Victoria Railway

Victoria Station is one of London's busiest and most significant transport hubs, serving millions of passengers annually. Located in the prestigious Westminster area, it serves as the main gateway for travel to the south of England, coastal resorts, and the international Gatwick Airport. The station building combines historic Victorian architecture with modern infrastructure, offering tourists convenience and comfort.

It is important for passengers to know that the station is integrated with the underground station of the same name and is within walking distance of Victoria Coach Station. The platforms are located on a single level (terminal type), which facilitates navigation with luggage. The main departure boards are located in the center of the main concourse; watch them closely, as Gatwick Express platforms are usually (but not always) numbers 13 and 14.

• Official Website: Page on the Network Rail website (national operator).
• Helpline: +44 345 711 4141 (National Rail Enquiries general line).
• Address: Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5ND, UK.
• Opening Hours: The station is open 24/7, but trains usually run from 04:00 to 01:00 (please check the schedule).
• Luggage Storage: Excess Baggage Co, located between platforms 7 and 8 (paid service).
• Accessibility: The station is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility; Passenger Assist services and step-free access to most platforms are available.

Getting to Victoria Station is very simple, as it is a key hub in the city center. The most popular method is the London Underground (Tube). The Victoria (light blue), District (green), and Circle (yellow) lines lead here. The exit from the metro leads directly into the railway station concourse or to the square in front of it.

For those who prefer surface transport, there is a large bus terminal nearby, served by dozens of routes from all over London, including the famous red double-decker buses. A taxi rank is located directly at the main entrance on the Hudson's Place and Wilton Road side.

If you are walking around the center, you can reach the station from Buckingham Palace in just 10–15 minutes through picturesque streets. From Westminster Abbey, the walk will take about 20 minutes.

Victoria Station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait. In the main hall, you will find both ticket offices with staff and numerous self-service machines for quick ticket purchases. Benches in the concourse and separate Waiting Rooms on some platforms are provided for waiting.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the territory (registration required). To charge gadgets, you can use paid charging stations or sockets in cafes. Restrooms (including accessible cabins and baby changing tables) are located near the exit to Grosvenor Gardens and are usually free of charge. Currency exchange points and ATMs are also available.

It is impossible to stay hungry at Victoria Station. Inside the station and in the Victoria Place shopping center (located on the floor above), there are many cafes and restaurants. For a quick snack before the train, chain bakeries like Pret A Manger, Upper Crust, or coffee shops like Starbucks and Costa Coffee are perfect — the average check here will be 5–10 pounds.

If you have time for a full lunch, sit-down restaurants operate on the second floor, offering burgers, pizza, and Asian cuisine. Near the station, there are several traditional establishments, such as The Iron Duke, where you can enjoy a classic meal of fish and chips. Most food outlets open early in the morning (around 6:00) and work until late in the evening.

The history of Victoria Station is unique in that it was originally two different stations built by competing companies. The western part opened in 1860 (LB&SCR company), and the eastern part in 1862 (LC&DR company). For a long time, they functioned separately, divided by a wall, until they were united into a single complex by Southern Railway in the 1920s.

Throughout the 20th century, the station served as the main "gateway to Continental Europe," from where the famous Boat Trains departed to ferries across the English Channel. In recent years, the station has undergone massive reconstruction, especially in the metro area, to cope with the huge passenger flow of modern London.

Main advice: try to avoid traveling during peak hours (from 7:30 to 9:30 and from 17:00 to 19:00), when the station is crowded with office workers. Arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before the train departs, as boarding often closes 2 minutes before departure, and passing through ticket gates may take time.

Be attentive to your belongings: like any major tourist hub, the station attracts pickpockets. Never leave luggage unattended — this may trigger a security alert. If you are transferring to a long-distance coach, remember that Victoria Coach Station is located in a separate building a 5–7 minute walk away on Buckingham Palace Road, not inside the railway station.