The London Railway Station (London VIA Rail Station) is a key transport hub in Southwestern Ontario, serving one of the busiest routes in Canada. Located in the very centre of the city, the station connects London with Toronto, Windsor, and Sarnia, forming an important part of the Quebec — Windsor corridor. The station building is a modern complex offering passengers comfortable waiting conditions and convenient navigation.
It is important for passengers to know that the station has a simple and intuitive layout. The main entrance is from York Street. Inside, there is a spacious waiting hall with departure boards. Access to platforms is via an underpass or special ramps, making boarding convenient for all categories of travellers. The station also serves as a hub for transfers to intercity buses and local transport.
Contact Information
Official website: viarail.ca (VIA Rail Canada operator)
Information desk phone: +1 888-842-7245 (general VIA Rail line)
Address: 205 York Street, London, ON, N6A 1B1, Canada
Opening hours: Daily from 05:30 to 23:00 (hours may change on holidays)
Luggage storage: Checked baggage service is available for specific trains; please check availability of lockers at the information desk
Accessibility: The station is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility (elevators, ramps, staff assistance)
How to Get There
Getting to the London Railway Station is quite simple, as it is located in the business centre of the city (Downtown).
Public transport: Numerous London Transit Commission (LTC) bus routes pass near the station. The nearest stops are located on York Street and Richmond Street.
Taxis and cars: There is a passenger drop-off zone and a taxi rank at the main entrance. A trip from the University of Western Ontario will take about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.
On foot: From most hotels in the city centre, as well as from the Citi Plaza shopping mall, you can walk to the station in 5–10 minutes. The building is a prominent landmark on York Street.
Services and Amenities
The station in London (Ontario) offers a wide range of services for a comfortable journey. In the main hall, there is a spacious waiting area with seats and information screens. Both staffed counters and self-service kiosks are available for ticket purchases.
Free Wi-Fi is available to passengers, allowing you to stay connected before boarding the train. The building has clean restrooms and changing tables. Special attention is paid to accessibility: the station is equipped with ramps and wheelchair lifts (assistance service for boarding must be requested 48 hours in advance).
Where to Eat
Directly inside the station building, food options are limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks. This is enough for a quick bite, but for a full meal, it is better to consider options nearby.
Thanks to its location in downtown, there are many cafes and restaurants within a 5-minute walk. Across the road, in the Richmond Row area and near Citi Plaza, you can find coffee shops (for example, the famous Canadian Tim Hortons or Starbucks), fast food, and full-service restaurants. The average bill for coffee and a sandwich in the area will be around 10–15 Canadian dollars.
Station History
The history of railway communication in London, Canada, goes back to the mid-19th century when the city became an important hub for the Great Western Railway. The current station building is an example of modernist architecture, built in the 1960s. It replaced the old, more monumental station to meet the updated transport logistics requirements of that time.
Over the decades, the station has been modernised to accommodate modern VIA Rail trains and ensure a high level of safety. Today, the station plays a critical role in the city's transport system, being the fourth busiest hub in the VIA Rail Canada network.
Travel Tips
Arrival: It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 45–60 minutes before the train departs, especially if you need to check in luggage. Check-in closes a few minutes before departure.
Luggage: Carefully check the luggage allowance for your fare (Economy or Business). There are scales at the station to check suitcases. Tags for hand luggage are mandatory.
Safety and waiting: The station is guarded and considered a safe place, however, do not leave your belongings unattended. If you have a long layover, the waiting hall is the most comfortable place, but the station closes at night after the arrival of the last train.