Taplow Station, Buckinghamshire
Taplow Station is a historic railway station located in the village of Taplow in the county of Buckinghamshire. Positioned just outside Greater London, the station now serves as a stop on the modern Elizabeth Line, linking suburban communities to the urban centres of central London and beyond.
History of Taplow Station
The station first opened on 4 June 1838 as part of the original Great Western Railway (GWR) between London and Maidenhead. Designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the railway through Taplow was initially laid in broad gauge, later converted to standard gauge in the 19th century.
Interestingly, the station was not originally known as Taplow. When it first opened, it was named Maidenhead (Riverside), even though it was not located within Maidenhead itself. The station was eventually renamed Taplow on 1 September 1869 to better reflect its actual geographical setting and to reduce confusion with Maidenhead’s main station.
Station Layout and Entrances
Taplow Station is situated just off Approach Road, which branches off Bath Road (A4), a major thoroughfare in the area. The main entrance faces Approach Road, with a modest ground-level brick building that houses ticket machines and a small waiting area. Though simple in appearance, the station retains a traditional look, with period elements hinting at its 19th-century origins. There are no retail outlets within the station building, but passengers will find seating and basic shelter on the platforms.
Distance to Central London
By road, Taplow Station is approximately 27 miles (43 kilometres) west of Charing Cross, often considered the heart of London. Depending on traffic, the drive can take between 50 to 80 minutes, though the Elizabeth Line provides a faster and more reliable alternative.
Services and Connections
Taplow Station is served exclusively by the Elizabeth Line, which offers frequent services eastbound towards the City and Abbey Wood, and westbound to Reading. Though it is not a London Underground Station, its Elizabeth Line services integrate seamlessly with the London Underground network at interchanges such as Paddington and Liverpool Street.
Elizabeth Line Stations
On the Elizabeth Line:
- The preceding station heading westbound is Burnham.
- The subsequent station heading eastbound is Maidenhead.
Fares and Travel Times
- To Reading Station:
- Single ticket: £6.00
- Oyster/contactless: £4.80 (off-peak), £5.80 (peak)
- Estimated travel time: ~22 minutes
- To Abbey Wood Station:
- Single ticket: £14.10
- Oyster/contactless: £12.50 (off-peak), £13.90 (peak)
- Estimated travel time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
- To Charing Cross Station:
- Single ticket: £12.00
- Oyster/contactless: £10.30 (off-peak), £11.70 (peak)
- Estimated travel time: ~1 hour
- Route: Elizabeth Line to Paddington → Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross
Fun Fact
Taplow Station was once a popular alighting point for elite passengers travelling to the nearby Cliveden House, a stately home and former residence of Nancy Astor. The house played a key role in the infamous Profumo Affair of the 1960s. A private motor car would collect guests directly from the station and whisk them away to the grand estate.
Quick Facts
- Location: Taplow, Buckinghamshire
- Opened: 4 June 1838 (as Maidenhead Riverside), renamed Taplow in 1869
- Rail Services: Elizabeth Line
- Previous/Next Stations: Burnham (west), Maidenhead (east)
- Distance from Charing Cross: ~27 miles by road
- Main Entrance: Approach Road, off Bath Road (A4)
- Fare to Reading: £6.00 single; £4.80 Oyster (off-peak)
- Fare to Abbey Wood: £14.10 single; £12.50 Oyster (off-peak)
- Fare to Charing Cross: £12.00 single; £10.30 Oyster (off-peak)
- Travel Time to Reading: ~22 minutes
- Travel Time to Abbey Wood: ~1 hour 25 minutes
- Travel Time to Charing Cross: ~1 hour with interchanges
- Interesting Fact: Favoured stop for visitors to Cliveden House in the early 20th century
Taplow Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Taplow Station, Buckinghamshire (View image in full size)
