The Heart of London, Straight from Cheam
Charing Cross is about as central as London gets. The station sits on the Strand, with Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Covent Garden all within a short walk. Theatreland starts a few streets away.
For Cheam residents, that makes it a station for days out and evenings in town, not just for trains. People book us to get to a matinee, to meet friends for dinner in Covent Garden, or to catch a Southeastern train to Kent.
Getting there by rail from Cheam means a train to Victoria and then the Tube or a walk. That works, but it adds up. A car from your front door is simpler, especially after dark or when you are dressed for an evening out.
Road, Distance and Typical Time
The driver usually takes the A24 north through Morden, Tooting and Clapham, then heads for Vauxhall and follows Millbank along the river past the Houses of Parliament. From Parliament Square, Whitehall leads up to Trafalgar Square and the station on the Strand.
Typical distance is about 12 miles. Off peak, the trip takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes. Evening theatre traffic and weekday rush hour can push that to 75 minutes, so we plan the pickup time with that in mind.
Charing Cross is well inside the central London Congestion Charge zone. During charging hours the charge applies to private hire journeys. Your quote will tell you how it is handled.
Trains and Day Trips into Kent
Southeastern trains run from Charing Cross through south east London into Kent. Popular destinations include Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and the line down to Hastings on the Sussex coast.
Many Cheam families use these trains for days out at the castles, gardens and towns of Kent. A car to the station takes the stress out of the start, especially with a picnic, a pushchair and children who need the toilet just as you leave the house.
The Bakerloo and Northern lines meet at Charing Cross Underground station, and Embankment station is just down Villiers Street for the District and Circle lines.
West End Theatre and Show Nights
This is where a pre-booked car really earns its place. West End shows usually finish at around 10pm to 10.30pm. At that time thousands of people pour out onto the same streets, and the Tube gets very busy.
Book a return pickup in advance and agree a spot just away from the crowds. The driver will be waiting when you come out. If the show runs late, call us and we will adjust. You will be back in Cheam while others are still queuing for the Tube.
For groups heading to a show together, the 6 seater taxi or 8 seater minibus is great value. Everyone shares the cost and arrives together.
Galleries, Museums and Days Out
The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are on Trafalgar Square, a two minute walk from the station. The Southbank Centre is just across the Hungerford footbridge. St James's Park and the Mall are also close.
A car lets you plan a relaxed day without counting stops on the Underground. We can drop you at the gallery door and collect you later from a different spot, such as a restaurant in Covent Garden.
Dinner in Covent Garden and Soho
Covent Garden is a ten minute walk from Charing Cross, and Soho is just beyond it. Between them they hold some of the best restaurants in London, from small family places to big name dining rooms.
A booked car means nobody in your group has to stay sober to drive, and nobody has to plan the night around the last train. We drop you at the restaurant, or as close as the narrow streets allow, and collect you later from a spot we agree. Many Covent Garden streets are closed to traffic in the evenings, so our drivers will usually suggest a pickup on a nearby road such as the Strand or Long Acre.
Christmas Lights and Winter Trips
From mid November, central London fills up with people coming to see the Christmas lights on Regent Street, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street, plus the tree in Trafalgar Square. It is a lovely family outing.
It also means very busy roads and packed Tube trains. Book your car early for December weekends. We will drop you near Trafalgar Square, and you can walk up through the West End to see the lights. Then we pick you up at a quieter spot once the little ones are tired.
Where to Meet Your Driver
The streets around Charing Cross are busy and some are closed to traffic, so we agree a meeting point before you arrive. These usually work well.
- The Strand, near the station forecourt entrance.
- Craven Street, which runs down the western side of the station.
- Northumberland Avenue, just off Trafalgar Square.
- Victoria Embankment, by Embankment station at the bottom of Villiers Street.
If you are coming off a late train, give us the arrival time and we will be waiting.
Getting Home from the West End
After a night in the West End, getting back to Cheam is often the hardest part. The last direct trains from Victoria leave earlier than many shows finish once you add a drink or a meal afterwards. Night buses are slow and involve changes.
A pre-booked cab solves it. We collect you near Charing Cross or the theatre at the time you choose and drive you home on quiet late night roads. Most evenings, it is a calm 40 to 50 minute ride back to Cheam.
The Right Vehicle
Luggage figures are a typical guide. Tell us your bag count when you book and we will match the car.
Most theatre trips for two fit easily in a saloon. Families and groups with bags for a Kent break can choose a larger car. Let us know your numbers and we will suggest the best fit.
Book Your Charing Cross Taxi
Use the quote form at the top of this page. Enter your Cheam address and Charing Cross Station, or type the theatre or restaurant name. Your fixed fare appears straight away.
You can also call 020 3642 6174, 24 hours a day.
Other central stations we cover include Victoria and London Bridge. Staying overnight in town first? Our hotel transfer taxi gets you to the hotel door.
Not Starting in Cheam?
We pick up across the whole local area. Customers in Wimbledon, Sutton and Raynes Park often book us for West End nights. See our areas we cover page for the full list.
Smart Planning for Central London
A few simple tips for a smooth trip into the West End.
- Book theatre pickups at least a day ahead. Show nights are busy for every car firm.
- Agree a pickup spot a short walk from the theatre to avoid the worst crowds.
- Allow extra time on Saturday evenings, when traffic around Trafalgar Square is heavy.
- If you are catching a Kent train early in the morning, book the night before so the car is confirmed.
Charing Cross Taxi FAQs
How long does a taxi from Cheam to Charing Cross take?
Typically 45 to 60 minutes off peak, over about 12 miles. Theatre nights and rush hours can add 15 minutes or more.
Can you collect us after a West End show?
Yes. Book a return pickup and we will agree a meeting point near the theatre. If the show overruns, call us and the driver will wait.
Where do you pick up at Charing Cross?
Usually the Strand, Craven Street, Northumberland Avenue or Victoria Embankment. We agree it when you book.
Is Charing Cross in the Congestion Charge zone?
Yes. The charge can apply during charging hours, and your quote will show how it is handled.
Is a taxi better than the train from Cheam?
For one person travelling light by day, the train can be cheaper. For groups, late nights or heavy bags, a fixed fare car is often easier and good value.
Can you take a group of six to the theatre?
Yes. Our 6 seater MPV and 8 seater minibus are ideal for theatre groups.
Can I pay by card?
Yes, we take card and cash.