St Pancras station: the best way to the West End for four people

Tap in with a contactless card or phone. King's Cross St Pancras to Covent Garden is 3.10 pounds at peak and 3.00 pounds off-peak, which is Monday to Friday 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 19:00 for the peak rate. The Piccadilly line runs direct to Covent Garden in about 5 minutes, and onward to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The Victoria line goes to Oxford Circus and Green Park. The Northern line stops here on the Bank branch towards the City, so it does not help for the West End. Piccadilly trains start around 05:39 on weekdays and the last leaves about 00:24. Covent Garden station is reached by lift or a very long staircase, so the lift queue at busy times can be longer than the ride.

Bus 91 runs from St Pancras International past Russell Square and Holborn to Aldwych, a few minutes on foot from Covent Garden, then on to Trafalgar Square. The fare is a flat 1.75 pounds with contactless or Oyster, and you tap on only. Allow about 22 minutes on the bus, more in the morning peak. First bus from the St Pancras stop is about 05:05 and the last about 00:21 on weekdays. There is space for a case on the bus but not much, so it suits one bag, not four.

TfL's walking route is 33 to 36 minutes from the station to Covent Garden, so allow about 40 minutes with a wheeled case. The route follows Gray's Inn Road or Southampton Row and Kingsway, with pavements the whole way but several crossings and kerbs. It works in dry weather with one carry-on, and not with a large suitcase after a long train journey.

Cabs are metered and TfL sets the tariff. The minimum fare is 4.40 pounds since April 2026. For about 3 km to Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square, expect 15 to 25 pounds depending on traffic and time of day, which is our estimate and not a quoted fare. Take a cab from the rank only and pay by card in the cab. A cab carries four people with bags comfortably, with the driver loading cases.