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Getting to the Paddington Bear Experience

Where is the Paddington Bear Experience located?

The Paddington Bear Experience sits in the South Bank neighborhood, about 1.5km from Trafalgar Square. If you are staying around Covent Garden, it is about a 20-minute walk. The Tube is the fastest way in; the most scenic is by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to Westminster Pier.

  • Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom [Find on Maps]
  • Closest landmark: London Eye, 150m

How to reach the Paddington Bear Experience

ModeTravel timeEstimated costBest for

🚇 Tube/Underground

15–25 minutes from central London hubs; 5–10 minutes walk to entrance

From £2.40 (Oyster)

Fastest route from central London; hands-free with luggage

🚆 Rail (National Rail/Overground)

20–35 minutes from major hubs + walk to County Hall

From £4–£8

Direct connections with minimal changes

🚌 Bus

30–50 minutes depending on traffic

From £1.75

When you’re near bus routes; budget option

🚗 Car/Taxi

25–60 minutes depending on traffic and congestion charges

From £8–28 (local taxi range)

Door-to-door travel with luggage; flexible timing

🚶 Walking

45–60 minutes

Free

If you’re nearby and prefer a scenic river walk

How to get to the Paddington Bear Experience

  • Travel time: 5 to 15 minutes from central London hubs (Waterloo, Westminster, Victoria, Charing Cross).
  • Closest stop: Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City lines) or Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee lines), both 5 to 10-minute walk.
  • Timings: First service ~5:30am, last service ~12:30am (24-hour Night Tube Fri to Sat on Jubilee/Northern lines).
  • Fare: From £2.80 (Zone 1 contactless/Oyster single); £8.50 daily cap.
  • Accessibility: Westminster is fully step-free train-to-street; Waterloo has step-free lift access to Jubilee Line platforms.
  • Practical tip: Exit Waterloo towards South Bank/County Hall for a flat, pedestrian-only route along The Queen's Walk.
  • Travel time: 10 to 25 minutes from central London hubs.
  • Closest stop: St Thomas' Hospital/County Hall (Routes 11, 12, 148, 159, 211, 453) or Waterloo Bridge (Routes 139, 168, 176), 2 to 5-minute walk.
  • Timings: 24/7 coverage (key routes like 12, 148, 159, and 453 run 24 hours).
  • Fare: £1.75 flat single fare with TfL Hopper Fare (free unlimited transfers within 1 hour).
  • Accessibility: All London buses are low-floor with ramp access, dedicated wheelchair bays, and visual/audio next-stop announcements.
  • Practical tip: Bus 453 drops directly outside County Hall on Westminster Bridge Road.
  • Travel time: 15 to 45 minutes depending on traffic from central hubs; 3.5 km from King's Cross.
  • Caution: Driving is strictly non-recommended due to central London congestion, heavy traffic, and high emissions charges.
  • Restrictions: Sits inside London's Congestion Charge (£15/day, 7am–6pm Mon–Fri, 12pm–6pm Sat–Sun) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ, £12.50/day 24/7).
  • Accessibility: Step-free drop-off on Westminster Bridge Road, though curb space is tightly restricted.
  • Practical tip: Take public transport to avoid paying £27.50+ in combined daily charge fees before parking.

Parking

On-site parking is not available at County Hall.

Nearby lots:

  • Waterloo Station Car Park (400m, ~£7/hr)
  • Q-Park Westminster (800m, ~£9/hr)
  • National Theatre Car Park (900m, ~£8/hr)

Pre-booking: Recommended via JustPark or RingGo apps.
Accessible bays: Blue Badge holders can park in designated street bays on Chicheley Street (100m) or Belvedere Road, free for up to 3 hours with a badge displayed.

  • Travel time: 15 to 20 minutes walk from Covent Garden, Leicester Square, or Victoria.
  • Walk route: Highly scenic along The Queen's Walk, passing the London Eye, Jubilee Gardens, and views of Big Ben.
  • Bike-share: Santander Cycles docks located at Belvedere Road (200m) and Jubilee Gardens (150m); £1.65 per 30-minute ride.
  • Accessibility: Fully paved, flat, and step-free pedestrian zones along the Thames riverfront; avoid cobbled side alleys near Waterloo station.
  • Practical tip: Combine your visit with a self-guided walk across Westminster Bridge for classic photo angles.
  • Travel time: 10 to 30 minutes depending on origin (e.g., London Bridge, Tower Pier, Greenwich).
  • Closest pier: Westminster Pier (across Westminster Bridge, 5-minute walk) or London Eye Pier (2-minute walk).
  • Timings: Services run roughly every 20 minutes from 6am to 11pm daily.
  • Fare: Central Zone pay-as-you-go from £5.60 (touch in/out with contactless/Oyster).
  • Accessibility: 100% step-free pier access via ramps; spaces for up to 4 wheelchairs per vessel.
  • Practical tip: A scenic alternative to the Tube; sit on the open deck for prime views of South Bank attractions.

Traffic, timing and practical tips

  • The South Bank area gets busiest on weekends and during school holidays, especially around Westminster Bridge and County Hall.
  • Morning slots around 10am–10:15am are often a calmer arrival window.
  • If road traffic is heavy, switch to the Tube to Westminster and walk rather than relying on a taxi through central London congestion.
  • Bags are not allowed inside, so allow extra time for cloakroom check-in before your timed entry.
  • If using the wheelchair-accessible route, follow the escorted arrival instructions shared before your visit.

Other transport services

Airport transfers

Pre-booked private transfers or shared shuttle services connect Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City Airport directly to County Hall or central South Bank hotels.

Book London airport transfers

Hop-on Hop-off buses

Big Bus and City Sightseeing lines stop directly across the river at Westminster Bridge/London Eye, just a 2-minute walk from the entrance.

Book London hop-on hop-off buses

City & transport passes

The London Pass covers standard entry to the experience alongside 90+ city attractions; pair it with a Visitor Oyster Card to cover all TfL Tube and bus journeys.

Book London city cards

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Paddington Bear Experience

The Tube to Westminster plus a short walk is usually the best option. It is typically the fastest route from central London hubs and avoids the traffic delays that can slow taxis and buses around the South Bank.