Goodmayes Station, London
Goodmayes Station is a suburban railway station located in the London Borough of Redbridge, East London. It lies on the Great Eastern Main Line and is served by the Elizabeth Line, providing vital connections between outer East London and central London, as well as destinations to the west such as Reading. Goodmayes is an important commuter hub for local residents and visitors alike.
History and Naming
The station opened on 8 February 1901, originally built by the Great Eastern Railway. It was constructed to serve the growing suburban communities that developed during the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods. From the beginning, the station was named “Goodmayes,” taking its name from the surrounding area. The name "Goodmayes" itself is believed to derive from an Anglo-Saxon family name “Godmaer,” which evolved over time into its present form.
Station Architecture and Structure
Goodmayes Station retains a mix of early 20th-century charm and modern upgrades. The station building features traditional brick architecture with arched windows and period detailing, reflecting its Edwardian origins. Recent refurbishments, particularly in preparation for the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, have brought step-free access, upgraded signage, new ticket machines, and improved passenger facilities, making it fully accessible and fit for 21st-century travel.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Goodmayes Station is approximately 13 miles (21 km) from Charing Cross, one of the traditional central reference points in London. Depending on traffic, the journey takes around 45 minutes by car or taxi.
Rail Services and Connections
Goodmayes Station is not served by the London Underground, but it is considered part of the extended network of London Underground Stations due to its inclusion on the Elizabeth Line. It also functions as a National Rail station under the operation of Transport for London.
Elizabeth Line
The Elizabeth Line connects Goodmayes to both east and west London. The station lies between Seven Kings (westbound) and Chadwell Heath (eastbound).
- Preceding Station: Seven Kings (westbound)
- Following Station: Chadwell Heath (eastbound)
Travelcard Zone and Ticket Prices
Goodmayes Station is in Travelcard Zone 4.
Fares and Journey Times
- To Reading Station:
- Adult single fare: £21.80 (paper ticket), £18.30 (Oyster/contactless)
- Estimated travel time: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- To Shenfield Station:
- Adult single fare: £6.60 (paper ticket), £5.30 (Oyster/contactless)
- Estimated travel time: approximately 15 minutes
- To Charing Cross Station:
- Adult single fare: £6.60 (paper ticket), £5.50 (Oyster/contactless)
- Interchange at Liverpool Street to Central Line, then transfer at Oxford Circus to the Bakerloo Line for Charing Cross
- Estimated travel time: approximately 45–50 minutes
Fun Fact
Goodmayes Station was the first railway station in Britain to have a set of automated ticket gates installed specifically for accessibility trial purposes in the early 2000s. The pilot was part of a broader strategy to improve inclusive access across the London rail network, which laid the groundwork for accessibility upgrades across the Elizabeth Line.
Quick Facts
- Opened: 8 February 1901
- Location: London Borough of Redbridge, East London
- Distance from Charing Cross (by road): Approx. 13 miles (21 km)
- Line: Elizabeth Line (part of the National Rail network)
- Preceding Station: Seven Kings
- Following Station: Chadwell Heath
- Travelcard Zone: Zone 4
- Fare to Reading: £21.80 (ticket), £18.30 (Oyster); approx. 1h 20m
- Fare to Shenfield: £6.60 (ticket), £5.30 (Oyster); approx. 15m
- Fare to Charing Cross: £6.60 (ticket), £5.50 (Oyster); approx. 45–50m
- Accessibility: Step-free access available
Goodmayes Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Goodmayes Station, London (View image in full size)
