- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Cheapest price
$164
Average price
$257
Fastest journey
2 h 5 m
Average duration
2 h 58 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
328 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Waterloo to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Waterloo to London will cost around $257 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $164.
Of the 4 trains that leave Waterloo for London on Mon, Jun 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 15 the direct trains cover the 328 km distance in an average of 2 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
On Mon, Jun 15 the slowest trains will take 3 h 16 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Waterloo to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, and a train costs an average of $149.
Distance: 203 miles (328 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$270 Average price | $130 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest |
2h 43m Average total duration 2h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 54m Average total duration 10h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Waterloo to London:
A bus is $60 (€49) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Waterloo to London costing on average $130 (€106).
A bus is $200 (€163) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Waterloo to London costing on average $270 (€219).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 13m.
Bus takes on average 10h 24m.
The table below shows live departures for Waterloo to London trains for today, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:51 AM Waterloo | 2h06 | 9:57 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 AM Waterloo | 3h37 | 12:57 PM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Waterloo to London run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $149 (€121) but you can travel from only $33 (€27) by flight.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:04, the last at 21:21. The fastest train covers the 203 miles (328 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 203 miles (328 km) |
Average train duration 2h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $149 (€121) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 6:04 AM |
Last train 9:21 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum with major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Asia. A top choice for first-time visitors.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, Monet, and da Vinci. Essential for European painting.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames. Popular for its collection and river views.
Lively district known for historic piazza spaces, street performers, boutique shopping, and easy access to theatres and museums.
Riverside walking area with major views of the Thames, bridges, landmarks, and a busy cultural atmosphere.
One of London's great royal parks, ideal for walking, boating, open green space, and access to Kensington Gardens.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, traditionally served with mushy peas and tartar sauce. It is one of London’s most iconic comfort foods.
A classic East London dish of meat pie with mashed potatoes and parsley liquor. It is a long-standing working-class staple tied closely to the city’s food history.
Roast meat served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and often Yorkshire pudding. A traditional pub and family meal strongly associated with London weekends.
A renowned fine dining restaurant in Notting Hill known for refined modern European cooking and polished service.
A very popular all-day restaurant inspired by old Bombay cafes, loved for breakfast, curries, and lively atmosphere.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional dining rooms with historic atmosphere.
London is expensive by UK standards. Hotels, transport, and dining add up quickly, though budget eats and free museums help control costs.
Service is often included in restaurants as a 12.5% charge. If not, tip 10-12%. No tip needed in pubs for drinks. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Waterloo to London by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need