West Ealing Station, London
West Ealing Station is a railway station located in the London Borough of Ealing, serving the suburban area of West Ealing in west London. It is part of the Elizabeth Line, providing quick and frequent rail access between west London and both central London and the City. The station plays a key role in connecting the neighbourhood to the rest of London and beyond.
History and Naming
West Ealing Station first opened in 1871 under the name “Castle Hill,” reflecting a local area designation of the time. In 1875, it was renamed to “West Ealing,” aligning with the growing suburban identity of the region. The name has remained unchanged since, and the station has seen substantial upgrades over the decades, most recently with the transformation brought by its incorporation into the Elizabeth Line network in 2022.
Station Layout and Entrances
The main entrance to West Ealing Station is situated on Argyle Road, just north of the Uxbridge Road (A4020). The station features a modern ground-level building with a clean glass frontage. Inside, there are ticket machines, accessible toilets, and a small newsstand. The station has multiple entrances and exits, including step-free access, making it easy for all passengers to navigate the premises.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, West Ealing is approximately 9.5 miles (15.3 km) west of Charing Cross, one of London’s traditional centre points. The journey by car can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic conditions.
Rail Services
West Ealing Station is primarily served by the Elizabeth Line. It is not a stop on the London Underground, although connections to various London Underground Stations are easily made via the Elizabeth Line.
There are also limited National Rail services operated by Great Western Railway, especially to Greenford via the Greenford branch line, which terminates here.
Elizabeth Line Connections
From West Ealing Station:
- To the west: The preceding station is Hanwell.
- To the east: The next station is Ealing Broadway, a major interchange station.
Fares and Travel Times
To Reading Station
- Single ticket fare: £11.70
- Oyster/contactless fare (peak): £10.30
- Oyster/contactless fare (off-peak): £7.60
- Estimated travel time: 45–50 minutes
To Abbey Wood Station
- Single ticket fare: £11.20
- Oyster/contactless fare (peak): £9.90
- Oyster/contactless fare (off-peak): £7.00
- Estimated travel time: 60–65 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
To reach Charing Cross from West Ealing, passengers can:
- Take the Elizabeth Line to Paddington.
- Interchange to the Bakerloo Line and travel southbound.
- Single ticket fare: £5.50
- Oyster/contactless fare (peak): £4.80
- Oyster/contactless fare (off-peak): £3.20
- Estimated travel time: 35–40 minutes
Fun Fact
In the 1950s and 60s, West Ealing Station was a key freight depot used to transport fruit and vegetables from Covent Garden Market to west London. Though freight no longer runs here, the area’s legacy in food distribution remains part of local lore.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: West Ealing
- Location: Argyle Road, West Ealing, London W13
- Opened: 1871 (as Castle Hill), renamed West Ealing in 1875
- Serves: Elizabeth Line, Great Western Railway (Greenford branch)
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approx. 9.5 miles (15.3 km)
- Elizabeth Line: Preceding – Hanwell; Next – Ealing Broadway
- Reading fare (peak): £10.30 (Oyster); £11.70 (Single)
- Abbey Wood fare (peak): £9.90 (Oyster); £11.20 (Single)
- Charing Cross fare (peak): £4.80 (Oyster); £5.50 (Single)
- Travel time to Reading: 45–50 mins
- Travel time to Abbey Wood: 60–65 mins
- Travel time to Charing Cross: 35–40 mins
- Fun Fact: Former freight hub for Covent Garden produce in mid-20th century
West Ealing Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of West Ealing Station, London (View image in full size)
