Trains to East Croydon

As one of the UK’s busiest stations that isn’t a terminus, East Croydon station is a key part of the nation’s rail network. It is located in the London Borough of Croydon, around 10 miles (16 km) from London Bridge. The main entrance is on George Street, and there are further entrances next to the taxi rank on Billinton Hill and via the walkway from Lansdowne Road and Dingwall Road.

With an average of over 53,000 visits per day in 2024, it is London’s most used station outside fare zones 1 and 2. And it has always been popular. In the 80 years after the station first opened, Croydon’s population skyrocketed 14-fold, leading to several expansions and redevelopment projects over the years. The current station building opened in 1992, replacing the Victorian structure with a huge glass and steel frame, plus canopies to cover the entrance, café seating and paths to the tram stop. Three waiting rooms are on the platforms. Several shops and refreshments are available within the station.

Check real-time train timetables and find everything you need to book train tickets and travel with ease.

Local buses stop in front of East Croydon station. There is also a Tramlink tram stop outside the station entrance. The taxi rank is located on the east side of the entrance. As there is no car park, drivers will have to find alternative parking options nearby (waiting is not permitted at the pick-up/drop-off point). There are 40 bike stands for cyclists, opposite platform 6 by the station entrance.

East Croydon is served by frequent trains on the Brighton Main Line from London to Gatwick Airport and Brighton, the Thameslink Route travelling from Bedford to Brighton via London Bridge, and the Oxted Line towards East Grinstead and Uckfield. Destinations also include several suburban stations in south London. Buy cheap train tickets by booking in advance.

London Victoria to East Croydon

Travelling from London Victoria to East Croydon takes about 20 minutes, with trains departing up to four times an hour.

Eastbourne to East Croydon

It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to East Croydon from Eastbourne, and there are two trains every hour. Regular travellers can save with Season Tickets.

Gatwick Airport to East Croydon

There are frequent trains leaving this airport - peak services provide 15 trains an hour. Journeys take around half an hour or as little as 15 minutes.

Luton Airport to East Croydon

Four trains depart from Luton Airport Parkway and take just over an hour to reach East Croydon.

Thameslink and Southern are the main train-operating companies at East Croydon station. Thameslink provides services to destinations like Redhill, Brighton and serves two airports (Gatwick and Luton). It also runs across central London. Southern’s routes cover south London, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent and Surrey. During long engineering works, Southeastern services towards London Charing Cross and Tunbridge Wells may also stop at the station.

Croydon has the benefit of being easily accessible from the city and having vast green spaces. From East Croydon station, you can get to many local gems on foot or via public transport.

Fans of video games will enjoy The Heart of Gaming arcade on the high street. For something more traditional, the Ludoquist café has a treasure trove of board games to play while enjoying great food and company. The area around East Croydon has no shortage of pubs, including the cosy Oval Tavern hidden behind a residential street and The Green Gragon or Art & Craft for great selections of craft beer. If you want to immerse yourself in greenery, take a walk through Lloyd Park and Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve.

When is East Croydon station open?

East Croydon station is open and staffed 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday.

What zone is East Croydon station in?

East Croydon station is in zone 5.

Is there a car park at East Croydon?

No, there is no parking at East Croydon station. Drivers wishing to park must find alternative parking facilities nearby, like Croydon Wellesley Grove.

Does East Croydon station have lifts?

Yes, all platforms have lift access via the Lansdowne Road/Dingwall Road entrance at East Croydon. They are available to use from 06:00 to 00:00.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.