a must-visit for fans of literature and mystery.
Another notable feature is that the Metropolitan Line platforms at Baker Street retain much of their original character, including arched brickwork and period signage, offering a glimpse into the Victorian-era Underground. The station also has ten platforms—making it one of the largest on the Tube network.
Quick Facts
- Opened: 10 January 1863
- Location: Junction of Baker Street and Marylebone Road, City of Westminster
- Served by: Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line, Jubilee Line, Metropolitan Line
- Not served by: Central Line, District Line, Elizabeth Line, Northern Line, Piccadilly Line, Victoria Line, Waterloo & City Line
- Interchange type: London Underground only (no Overground or National Rail)
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 1.2 miles (2 km) by road
- Main entrance: Ground-level building at Baker Street/Marylebone Road junction
- Fun fact: Decorated with Sherlock Holmes-themed tiles and signs
- Number of platforms: 10
- Named after: Baker Street, itself named after 18th-century builder William Baker
Painting of Baker Street Station, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 28 May 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.
More information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.
- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.