Shenfield Station, London

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Shenfield Station is a major railway terminus located in the town of Shenfield in Essex, just outside the northeastern boundary of Greater London. It serves as the eastern terminus of the Elizabeth Line and plays a vital role in linking this outer suburban area with Central London and beyond.

History and Origins

The station first opened in 1843 under the Eastern Counties Railway and was known simply as "Shenfield" from the outset. Its name is derived from the Old English word scēne feld, meaning “beautiful open land.” The name has remained unchanged throughout its operational history, reflecting the station's deep roots in the local community.

Shenfield Station gained significance over the years, particularly after becoming a key interchange for suburban and long-distance services to East Anglia. It was integrated into British Railways following nationalisation and later transferred to Network Rail and TfL management with the advent of the Crossrail project (now the Elizabeth Line).

Station Building and Facilities

The current station building is a modernised structure that blends functional design with contemporary commuter needs. It features a main concourse with ticketing facilities, customer service counters, accessible step-free access to all platforms via lifts, and sheltered waiting areas. The architecture retains elements of its early 20th-century reconstructions, particularly in its platform canopies.

Distance from Charing Cross

By road, Shenfield Station is approximately 24 miles (39 km) northeast of Charing Cross. Driving this distance typically takes around 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Services Offered

Shenfield Station is served by several transport networks:

• Elizabeth Line: Shenfield is the eastern terminus of the line, offering direct services to Central London and onward to Reading in the west.
• National Rail: Greater Anglia operates services from Shenfield to destinations in Essex and East Anglia, including Southend Victoria, Braintree, and Chelmsford.

There is currently no London Underground service directly at Shenfield, though passengers can connect via London Underground Stations en route.

Elizabeth Line Stations

For Elizabeth Line services:

• Preceding station: Brentwood
• Following station (toward Central London): Brentwood
• Western terminus: Reading

Fares and Zones

Shenfield Station lies in Travelcard Zone 9, making it one of the farthest points on the TfL network. Fare prices as of 2025 are as follows:

• To Reading Station: Single ticket – £25.20, Oyster/contactless – £20.50. Estimated journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes.
• To Shenfield Station (from Reading): Same as above, since it's the reverse journey.

To Charing Cross Station

To reach Charing Cross from Shenfield Station, passengers can take the Elizabeth Line to Tottenham Court Road and then change to the Northern Line southbound. Alternatively, they can interchange at Liverpool Street and take the Circle Line or District Line to Embankment. Estimated journey time is 1 hour 5 minutes.

• Single ticket: £11.70
• Oyster/contactless: £8.50 off-peak, £9.60 peak

Fun Fact

Shenfield Station was once planned to be a future extension point for a possible loop around East London during early Crossrail discussions, though this plan was eventually abandoned. Still, the station retains its prominence as a commuter hub, and its long platforms—capable of accommodating 12-car trains—stand as a testament to its strategic importance.

Quick Facts

Shenfield Station is on the Map of London Underground

Painting of Shenfield Station, London (View image in full size)

Page Details

This page was created on 30 May 2025.

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