Trains from Paddington
Paddington is where Great Western Railway trains leave for Reading, Oxford, Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Swansea, Exeter, Plymouth and Penzance. The Elizabeth line and the Heathrow Express also run from here. For many Chessington families, a holiday in Devon or Cornwall starts on the Paddington concourse.
How we drive to Paddington
Paddington is in west London, so the drive is a little shorter than to the eastern termini. Drivers usually take the A3 as far as Wandsworth, cross the Thames at Wandsworth Bridge and head north through Fulham, Earl's Court and Kensington to Praed Street. Typically it takes 45 to 60 minutes outside rush hour.
Paddington lies just outside the central Congestion Charge zone, but the whole of Greater London is covered by the Ultra Low Emission Zone. Ask us what your fixed fare includes when you book.
Paddington or straight to Heathrow?
Some people take a taxi to Paddington and then the Heathrow Express to the airport. From Chessington, though, Heathrow is much closer than central London, so going direct is usually quicker and simpler. See our Chessington to Heathrow taxi page for journey times. If you are staying in a central hotel before a flight, the Paddington route may still suit you.
Meeting passengers off the train
Picking up a relative arriving from Bristol or Cardiff? Give us the train time and the name of the passenger. Your driver can meet them at the station and bring them back to Chessington. If the train is running late, call us and we will adjust. Our phone line is open 24/7.
Visitors staying locally can also book a hotel transfer taxi to take them from Paddington to a hotel near Chessington.
Hospital appointments near Paddington
St Mary's Hospital is right next to Paddington station on Praed Street, and patients from our area sometimes have appointments there. A taxi saves a tiring journey across London, especially if you are feeling unwell or will be tired afterwards. Tell us the appointment time and the entrance you need, and we will plan the pickup. For the return, book a time or call us when you are ready. Nearby, Paddington Basin has cafés and places to wait if your appointment runs over.
Holiday trains to Devon and Cornwall
In summer, many families from Chessington take the train from Paddington to Devon and Cornwall. These trains are busy, and a reserved seat means little if you miss the departure. We plan a pickup time with a margin for traffic, and help load bags and pushchairs. On your return, give us the train time and we will be waiting outside the station when you arrive back in London.
Other stations and nearby towns
For trains to the Midlands and the North West, use our Euston station taxi. For the Gatwick Express and trains to Kent and Sussex, see our Victoria station taxi. We collect for Paddington from across our area, including Esher, Kingston upon Thames and Oxshott.