Romford Station, London
Romford Station is a significant transport hub in east London, located within the London Borough of Havering. It serves as a gateway between suburban communities and central London, playing a key role on the Elizabeth Line while also offering connections to other transport services. The station is a vital commuting point for residents and a useful entry point for visitors exploring the area.
History and Origins
Romford Station first opened on 20 June 1839 as part of the Eastern Counties Railway, making it one of the oldest operational stations in the region. It was initially known simply as “Romford” and has retained the same name since its inception. The station's establishment was a major catalyst for the transformation of Romford from a market town into a thriving commuter suburb.
The name "Romford" is believed to derive from the Old English words rūm (meaning wide or spacious) and ford (meaning a river crossing), in reference to a broad ford that once crossed the River Rom, a tributary of the River Beam.
Architecture and Station Layout
The current station building is a blend of historical and modern architectural elements. The red-brick façade facing South Street preserves its Victorian-era charm, while modern features such as lifts, glass canopies, and updated signage reflect contemporary transport standards. The platforms are connected via a pedestrian overbridge with step-free access available throughout.
Location and Distance from Charing Cross
Romford Station is situated roughly 14 miles (22.5 kilometres) from Charing Cross by road. Travel time by car can vary due to traffic, typically taking between 45 minutes to an hour.
Rail Services and Lines
Elizabeth Line
Romford Station is a key stop on the Elizabeth Line, providing fast and frequent services across east and west London. Trains run in both directions with the following adjacent stations:
- Westbound: Chadwell Heath Station
- Eastbound: Gidea Park Station
This connectivity allows passengers to travel directly to the City, Heathrow Airport, and as far west as Reading, all without changing trains.
National Rail and Local Services
The station is also served by National Rail services operated by Greater Anglia, offering connections to Liverpool Street and regional destinations. Additionally, there is a shuttle platform that provides occasional services on the Romford to Upminster branch line.
London Underground and Interchange
While Romford Station is not directly served by the London Underground, passengers can reach it by changing from the Elizabeth Line at Stratford or Liverpool Street, which offer transfers to lines such as the Central Line, Circle Line, District Line, and Hammersmith & City Line.
As such, Romford is included in comprehensive transport lists such as London Underground Stations, even though it does not host a Tube line directly.
Fares, Travelcard Zone and Travel Times
Romford Station is located in Travelcard Zone 6. As of the latest Transport for London data:
- To Reading Station:
- Single adult fare: £26.50 (paper ticket)
- Oyster/contactless: £18.10 peak / £13.70 off-peak
- Estimated travel time: Approx. 90 minutes
- To Shenfield Station:
- Single adult fare: £5.40 (paper ticket)
- Oyster/contactless: £3.20 peak / £2.50 off-peak
- Estimated travel time: 12 minutes
- To Charing Cross Station:
- Route: Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street, then Central Line to Tottenham Court Road, and finally Northern Line or walk to Charing Cross
- Single adult fare: £6.40 (paper ticket)
- Oyster/contactless: £4.00 peak / £3.10 off-peak
- Estimated travel time: 40–45 minutes
Fun Fact
A quirky detail about Romford Station is that its shuttle line to Upminster is the only non-electrified passenger branch line in Greater London, operated by a single diesel unit. It has become something of a cult favourite among railway enthusiasts due to its simplicity and rarity in the capital.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Romford
- Location: London Borough of Havering, East London
- Opened: 1839
- Original Railway: Eastern Counties Railway
- Current Services: Elizabeth Line, National Rail
- Adjacent Elizabeth Line Stations: Chadwell Heath (west), Gidea Park (east)
- Travelcard Zone: Zone 6
- Distance from Charing Cross (by road): Approx. 14 miles
- Estimated Travel Time to Charing Cross: Around 45 minutes
- Estimated Travel Time to Shenfield: 12 minutes
- Estimated Travel Time to Reading: Approx. 90 minutes
- Notable Feature: Home to London’s only diesel-only passenger shuttle (to Upminster)
References
Romford Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Romford Station, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 30 May 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
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