Hanwell Station, London
Hanwell Station is a historic railway station located in the London Borough of Ealing. Today, it serves as a stop on the modern Elizabeth Line, offering fast and frequent services to both central London and the outer suburbs. This charming station, with its Victorian heritage, connects a quiet residential area with the capital's major transport network.
History and Naming
Hanwell Station was originally opened by the Great Western Railway (GWR) on 1 December 1838. At its inception, the station was known simply as "Hanwell," reflecting the name of the local area. Briefly in the 19th century, it was called "Hanwell and Elthorne" to acknowledge the local parish of Elthorne, but it eventually reverted to the more concise "Hanwell."
It is one of the few surviving stations from the early GWR era and retains many original architectural features. In 1972, the station was granted Grade II listed status in recognition of its historic and architectural importance.
Location and Station Layout
The main entrance to Hanwell Station is located on Station Approach, just off Campbell Road. There is also an exit to the south side, accessible via steps to Lower Boston Road. The station has a modest ground-level building featuring a ticket office, a small waiting area, and ticket machines. The structure has been refurbished in recent years to preserve its classic Victorian charm while adding modern amenities.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Hanwell Station lies approximately 9.5 miles (15.3 kilometres) west of Charing Cross. The journey by car typically takes between 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Rail Services at Hanwell Station
Hanwell Station is not served by the London Underground or Overground networks. Instead, it operates exclusively on the Elizabeth Line, which forms part of the National Rail system.
Trains on the Elizabeth Line at Hanwell run between Heathrow and Reading to the west and Abbey Wood and Shenfield to the east. The station is served by:
- Westbound services to Heathrow Terminals and Reading
- Eastbound services to Paddington, Abbey Wood, and Shenfield
Elizabeth Line Stops from Hanwell
- Preceding Station (eastbound): Southall
- Subsequent Station (westbound): West Ealing
Fares and Travel Times
To Reading Station
- Adult Single Ticket: £12.90
- Oyster/contactless fare: Not valid beyond West Drayton; must purchase paper ticket
- Estimated Travel Time: 35–40 minutes
To Abbey Wood Station
- Adult Single Ticket (Contactless): £11.50
- Oyster fare: £11.50
- Estimated Travel Time: 65 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
- Adult Single Ticket (Contactless/Oyster): £5.60 (Peak), £3.60 (Off-Peak)
- Interchange: Change at Paddington to the Bakerloo Line or at Bond Street for the Jubilee Line to Embankment
- Estimated Travel Time: 35–40 minutes
Accessibility and Facilities
Hanwell Station has recently been upgraded with step-free access to all platforms, thanks to new lifts installed during the Elizabeth Line development. It also includes accessible toilets, help points, and CCTV coverage for passenger safety. Cycle racks are available outside the station, and a small car park serves commuters.
Fun Fact
One unique feature of Hanwell Station is its well-preserved footbridge and canopies, showcasing the ironwork style typical of early GWR stations. It’s also one of the few stations in London with surviving GWR-style platform benches, adding to the heritage experience for train enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Nearby Attractions
While Hanwell is primarily residential, visitors may enjoy nearby green spaces like Brent Lodge Park and the Grand Union Canal. The area is also known for the Hanwell Viaduct, an impressive 19th-century rail bridge still in use today.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Hanwell
- Line: Elizabeth Line
- Location: Station Approach, London W7, in the London Borough of Ealing
- Opened: 1 December 1838
- Managed by: Transport for London (TfL)
- Access: Step-free to all platforms
- Distance to Charing Cross: 9.5 miles (15.3 km)
- Preceding Station: Southall (eastbound)
- Next Station: West Ealing (westbound)
- To Reading: £12.90 (paper ticket), 35–40 mins
- To Abbey Wood: £11.50 (Oyster/contactless), 65 mins
- To Charing Cross: £5.60 peak / £3.60 off-peak, 35–40 mins with interchanges
- Fun Fact: Features original GWR platform benches and heritage ironwork
Hanwell Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Hanwell Station, London (View image in full size)
