London Paddington Station
London Paddington Station, often simply called Paddington, is one of the most significant transport hubs in central London. Serving as both a National Rail terminus and a major interchange for the London Underground, it connects travellers to local, regional, and international destinations. With its iconic architecture and ties to British railway history, Paddington remains a landmark for locals and visitors alike.
Location and Overview
Paddington Station is situated in the City of Westminster, to the west of Charing Cross, which is traditionally regarded as the heart of London. The station’s main entrance is located on Praed Street, with other access points from Eastbourne Terrace, Bishop’s Bridge Road, and the Paddington Basin area. The grand terminus building houses not only the railway and Underground ticket halls, but also shops, cafés, and the Paddington Bear statue and shop, celebrating the beloved children's character whose story begins at this very station.
By road, Paddington is approximately 2.4 miles (3.9 km) from Charing Cross, with a typical journey taking about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
History of Paddington Station
The station was designed by famed engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1854 as the London terminus of the Great Western Railway (GWR). Brunel's influence is still evident in the design of the original wrought-iron train shed roofs, which are considered a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. The site had an earlier role as a temporary terminus from 1838, but it wasn’t until 1854 that Paddington opened in its full architectural splendour.
The name “Paddington” comes from the surrounding district, which has held the name since at least the Middle Ages. The area was once a small village before being absorbed into the growing metropolis of London. The station has always borne the Paddington name since its establishment.
Services and Connections
National Rail and Heathrow Express
Paddington Station is the London terminus for National Rail services operated primarily by Great Western Railway. These trains serve destinations such as Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, and Penzance. Additionally, the station is the starting point for the non-stop Heathrow Express, which connects central London with Heathrow Airport in just 15 minutes.
London Underground
Paddington is served by two separate London Underground Stations, both named Paddington, and connected via pedestrian subways. The Underground entrance closest to the mainline concourse is on Praed Street, providing direct access to the Bakerloo Line and the Elizabeth Line (part of the National Rail platforms), while a short walk through the station brings you to another entrance serving the Circle Line, District Line, and Hammersmith & City Line.
The platforms for these lines are generally located underground or at sub-surface level, depending on the line. Here's how they connect:
- Bakerloo Line: Preceding station: Warwick Avenue. Following station: Edgware Road.
- Circle Line: Preceding station: Edgware Road (Circle). Following station: Bayswater.
- District Line: Preceding station: Edgware Road (District). Following station: Bayswater.
- Hammersmith & City Line: Preceding station: Edgware Road (H&C). Following station: Royal Oak.
- Elizabeth Line: Preceding station: Bond Street. Following station: Acton Main Line.
Other London Underground lines not serving Paddington directly but accessible via nearby stations include the Northern Line, Piccadilly Line, Victoria Line, Jubilee Line, Metropolitan Line, Central Line, and the Waterloo & City Line.
Fares and Journey to Charing Cross
As of 2025, the adult fare from Paddington to Charing Cross Station via the Underground is as follows:
- Single ticket (cash): £6.70
- Oyster/Contactless (off-peak): £2.80
- Oyster/Contactless (peak): £3.40
To go from Paddington to Charing Cross, take the Bakerloo Line which goes directly and so no change is required for that route. The journey typically takes around 10 to 12 minutes.
Fun Fact
Paddington Station is famously associated with Paddington Bear, the marmalade-loving character from the children's books by Michael Bond. According to the story, the bear from "darkest Peru" was found at Paddington Station with a label reading, “Please look after this bear.” A bronze statue of Paddington Bear can be found under the clock on Platform 1, delighting children and nostalgic adults alike.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, approximately 2.4 miles from Charing Cross
- Main Entrance: Praed Street; other exits on Eastbourne Terrace and Bishop’s Bridge Road
- First Opened: 1854 (original temporary station from 1838)
- Architect: Isambard Kingdom Brunel
- Rail Services: National Rail (GWR), Heathrow Express, Elizabeth Line
- Underground Lines: Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Elizabeth
- Distance to Charing Cross: ~2.4 miles by road; 12–15 minutes by tube with transfer
- Underground Fare to Charing Cross (2025): £2.80–£6.70 depending on payment method and time
- Fun Fact: Home of Paddington Bear statue and shop
London Paddington is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of London Paddington Station (View image in full size)
