London Paddington is one of the most historic and important railway stations in the UK. It serves as the main hub for Great Western Railway (GWR) services, offering fast routes to Bristol, Cardiff, the South West, and the Thames Valley. Paddington is also the London terminal for the Heathrow Express.
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1. Overview
Paddington Station is located in West London near Hyde Park and is known for its beautiful architecture, extensive rail connections, and strong links to London’s transport network. It offers a wide range of shops, dining options and travel services, making it a convenient gateway for both long-distance and commuter travel.
2. Main Train Operators at London Paddington
- Great Western Railway (GWR) — Intercity services to Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall.
- Heathrow Express — Non-stop services between Paddington and Heathrow Airport Terminals.
- Elizabeth Line — Crossrail services connecting Paddington with central, east and west London.
3. Key Destinations from London Paddington
- Bristol — ~1h 35m
- Cardiff — ~1h 50m
- Reading — ~25 minutes
- Exeter St Davids — ~2h 10m
- Plymouth — ~3 hours
4. Station Facilities
- Large ticket office and numerous ticket machines
- Shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants (including grab-and-go options)
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the station
- Left luggage and baggage wrapping services
- Accessible toilets and baby-changing rooms
- Cycle parking and vehicle drop-off zones
5. Accessibility
Paddington provides step-free access to all platforms, lifts throughout the station and staff support for travellers who require assistance. Accessible toilets and wide ticket gates are available.
6. London Underground Connections
Paddington Station connects to multiple Underground lines:
- Elizabeth Line
- Bakerloo Line
- Circle Line
- District Line
- Hammersmith & City Line
7. Nearby Attractions
- Hyde Park
- Little Venice
- Paddington Basin
- Oxford Street (short bus or tube ride)
8. Tips for Travellers
- Allow extra time if transferring between the Elizabeth Line and national rail platforms
- Heathrow Express trains run every 15 minutes — ideal for airport travel
- Use mobile tickets during peak hours to avoid queues
- Explore the station’s food options if you have a longer wait between trains
Part of our UK Train Stations series. View the full hub at UK Train Stations.