Woolwich Station, London
Woolwich Station is a key rail hub located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, southeast London. One of the newest stations on the Elizabeth Line, it serves as a modern transport gateway connecting Greater London with destinations to the east and west of the capital. Woolwich Station is separate from the nearby Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and National Rail stations, which are located a short walk away, making it part of a broader transport interchange in the area.
Location and Station Complex
Woolwich Station (Elizabeth Line) is situated on Dial Arch Square, in the heart of the revitalised Royal Arsenal district. It is distinct from the nearby Woolwich Arsenal Station, which serves the DLR and Southeastern National Rail services. While these stations are not co-located in the same building, they are within a short walking distance of approximately 200 metres, allowing for convenient intermodal connections.
History and Development
The station was constructed as part of the Crossrail project and officially opened on 24 May 2022, when the Elizabeth Line began its operations in phases. Though Woolwich was not originally included in Crossrail plans, local lobbying and redevelopment efforts in the area convinced planners of its necessity, especially considering the growing population and regeneration in the Royal Arsenal.
From the outset, the station has been called "Woolwich," following the name of the surrounding historic town known for its military and naval heritage. This name has remained unchanged since planning.
Architecture and Design
Woolwich Station features a sleek, modern glass and steel design integrated within the historic setting of the Royal Arsenal. The station hall sits beneath a landscaped public plaza, giving the station a low profile that blends with the surrounding development. Inside, passengers benefit from spacious, well-lit platforms, accessible lifts, and wide concourses.
Distance from Charing Cross
By road, Woolwich Station is approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) from Charing Cross. Depending on traffic, the drive can take between 30 to 45 minutes. However, the train journey via public transport is often faster and more efficient.
Rail Services and Connections
Woolwich Station on the Elizabeth Line offers high-frequency rail services connecting to both the east and west termini of the line. It is not a London Underground station, though transfers to other Underground lines are possible at interchanges such as Canary Wharf and Liverpool Street. The station is not part of the London Underground Stations network but complements it by improving accessibility to southeast London.
Elizabeth Line Connections
On the Elizabeth Line:
- Preceding station (westbound): Abbey Wood
- Following station (westbound): Custom House
The station is located in Travelcard Zone 4.
Fares and Travel Times
To Reading Station
- Single ticket: £17.90
- Oyster/contactless fare: £14.10 (off-peak)
- Estimated travel time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
To Shenfield Station
- Single ticket: £11.70
- Oyster/contactless fare: £8.80 (off-peak)
- Estimated travel time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
To Charing Cross Station
- Single ticket (via multiple changes): £6.50
- Oyster/contactless fare: £3.60 (off-peak)
- Estimated travel time: ~45–55 minutes
- Typical route: Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf → Jubilee Line to Waterloo → Bakerloo Line to Charing Cross
Fun Fact
A unique feature of Woolwich Station is its proximity to the historic Woolwich Arsenal Gatehouse, which dates back to the 18th century. Passengers walking to the station pass through an area steeped in British military history, now transformed into a thriving riverside community with shops, restaurants, and museums.
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Woolwich Station (Elizabeth Line)
- Location: Royal Arsenal, Royal Borough of Greenwich, southeast London
- Opened: 24 May 2022
- Serves: Elizabeth Line
- Preceding Station (westbound): Abbey Wood
- Following Station (westbound): Custom House
- Zone: Travelcard Zone 4
- Nearby Stations: Woolwich Arsenal (DLR and National Rail)
- Distance to Charing Cross: Approx. 10 miles (16 km)
- Fare to Reading: £17.90 (single), £14.10 (Oyster/contactless)
- Fare to Shenfield: £11.70 (single), £8.80 (Oyster/contactless)
- Fare to Charing Cross: £6.50 (single), £3.60 (Oyster/contactless)
- Estimated Time to Reading: ~1 hr 30 mins
- Estimated Time to Shenfield: ~1 hr 5 mins
- Estimated Time to Charing Cross: ~45–55 mins
- Fun Fact: Located within the historic Royal Arsenal development, near heritage military landmarks
Woolwich Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Woolwich Station, London (View image in full size)
