Liverpool Street Station, London
One of the busiest transport hubs in London, Liverpool Street Station is a key gateway to the east of the capital and beyond.
Introduction
Liverpool Street Station is a major railway terminus and connected London Underground station located in the northeastern part of central London, within the City of London. It serves as a crucial interchange for multiple transport modes, including national rail, the Elizabeth Line, and four London Underground lines.
Historical Background
Opened in 1874 by the Great Eastern Railway, Liverpool Street Station was built to relieve pressure from the original terminus at Bishopsgate, which it eventually replaced. The station was designed by engineer Edward Wilson and architect Charles Barry Jr., with construction beginning in 1870. From the very start, it was named after Liverpool Street, the road upon which its main entrance is situated, which itself is named - not of the city of Liverpool, but rather in honour of Lord Liverpool, British Prime Minister from 1812 to 1827.
Over time, the station expanded with increasing passenger numbers and now stands as a vital hub in the national transport network. It was modernised in the late 20th century, with significant refurbishments completed in the 1990s and again to accommodate the Elizabeth Line in the 2010s.
Location and Access
The station is located at the junction of Liverpool Street and Bishopsgate, with additional exits onto Eldon Street, Broadgate, and Sun Street Passage. Its main entrance is on Liverpool Street itself.
By road, Liverpool Street Station lies approximately 2.5 miles (about 4 km) northeast of Charing Cross, traditionally considered the centre of London.
Liverpool Street Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Rail and Underground Services
Liverpool Street Station provides an extensive range of transport options:
- National Rail: Services to East Anglia, Hertfordshire, Essex, and Cambridgeshire, operated by Greater Anglia and c2c.
- Elizabeth Line: High-frequency east-west services across London and beyond.
- London Underground: Served by four lines—Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan.
Domestic and International Services
Unlike St Pancras or Paddington, Liverpool Street Station does not have an international terminal. All services from Liverpool Street are domestic. However, passengers can easily transfer to international stations such as St Pancras International via the Underground or Elizabeth Line. The domestic and regional services are fully integrated within the same station complex, ensuring seamless connections.
Underground Station Layout and Lines
The Underground platforms are located directly beneath the mainline concourse, accessible via escalators and lifts within the station. The Underground station forms a crucial interchange on the following lines:
- Central Line: Eastbound to Stratford, westbound to Oxford Circus and beyond.
- Circle Line: Westbound to Moorgate and onward to Paddington.
- Hammersmith & City Line: Parallel route to the Circle Line.
- Metropolitan Line: Serves suburban northwest London.
Adjacent Stations
For each Underground line, the stations adjacent to Liverpool Street are:
- Central Line: Eastbound to Bethnal Green, westbound to Bank.
- Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan Lines: Westbound to Moorgate, eastbound to Aldgate.
Elizabeth Line Station
The Elizabeth Line station is a newly constructed part of Liverpool Street, opened to the public in 2022 as part of the Crossrail project. The platforms are deeper underground and can be accessed via dedicated entrances and escalators from the main concourse and Broadgate exit.
On the Elizabeth Line:
- Eastbound services go to Whitechapel, Stratford, and on to Shenfield.
- Westbound services head to Farringdon, Paddington, and beyond to Heathrow and Reading.
Travel to Charing Cross
To travel from Liverpool Street Station to Charing Cross by Underground:
- Take the Central Line westbound to Oxford Circus.
- Change to the Bakerloo Line southbound to Charing Cross.
Estimated travel time: 15–20 minutes.
Fare (as of 2025):
- Adult single ticket (paper): £6.70
- Oyster/contactless fare: £2.90 (peak) / £2.70 (off-peak)
Fun Fact
A memorial at the station honours the 10,000 Jewish children rescued from Nazi-occupied Europe during the Kindertransport operation in 1938–1939. A bronze sculpture titled “Kindertransport – The Arrival” stands at the main concourse and serves as a powerful historical reminder.
Quick Facts
- Name: Liverpool Street Station
- Location: Liverpool Street, City of London
- Opened: 1874
- Main Roads Nearby: Bishopsgate, Eldon Street, Broadgate
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 2.5 miles (4 km)
- Serves: National Rail, Elizabeth Line, London Underground
- Underground Lines: Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan
- Elizabeth Line: Yes – new platforms opened in 2022
- International Terminal: No – domestic services only
- Nearby Underground Stations: Moorgate, Bank, Aldgate, Bethnal Green
- Fare to Charing Cross: £2.90 (peak Oyster/contactless)
- Travel Time to Charing Cross: 15–20 minutes with one change
- Fun Fact: Home to the Kindertransport memorial
Painting of Liverpool Street Station, London (View image in full size)
