A taxi from Tolworth to Waterloo might seem an odd booking, because Waterloo is the one London terminal you can reach directly by train from Tolworth. Trains from Tolworth station run straight there, and fast trains from Surbiton take around 20 minutes. So why take a car? We will be honest: most days, the train is fine. But there are times when it is not.
When a car to Waterloo makes sense
- Heavy luggage. Waterloo is where you catch trains to Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Exeter. With cases for a cruise or a long holiday, carrying them up and down station stairs is hard work.
- Early starts. If your connection leaves before the local trains can get you there, a car is the only practical option. We run 24 hours.
- Groups. Four or more people often pay less for one car than for separate train tickets, and a 6 seater taxi keeps everyone together.
- Engineering works. When weekend rail works replace trains with buses, a car avoids the disruption.
- Mobility. If someone in your party finds stations difficult, being dropped at the entrance helps.
The route to Waterloo
Waterloo is south of the Thames, so the car never has to cross a bridge. The usual route takes the A3 north through Kingston Vale, Roehampton and Wandsworth, then east through Battersea and Vauxhall to Waterloo.
| Journey detail | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 11 miles |
| Off-peak time | 40 to 55 minutes |
| Weekday rush hour | 60 to 80 minutes |
| Late night (after midnight) | 25 to 35 minutes |
These are typical estimates for planning.
Evenings on the South Bank
Waterloo is on the doorstep of the South Bank, with the Royal Festival Hall, the National Theatre, the Old Vic and the BFI all a short walk away. After a late show, the last trains home can be crowded or gone. We can collect you after the performance and drive you straight home, with the time agreed when you book. If the show overruns, call 020 3642 5921 and we will move the pickup.
Cruise passengers
Many cruise passengers take the train from Waterloo to Southampton. If you would rather go by road the whole way, ask us for a quote from Tolworth to the cruise terminal instead, as it can be simpler than changing at Waterloo with cruise luggage.
Collecting you from Waterloo
We regularly collect people from Waterloo late at night, when the last trains to Tolworth and Chessington have gone or are unreliable. Tell us your arrival time, or the time you want collecting after an evening out.
Meeting at Waterloo
The large clock hanging above the main concourse has been a traditional meeting point for generations. If you are travelling with friends arriving separately, it is an easy place to find each other before you head out to the car.
Other stations and routes
For trains from the West End to Kent, see our Charing Cross taxi page. For Thameslink trains and Guy's Hospital, see London Bridge. If Waterloo is only the first leg of a journey to an airport, it is usually easier to take a car to Heathrow directly. We collect from all our local areas, including Hook and Long Ditton.
Book with the form above or call 020 3642 5921. The fare is fixed when you book, and you can pay by card or cash.