How to get to London Blackfriars (BFR) Train Station

Travel to London Blackfriars train station from the city center

The London Blackfriars train station lies on the north bank of the River Thames, around 1.2 miles (1.9km) east of Charing Cross, London's historic city center. London, the largest city in Europe, has many major stations serving the whole of the United Kingdom. Blackfriars, which was redeveloped between 2009 and 2012 and now spans the River Thames, is one of them, with over 10 million passengers every year. The station is close to London proper, London's financial center, and landmarks like Shakespeare's Globe, which is just across the river, and St. Paul's Cathedral. The London Blackfriars station is mainly served by Thameslink and Southeastern trains, with services going as far south as Brighton and north to Luton and Cambridge. The southeast of London, as well as Kent, are also served by trains from the station.

What is the best way to get to the train station from the city center

There are plenty of ways to get from London city center to the London Blackfriars train station. If passengers don't have too much luggage, the distance is very walkable and is a pleasant stroll along the north bank of the River Thames. Otherwise, passengers can either take the London Underground, a bus, a train, or a cab. To take the subway, passengers can walk five minutes from Charing Cross to Embankment station on the river, from where the Circle and District lines run direct to London Blackfriars station. Alternatively, passengers can take a mainline train from Charing Cross to London Bridge and then change to a London Blackfriars-bound train. Two buses, the 11 and the 15, go from Charing Cross to London Blackfriars. Both go to Ludgate Hill/Old Bailey bus stop, which is just a couple of minutes north of Blackfriars. Neither the trains nor the subway runs through the night, but both bus services do. A taxi ride will likely take around 15 or 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

How far is it from the city center to the train station?

As the train station London Blackfriars lies only 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) east of Charing Cross, it is around a 20-minute walk from one to the other or a 10-minute bike ride. The subway is definitely the fastest way to get from one to the other with public transport, however. The circle and district lines run every three minutes (although less frequently at night), and, including the walk from Charing Cross to Embankment, the whole journey shouldn't take more than 12 minutes. If the traffic is good, a bus can take as few as 20 minutes during the day, with it likely taking closer to 15 at night when there is less traffic on the roads. However, the bus goes down a major thoroughfare - the Strand, and then Fleet Street - which is often heavily congested, adding substantially to the travel time. Taking the train should take 25 minutes, although this depends on how lucky passengers are with connections.

How accessible is the train station for those with limited mobility?

London Blackfriars station is fully accessible. It is fully step-free, with elevators between platforms and the street-level. There are also wheelchairs to borrow, as well as ramps for accessing the trains, accessible ticket machines, and booking office counters. For those who are hard of hearing, the station has an induction loop system. All London buses are fully accessible, with electronic ramps for those boarding in wheelchairs as well as dedicated wheelchair spaces inside the buses. The London Underground network is not particularly accessible for those with limited mobility, and although the Blackfriars subway station is wheelchair-friendly, the Embankment station is not. Westminster station, a ten-minute walk west, is also accessible. For those getting the train, both Charing Cross and London Bridge have step-free access.

Local tips: the train station and points of interest

London Blackfriars is in the vicinity of several of London's major landmarks. Shakespeare's Globe, a reconstruction of the building in which Shakespeare's plays were originally performed on the same site as the original, is just across the river - standing tickets are very affordable - and St. Paul's, London's most famous cathedral, is a five-minute walk north. The cathedral is open to visitors throughout the week. The Tate Modern, London's largest collection of modern art, is near the Globe. Entry is free every day of the week. From Blackfriars Station visitors can see the Millennium Bridge, which originally opened in 2000. The bridge had to be closed on its opening day for two years after pedestrians realized it was swaying alarmingly! It is now fully secure, and offers a great view down the river for those crossing it.