Burnham Station, Buckinghamshire
Burnham Station is a commuter railway station in the ceremonial county of Buckinghamshire, located on the Elizabeth Line between Reading and central London. Though technically just outside Burnham village and closer to the suburb of Slough, the station bears the name of Burnham and serves both communities.
History and Background
The station was originally opened by the Great Western Railway on 1 July 1899 under the name "Burnham Beeches"—a reference to the nearby historic woodland. It was later renamed simply Burnham in 1930. The station has been a modest but important stop on the Great Western Main Line for over a century, especially for commuters travelling into London.
In 2022, Burnham Station became part of the Elizabeth Line network, following the phased opening of the Crossrail project. This inclusion has significantly improved its connectivity with the City, Canary Wharf, and other major destinations along the line.
Station Layout and Location
Burnham Station’s entrance is situated on Station Road, off the A4 Bath Road, near the border of Burnham and Slough. The main station building sits at ground level and features a ticket hall, waiting area, and small retail kiosk. There are two exits: one to Station Road on the southern side and another that provides pedestrian access to nearby residential streets on the northern side.
There is no underground structure as the station is at grade, and the platforms are accessible by stairs and lifts, making it fully accessible for those with mobility needs.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Burnham Station is approximately 25 miles west of Charing Cross. Depending on traffic, the journey by car takes around 45 to 70 minutes.
Rail Services and Connections
Burnham Station is served by the Elizabeth Line, which connects Reading to Abbey Wood and Shenfield via London Underground stations and key National Rail interchanges.
Though Burnham is not served by any London Underground lines directly, passengers can transfer to lines such as the Bakerloo Line, Central Line, District Line, and others at interchange stations like Paddington and Liverpool Street.
Elizabeth Line Services
The station lies between Taplow to the west and Slough to the east on the Elizabeth Line. Eastbound services run through central London and beyond, while westbound trains continue to Reading.
Fares and Journey Times
To Reading Station
- Single Ticket (Adult): £6.00
- Oyster/Contactless (Off-Peak): Not valid beyond West Drayton; National Rail fare applies
- Estimated Travel Time: 20 minutes
To Abbey Wood Station
- Single Ticket (Adult): £14.90
- Oyster/Contactless: £11.90 (Off-Peak), £14.90 (Peak)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
- Single Ticket (Adult): £14.20
- Oyster/Contactless: £10.80 (Off-Peak), £14.20 (Peak)
- Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Interchanges:
- Elizabeth Line to Paddington
- Transfer to Bakerloo Line
- Alight at Embankment, short walk to Charing Cross
Fun Fact
Despite being called Burnham Station, the actual village of Burnham is over a mile north of the station. The naming dates back to the original railway planning, which prioritised larger, established village names even if the station’s physical location was closer to a different settlement. This has led to confusion among newcomers and tourists alike.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Burnham
- Located in: Buckinghamshire
- Opened: 1899 as Burnham Beeches
- Renamed: 1930 to Burnham
- Main Entrance: Station Road, near A4 Bath Road
- Served by: Elizabeth Line
- Nearest Stations: Taplow (west), Slough (east)
- Travel Time to Reading: 20 minutes
- Travel Time to Abbey Wood: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Travel Time to Charing Cross: 1 hour (with interchanges)
- Direct Underground Services: None (transfer required)
- Fun Fact: The station is closer to Slough than Burnham village
Burnham Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Burnham Station, Buckinghamshire (View image in full size)
