Waterloo is the busiest railway station in Britain and the London terminus for South Western Railway. Hounslow station itself is on the South Western network, so many people take the train. A taxi still makes sense in plenty of situations, and that is what this page is about.
When a taxi to Waterloo beats the train
- You have luggage. Waterloo is the station for trains to Southampton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Exeter. With suitcases, a door-to-door car is easier than changing at Twickenham or Clapham Junction.
- Engineering works. Weekend works on the Hounslow loop and the Windsor lines sometimes mean rail replacement buses. A taxi avoids the disruption.
- Late nights. After a show at the Old Vic, a concert at the Royal Festival Hall or a night on the South Bank, a booked car home avoids waiting for the last train.
- Groups. For four or more people, one fare can work out close to the cost of several train tickets.
The route from Hounslow to Waterloo
Drivers usually choose between two routes, depending on traffic:
- The A4 Great West Road and Cromwell Road, then along the Embankment and over Westminster Bridge.
- The A316 through Richmond and the South Circular towards Wandsworth and Vauxhall.
The distance is about 12 to 14 miles. Typical times are 45 to 60 minutes, longer in the evening rush hour. Waterloo is inside the Congestion Charge zone, so if your journey falls within charging hours, ask us how it affects your quote.
Drop-off and pick-up points
Drivers use the station's permitted set-down area. For pick-ups, we agree a clear meeting point when you book, because Waterloo has several entrances and it is easy to wait at the wrong one.
The South Bank, theatres and the London Eye
Waterloo is not just a station. It is the gateway to the London Eye, the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre and the Old Vic. If you are going to a show, we can drop you at the venue rather than the station and collect you afterwards.
Other London stations
For trains to Kent and the West End theatres, see our Charing Cross taxi page. For Thameslink, Southern and The Shard, see London Bridge. Victoria is close by for Brighton and the Gatwick Express.
Where we pick up from
We collect across Hounslow and nearby, including Whitton and Twickenham, which are close to the A316, so the southern route is often quickest from there. Choose a saloon, estate or MPV, and pay by card or cash.
Planning a pick-up from Waterloo
Waterloo has exits onto Waterloo Road, York Road and the Cab Road under the station, and it is easy to wait in the wrong place. When you book a collection, we agree one clear meeting point and send you the driver's details. If you are coming off a long-distance train from the south-west with heavy luggage, mention it so the driver can come and help.
Weekend evenings are especially busy around the South Bank. If you are coming out of a show, allow a few minutes to walk to the meeting point, which is usually quicker than trying to be collected directly outside a theatre.
Frequently asked questions
Is a taxi from Hounslow to Waterloo worth it when there is a direct train?
It is when you have luggage, a group, engineering works or a late finish. The taxi goes door to door with no changes.
How long does the taxi to Waterloo take?
Typically 45 to 60 minutes via the A4 or the A316, depending on traffic.
Can you collect me from a theatre near Waterloo?
Yes. Give us the venue and the expected finish time, and we agree a meeting point when you book.
Does the fare include the Congestion Charge?
Waterloo is inside the zone. If your trip is during charging hours, ask us how it affects your quote.
Can I book a Waterloo pick-up for a delayed train?
Yes. Call us with the new arrival time and we will adjust the pick-up.