When a taxi beats the direct train
South Western Railway runs regular trains from Twickenham to Waterloo, and on a normal weekday they are quick. But our Waterloo customers usually book with us for one of these reasons:
- Very early or very late journeys, when trains are less frequent.
- Engineering works, which sometimes mean replacement buses at weekends.
- Luggage, especially if you are connecting to a long-distance train or the Eurostar at St Pancras.
- Match days at Twickenham Stadium, when the local stations are crowded before and after games.
- Mobility, if stairs and platform gaps are difficult.
Rugby match days
When there is a big match at Twickenham Stadium, tens of thousands of fans arrive and leave through local stations, and queues at Twickenham station can be long. Local roads close around the stadium too. If you need to get to Waterloo on a match day, book early and tell us, so we can plan a route that avoids closed roads around Whitton Road and the stadium.
Our usual route
Drivers usually head through Richmond or along the A316, then east through Putney or Wandsworth and along the south side of the river past Battersea and Vauxhall. Waterloo is on the South Bank, near the London Eye. Most trips take 40 to 60 minutes. These are typical times and can change on the day. Waterloo is inside the Congestion Charge zone, so ask us whether the charge applies to your journey.
| Situation | Train from Twickenham | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Normal weekday, light luggage | Usually the easiest choice | Door to door, no stairs |
| Early start before first train | Not available | Available 24/7 |
| Rugby match day | Very busy | Book ahead, route avoids closures |
| Heavy luggage or mobility needs | Stairs and crowds | Driver helps with bags |
Where Waterloo takes you
Waterloo is the busiest station in the country and serves Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset, including Guildford, Woking, Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth. Many of our customers also use it for cruise trains and connections toward Southampton, so luggage is a big factor.
Pickups from Waterloo
Tell us your arrival time and we will be there. If you are delayed, call us and we will update the pickup. The fare stays fixed.
Families and groups
For families with bags, our 6 seater taxi takes up to six people. If you are travelling with a dog, our pet friendly taxi is a calmer choice than a busy train.
Cruise passengers and heavy luggage
Many cruise passengers travel to Southampton by train from Waterloo, or by coach. Cruise luggage is often bulky, and getting it on and off trains at Twickenham and Waterloo is hard work. If you are going on a cruise, you might find it easier to book a car all the way to the port. Ask us for a quote. We can also collect you from Waterloo when you come home.
Accessible travel
Waterloo is a large, busy station with long walks between the entrance and some platforms. If you have limited mobility, tell us when you book so the driver can help you to the station entrance, and allow extra time for assistance at the station. Rail companies offer free passenger assistance that you can book in advance through the train operator.
When the trains are not running
Twickenham has a direct line into Waterloo, so most days the train is a good option. The time a taxi really helps is when that line is disrupted: planned engineering works at weekends, strikes, or signal problems that leave platforms packed. On those days a booked car means you still reach Waterloo in time for an onward train, a show on the South Bank or a meeting nearby. We suggest checking the rail company's planned works page before a weekend trip and booking early if the line is closed, because demand for cars rises quickly.
Nearby journeys
Victoria and Charing Cross are close to Waterloo. London Bridge is a little further east. We pick up for Waterloo from Whitton, near the stadium, and from Hampton and nearby areas.
