Hayes & Harlington Station, London
Hayes & Harlington Station is a key rail hub located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, west of central London. It serves both National Rail and Elizabeth Line services, linking suburban West London with major destinations like the City, Reading, and Heathrow Airport. The station is a modern and expanding node in London’s transport network, reflecting both historical roots and contemporary upgrades.
History and Naming
The original Hayes & Harlington station was opened in 1868 by the Great Western Railway (GWR). It was part of a broader effort to connect London with western and southwestern England. The station was named after the two nearby communities it served: Hayes and Harlington. These names were used from the very beginning to distinguish it from other Hayes stations in the UK, such as Hayes in Kent.
Historically, the station had two platforms and limited amenities, but over the decades, it has seen significant development. The arrival of the Elizabeth Line led to a major refurbishment that modernised its infrastructure and expanded capacity, marking a new era in its operation.
Location and Station Entrances
Hayes & Harlington Station sits between Station Road and Blyth Road in Hayes town centre. Its main entrance is on Station Road, with a secondary entrance on Pump Lane. The newly redeveloped station includes a modern ground-level building featuring ticket halls, ticket machines, seating areas, and retail outlets such as a coffee shop and newsagent.
There are step-free access points to all platforms via lifts, escalators, and ramps, making it an accessible station for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Hayes & Harlington Station is approximately 14.5 miles (23.3 km) from Charing Cross. Depending on traffic, the drive can take between 45 minutes to an hour. Public transport options via the Elizabeth Line typically offer a faster and more reliable connection.
Rail Services and Connections
The station is primarily served by:
- Elizabeth Line – high-frequency service connecting Reading and Heathrow in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east.
- National Rail – operated by Great Western Railway, with services to Reading, Didcot Parkway, and London Paddington.
Although Hayes & Harlington is not served directly by the London Underground, it connects efficiently to various London Underground Stations via interchanges such as Paddington and Whitechapel, giving access to lines such as the Bakerloo Line, Central Line, Circle Line, District Line, Hammersmith & City Line, Jubilee Line, Metropolitan Line, Northern Line, Piccadilly Line, Victoria Line, and Waterloo & City Line.
Elizabeth Line Journey Information
On the Elizabeth Line:
- Preceding station: Southall (eastbound)
- Following station: Heathrow Terminals or West Drayton (westbound), depending on service
Fare and Travel Times
To Reading Station
- Single fare: £12.90 (paper ticket)
- Oyster/contactless: £11.10 (off-peak), £13.90 (peak)
- Estimated travel time: approx. 35 minutes
To Abbey Wood Station
- Single fare: £11.60 (paper ticket)
- Oyster/contactless: £9.50 (off-peak), £11.80 (peak)
- Estimated travel time: approx. 70 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
- Single fare: £7.60 (paper ticket)
- Oyster/contactless: £6.30 (off-peak), £7.70 (peak)
- Estimated travel time: approx. 50 minutes
- Route: Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road → Northern Line to Charing Cross
Fun Fact
During the early 20th century, Hayes & Harlington became known for its proximity to the EMI music factory, where iconic records by The Beatles and Pink Floyd were pressed. The station saw heavy use by employees commuting to EMI’s headquarters, located just a short walk away. Today, a commemorative plaque and art installations in the area nod to this musical heritage.
Quick Facts
- Station name: Hayes & Harlington
- Located in: London Borough of Hillingdon
- Opened: 1868 (by Great Western Railway)
- Main services: Elizabeth Line, National Rail
- Underground connections: None directly; connect via Elizabeth Line at Paddington or Whitechapel
- Station entrances: Station Road (main), Pump Lane (secondary)
- Distance from Charing Cross: 14.5 miles by road
- Travel time to Reading: ~35 mins (Elizabeth Line)
- Travel time to Abbey Wood: ~70 mins (Elizabeth Line)
- Travel time to Charing Cross: ~50 mins (via Elizabeth & Northern lines)
- Paper fares: £7.60–£12.90 depending on destination
- Contactless/Oyster fares: £6.30–£13.90 (peak/off-peak vary)
- Accessibility: Step-free access to all platforms
- Fun fact: Near the historic EMI music factory site
Hayes & Harlington Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Hayes & Harlington Station, London (View image in full size)
