Gidea Park Station, London
Gidea Park Station is a suburban railway station located in the London Borough of Havering, east of central London. Situated on the Great Eastern Main Line, it is a key stop on the Elizabeth Line, offering residents and commuters efficient transit to the City, Charing Cross, and beyond.
Historical Background
Gidea Park Station was officially opened on 1 December 1910 by the Great Eastern Railway. It was initially established to serve the newly developed garden suburb of Gidea Park, a planned community inspired by the garden city movement. The suburb was part of an ambitious housing development scheme designed to provide high-quality homes in landscaped surroundings.
The station has always been known as Gidea Park, named after the local area that had already adopted the title. The name itself likely derives from the Gidea Hall estate, which stood nearby until its demolition in the early 20th century. Over time, the station grew to accommodate the increasing number of commuters travelling into the capital.
Station Architecture
The station building reflects Edwardian-era design, with red-brick construction and tiled roofing. It maintains a charming historical character, enhanced by its symmetrical structure and period signage. Modern additions include passenger lifts, ticket machines, and an accessible footbridge, blending heritage with functionality.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Gidea Park Station is approximately 14.5 miles (23.3 km) from Charing Cross. Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 40 to 60 minutes. Rail services, however, offer a faster and more convenient option for reaching central London.
Rail Services and Connections
Gidea Park is served primarily by the Elizabeth Line, part of Transport for London’s integrated travel system. While it is not a stop on the London Underground network directly, it interconnects with many London Underground stations along the route, making onward travel seamless.
Elizabeth Line Services
The Elizabeth Line operates high-frequency services through Gidea Park, offering both eastbound and westbound connections:
- Westbound: The preceding station is Harold Wood, and the next station is Romford.
- Eastbound: Trains travel toward Shenfield, the terminus of the eastern section.
Trains run every 5–10 minutes during peak times and are ideal for commuters heading into the heart of London.
Travelcard Zone and Fares
Gidea Park Station is located in Travelcard Zone 6.
Fares to Key Destinations
- To Reading Station:
- Single Ticket: £24.50
- Oyster/Contactless: £18.90 (off-peak), £24.50 (peak)
- Estimated Travel Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
- To Shenfield Station:
- Single Ticket: £3.80
- Oyster/Contactless: £2.60 (off-peak), £3.80 (peak)
- Estimated Travel Time: 7 minutes
- To Charing Cross Station:
- Single Ticket: £6.30
- Oyster/Contactless: £4.10 (off-peak), £6.30 (peak)
- Estimated Travel Time: 45–55 minutes
- Interchange: Change at Liverpool Street for the Central Line or District Line to Embankment Station, followed by a short walk to Charing Cross.
Fun Fact
Gidea Park played host to a unique housing exhibition in 1911, organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects. The “Romford Garden Suburb” project saw the construction of over 100 architect-designed homes in the area, many of which still survive and are protected as listed buildings. This initiative helped shape early 20th-century suburban planning in Britain and drew visitors from across the country to Gidea Park.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Gidea Park
- Opened: 1 December 1910
- Location: London Borough of Havering
- Travelcard Zone: Zone 6
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 14.5 miles by road
- Rail Services: Elizabeth Line
- Nearest Stations: Harold Wood (west), Romford (east)
- Fares to Reading: £24.50 (ticket), £18.90 (Oyster off-peak)
- Fares to Shenfield: £3.80 (ticket), £2.60 (Oyster off-peak)
- Fares to Charing Cross: £6.30 (ticket), £4.10 (Oyster off-peak)
- Travel Time to Reading: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Travel Time to Shenfield: ~7 minutes
- Travel Time to Charing Cross: ~50 minutes with interchange
- Fun Fact: Hosted a famous 1911 housing exhibition featuring architect-designed homes
Gidea Park Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Gidea Park Station, London (View image in full size)
