Chadwell Heath Station, London
Chadwell Heath Station is a key stop in east London on the Elizabeth Line, serving both commuters and visitors. The station lies within the London Underground network area but is primarily served by the Elizabeth Line, offering quick links to central London, Reading, and Shenfield. It sits on the boundary between the London Borough of Redbridge and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham.
History and Name
Chadwell Heath Station first opened on 11 January 1864, originally operated by the Eastern Counties Railway, which later became part of the Great Eastern Railway. The area of Chadwell Heath was historically a hamlet within the parish of Dagenham. Its name comes from the Old English terms “cead” meaning “stream” and “wella” meaning “spring” — in reference to a local water source. The name Chadwell Heath has been used since the station’s opening.
The Station Building
The current station retains much of its early 20th-century charm, having been modernised to accommodate the Elizabeth Line. It features a brick-built main entrance with step-free access, modern ticket machines, electronic departure boards, and two long platforms with canopies. Its recent refurbishment added lifts, improved signage, and a new footbridge, enhancing accessibility.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Chadwell Heath Station is approximately 13.5 miles (21.7 km) east of Charing Cross, a traditional measure used for distances to the City and central points in London.
Services and Connections
Chadwell Heath is served exclusively by the Elizabeth Line, which connects east London to central and west London, including key stations such as Liverpool Street, Tottenham Court Road, Paddington, and Heathrow. There are no London Underground Stations or London Overground connections at this location, and it does not serve National Rail services outside the Elizabeth Line brand.
Elizabeth Line Route
Travelcard Zone and Ticket Fares
Chadwell Heath is located in Travelcard Zone 5. The station accepts Oyster cards and contactless payments.
To Reading Station
- Single ticket (adult): £21.20
- Oyster/contactless: Not accepted for the full journey – must buy a paper ticket for portion west of West Drayton
- Estimated travel time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
To Shenfield Station
- Single ticket (adult): £4.30
- Oyster/contactless: £2.60 off-peak, £2.90 peak
- Estimated travel time: ~15 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
Charing Cross is not on the Elizabeth Line. To reach it, passengers must interchange.
- Take the Elizabeth Line westbound to Tottenham Court Road
- Interchange to the Northern Line southbound (Charing Cross branch)
- Single ticket (adult): £6.90
- Oyster/contactless: £3.60 off-peak, £4.00 peak
- Estimated travel time: ~50 minutes
Fun Fact
Chadwell Heath played a quiet but important role during the mid-20th century as the site of a signal box involved in early automation trials for British Railways. Nearby, it was also once home to the Chadwell Heath Testing Centre, a pioneering railway research facility that contributed to improving track performance and rolling stock stability in post-war Britain.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Chadwell Heath Station
- Location: On the border of the London Borough of Redbridge and Barking & Dagenham
- Opened: 11 January 1864
- Served by: Elizabeth Line
- Travelcard Zone: Zone 5
- Distance from Charing Cross (by road): Approx. 13.5 miles (21.7 km)
- Elizabeth Line stations: Between Goodmayes and Romford
- Fare to Reading: £21.20 single (paper ticket); Oyster not valid full route
- Fare to Shenfield: £4.30 single, or £2.60–£2.90 with Oyster/contactless
- Fare to Charing Cross: £6.90 single, or £3.60–£4.00 with Oyster/contactless
- Estimated time to Reading: ~1 hr 30 min
- Estimated time to Shenfield: ~15 min
- Estimated time to Charing Cross: ~50 min (with interchange)
- Facilities: Step-free access, lifts, ticket machines, footbridge
- Fun Fact: Nearby testing centre helped modernise post-war British rail infrastructure
Chadwell Heath Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Chadwell Heath Station, London (View image in full size)
