Victoria Station is your starting point for exploring the vibrant city of London and beyond. This central hub, located right in the heart of the city, offers easy access to trains, underground lines, and buses, making it a convenient gateway to various destinations.
With its iconic architecture and bustling atmosphere, Victoria Station is a melting pot of commuters, tourists, and locals. You’ll experience the energy of the city right at your doorstep.
Station Information
Victoria Station is open daily from 4:00 am to 12:45 am. However, there are three overnight trains departing at 1:10 am, 2:10 am, and 3:10 am every Friday and Saturday night, for which the station opens 15 minutes beforehand.
The ticket office is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, conveniently located on the main concourse near the entrance. Self-service ticket machines are also available throughout the station for purchasing and collecting pre-booked tickets.
The station is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access routes throughout the station via lifts and ramps. Accessible toilets and assistance for passengers with disabilities are also available upon request.
Transport Options
Victoria Station serves as a vital transportation hub, offering various options to reach different parts of London and beyond.
Train services depart from Victoria Station to numerous destinations across southern England, including Gatwick Airport, Brighton, Eastbourne, Dover, Canterbury, and Ashford International.
A London Underground station is directly linked to the main train station, serving the Victoria Line, Circle Line, and District Line.
A comprehensive bus network connects Victoria Station to various points within London. Bus routes that stop at or near the station include the 2, 3, 6, 11, 13, 24, 26, 36, 38, 44, 52, 148, 170, 185, 211, 390, C1, C10, N2, N11, N26, N32, N38, N44, N73, and N136. A coach station is also located nearby.
Facilities and Services
Victoria Station offers a range of facilities and services, catering to the needs of travelers.
A variety of shops, including convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, and fast-food outlets, are available throughout the station. A full list of shops, restaurants, and cafes can be found here.
Public toilets, including accessible facilities, are located throughout the station. ATMs are also available for cash withdrawals.
Free Wi-Fi is available for passengers who need to stay connected.
The Excess Baggage Company operates a left luggage service (as well as lost and found), which we’ll discuss in more detail later.
15 Things to Do Near Victoria Station
Whether you’ve just arrived at Victoria Station or have a few hours to spare before your departure, there are plenty of exciting things to do in the surrounding area.
Culture and History
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Victoria and Albert Museum: Immerse yourself in art, design, and culture at this world-renowned museum, featuring a vast collection of historical artifacts, fashion, sculptures, and innovative exhibitions.
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Churchill War Rooms: Step back in time and explore the underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his government operated during World War II. Gain insights into the war’s impact on Britain.
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Westminster Abbey: Marvel at the magnificent Gothic architecture and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where royal weddings and coronations have taken place for nearly a thousand years.
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Tate Britain: Immerse yourself in British art history at this renowned gallery, featuring an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and art from various periods and styles, including works by Turner, Bacon, and Hockney.
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Belgravia: Wander through the picturesque streets of Belgravia, an upscale neighborhood characterized by its beautiful Georgian architecture, charming mews, boutique shops, and delightful cafes. Experience the glamorous side of London!
Shopping and Entertainment
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Victoria Centre: This shopping center, conveniently located near the station, offers a variety of shops, from fashion to electronics, along with some good food options to satisfy your cravings.
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Apollo Victoria Theatre: Located just across the road from Victoria Station, you can immerse yourself in the magic of live performances and musicals at this historic theatre, known for hosting popular productions in its stunning setting. See what’s on here.
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Buckingham Palace: Check out Buckingham Palace, one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony every day at 11 am or admire the grandeur of the palace’s architecture and surrounding gardens.
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Royal Mews: While at Buckingham Palace, explore the Royal Mews, discovering the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages at the Palace’s stables and gaining insights into the royal family’s transportation traditions and ceremonies.
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Natural History Museum: Discover a stunning Victorian building filled with specimens from the natural world through the ages. From dinosaurs to gemstones, it offers an awe-inspiring experience. Don’t miss the iconic blue whale skeleton, and best of all, it’s free admission!
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Green Park: Find solace in this peaceful green oasis, perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, or unwinding amidst nature. This is the smallest of London’s Royal Parks, but it offers a serene atmosphere away from the bustling city streets.
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Victoria’s Secret: Explore a modern shopping destination near Victoria Station, featuring an array of high-street brands, boutique shops, and dining options, providing a new, glamorous retail experience.
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Apollo Theatre: Treat yourself to a captivating musical at this remarkable venue, most famous for its long-running “Wicked” production and iconic stand-up comedy performances “Live at the Apollo.”
Iconic Landmarks
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Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament: See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, a “must-see” for most London visitors. Visit the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the UK government in a grand Gothic building. Take a tour and admire the iconic Big Ben clock tower, a true symbol of London.
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St. James’s Park: Discover another pretty park nearby, St. James’s Park, with a serene atmosphere, a beautiful lake, and great plant life. Enjoy views of Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade, or have a picnic on a sunny day with some friends!
Luggage Storage Options
Victoria Station offers a dedicated luggage storage service, managed by the Excess Baggage Company, located between platforms 7 and 8. However, it’s a relatively expensive option, ranging from £7.50 for a maximum of 3 hours, £15 per bag for 24 hours, and £30.00 for a maximum of 72 hours.
For a cheaper alternative, consider using an online luggage storage service. These apps and websites connect you to nearby shops, bars, etc., with luggage storage spaces partnered with the service. Check out nearby options after entering your location (Victoria Station) and travel hands-free!
Radical Storage and Stasher are two popular services, both charging around £5 per bag per day to store.
Bounce offers similar rates as well. Remember that these services may have additional fees for insurance coverage or a service charge, which can add around £2 to your total during checkout.
LuggageHero offers daily and hourly rates, which can be handy for short-term storage during sightseeing. However, their service and insurance charges can add to the overall cost.
Nannybag luggage storage in London provides a straightforward rate of €6 per item per day, without any hidden costs. You’ll also benefit from up to €1000 in financial protection if something happens to a bag, offering valuable peace of mind. The reservation process is straightforward, and all their partner locations are verified and secure. Travelers have given Nannybag outstanding feedback, so you can trust that you’ll be well cared for.
Little-Known Facts about Victoria Station
There are some fascinating facts about Victoria Station that many people may not know.
- Initially named “Grosvenor Terminus”: Victoria Station was originally named after the nearby Grosvenor Canal.
- Named after Victoria Street, not Queen Victoria: Contrary to popular belief, the station is not named after Queen Victoria.
- Hidden underground facility: Beneath the station lies the Victoria Line Control Room, a hidden underground facility that oversees the operation of the Victoria Line.
- Split down the middle: The station was initially built to serve two separate lines, the Brighton and Chatham Main Lines, in the early 19th century, and this split remains evident even today.
Victoria Station is a vibrant hub filled with possibilities, offering a blend of transportation, facilities, and entertainment options. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, make sure to take advantage of the services and explore the surrounding attractions for an unforgettable London experience.
