Westminster Station, London
The station is directly beneath Portcullis House, a striking government building completed in 2001 that houses offices for Members of Parliament and their staff. The building's design cleverly integrates the Underground infrastructure below, with massive air vents incorporated into the architecture to serve both the station and the offices above.
Lines and Connections
Westminster Underground Station is served by three major London Underground lines:District Line
Circle Line
These two lines run parallel through the station and link Westminster to St James's Park to the west and Embankment to the east.
Jubilee Line
The Jubilee Line runs northbound toward Green Park, Bond Street, and Stratford, and southbound to Waterloo, offering connections to the South Bank, National Rail services, and beyond. Notably, the Jubilee Line platforms were part of a major redevelopment project and opened in 1999 as part of the Jubilee Line Extension. The redesign added an entirely new subterranean cavern, complete with futuristic architecture and high-capacity escalators, transforming Westminster into a visually striking and spacious interchange.
The station lies within London Travelcard Zone 1, making it extremely central and accessible to all major parts of the city.
History
Westminster Station originally opened on 24 December 1868 as part of the Metropolitan District Railway (MDR), which would later become the District Line. At the time, the line was operated with steam trains. The original shallow-level station was relatively modest and typical of the Victorian era.In the late 1990s, Westminster underwent a dramatic transformation as part of the Jubilee Line Extension project. This redevelopment completely rebuilt the station, with new deep-level platforms and a complex engineering design to accommodate the close proximity of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. The redevelopment was praised for its architectural and engineering innovation, and won several awards. Today, it is recognized for its impressive industrial design and expansive vertical space.
Nearby Landmarks and Attractions
Westminster Station is one of the most strategically located stations for sightseeing in London. Upon exiting, visitors are immediately greeted by views of:- The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) - Including the iconic Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), just across the road from the station's Bridge Street exit.
- Westminster Bridge - Offering sweeping views of the Thames, the London Eye, and the South Bank.
- Westminster Abbey - A short walk away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is where British monarchs are crowned.
- Parliament Square Garden - Surrounded by statues of global statesmen such as Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, and Abraham Lincoln.
- Whitehall - The historic government district begins just to the north, leading towards Downing Street, the Cenotaph, and Trafalgar Square.
Interesting Faces
The Jubilee Line platform area at Westminster was constructed using a massive concrete box sunk into the ground - a feat of modern engineering given the proximity to the River Thames and sensitive historic structures.The escalators at Westminster descend through a vast open shaft and are some of the deepest on the London Underground, giving passengers a striking perspective of the station's depth and industrial architecture.
During construction, workers had to dig carefully around historic tunnels and foundations, using techniques usually reserved for archaeology. In fact, work was temporarily halted when the remains of a 13th-century medieval quay were discovered nearby.
Westminster Station was temporarily closed following the 7 July 2005 London bombings, but quickly reopened, highlighting its importance in London's transportation network.
For Visitors and Commuters
Whether you're a commuter heading to a government office, a tourist starting your exploration of London's landmarks, or an architecture enthusiast, Westminster Station is more than just a transport hub - it's a gateway to British history, politics, and culture. The station's central location, excellent connectivity, and unique design make it a memorable part of any London journey.Quick Facts
- Location: Bridge Street & Victoria Embankment, City of Westminster
- GPS Coordinates: 51.50114, -0.12483
- Lines Served: Circle, District, Jubilee
- Travelcard Zone: 1
- Opened: 24 December 1868 (original); Jubilee Line platforms added in 1999
- Nearby Landmarks:
- Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- Westminster Bridge & London Eye (across the Thames)
- Parliament Square & Whitehall
- Structure: Deep-level platforms (Jubilee Line); integration with Portcullis House
- Notable Features:
- Futuristic architecture from Jubilee Line Extension
- One of the deepest escalators on the Underground
- Built using top-down excavation beside the Thames
Westminster Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Square painting of Westminster Station, London (View image in full size)