How to Reach St Paul’s Cathedral – Directions, Transport & Tips (2025)
Find the best ways to reach St Paul’s Cathedral: nearest Tube and rail stations, bus routes, scenic walking paths, airport links, driving/parking notes, accessibility and quick travel tips.
See Tours & TicketsQuick Overview
Address: St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD (City of London).
Closest Tube: St Paul’s (Central), Mansion House (District/Circle), Blackfriars (District/Circle & National Rail).
Nearby Rail: City Thameslink (Thameslink), Blackfriars (Southeastern/Thameslink).
Good to know: Entrances are on the north and south sides of the dome; allow extra time on weekends and service days.
Best First-Time Route
Take the Central line to St Paul’s. Exit onto Cheapside/New Change and walk 3–5 minutes south to the Cathedral steps (flat, well-signed).
Scenic Walk (from Tate Modern)
Cross the Millennium Bridge over the Thames for an iconic approach straight to St Paul’s west front (10–12 minutes).
Option 1 — From the West End / City
Useful if you’re near Oxford Circus, Bank, or Liverpool Street.
- Tube (fast): Central line to St Paul’s, exit Cheapside/New Change → 3–5 min walk.
- Walk (scenic): From the City, approach via Cheapside or Paternoster Square (great photo spots).
- Bus: Frequent routes along Ludgate Hill, Queen Victoria St, and New Change (look for stops “St Paul’s” / “St Paul’s Cathedral”).
Tickets & Payments
Use contactless or Oyster on Tube/bus. Daily/weekly caps apply. Kids under 11 ride free on buses with a fare-paying adult.
Option 2 — Tube & National Rail (Fastest for Most)
St Paul’s (Central)
Closest Tube. Follow signs for St Paul’s Cathedral and walk south on New Change. Peak times can be busy but routes are short.
Blackfriars
District/Circle & National Rail on the Thames. Walk 8–10 minutes via Queen Victoria Street/Ludgate Hill.
Mansion House
District/Circle. Walk 8–10 minutes west via Queen Victoria Street and Bow Lane/Watling Street.
City Thameslink
Thameslink services (north–south). Exit Ludgate Hill side and walk 5–7 minutes east to the west front.
Wayfinding
Signage points to St Paul’s Cathedral, Paternoster Sq, or New Change. The dome is visible from most approaches—use it as your landmark.
Option 3 — Buses & Urban Walks
Central routes stop around Ludgate Hill, New Change, and Queen Victoria Street. For a memorable arrival, walk from the Millennium Bridge or One New Change roof terrace.
- From South Bank: Cross Millennium Bridge (10–12 min) for the classic dome view.
- From Bank/Monument: Level walk via Cheapside (10–12 min) with cafés and shops on the way.
Photo Tip
Best light is early morning or golden hour. Try angles from Paternoster Square, Festival Gardens, and Millennium Bridge.
From London Airports
Heathrow (LHR)
Elizabeth line to Farringdon → short walk/bus or Central line to St Paul’s; or Elizabeth line to Tottenham Court Road → Central line to St Paul’s.
Gatwick (LGW)
Thameslink to City Thameslink or Blackfriars, then 5–10 min walk to the Cathedral.
Stansted (STN)
Stansted Express to Liverpool Street → Central line to St Paul’s (2 stops).
Luton (LTN)
Thameslink to City Thameslink/Farringdon → walk or Central line to St Paul’s.
Luggage
Pavements are level around the Cathedral; rolling cases are fine. Consider station left-luggage if touring before hotel check-in.
Driving, Parking & Bikes
Congestion & ULEZ
The Cathedral sits in the Congestion Charge & ULEZ zones. Public transport or walking is usually faster and cheaper.
Car Parks
Limited street parking. Use paid car parks around Queen Victoria St or Barbican, then walk 10–15 minutes.
Cycling
Cycleways run through the City. Use designated racks near Paternoster Sq and New Change; no bikes inside Cathedral grounds.
Accessibility
Step-free access to the Cathedral is available via the south churchyard entrance; for public transport, look for step-free stations such as Blackfriars and City Thameslink (check TfL lift status before travel).
Practical Tips
Arrive a Little Early
Security queues move quickly but can build at peak times. Have e-tickets and bags ready for screening.
Footwear & Weather
Surfaces are mostly level; wear comfy shoes. Pack a light rain layer for river-side walks to Millennium Bridge.
Payments & Caps
Use contactless/Oyster across Tube, rail and bus. Daily caps keep multi-ride costs predictable.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Closest Stations
St Paul’s (Central) • Blackfriars • Mansion House • City Thameslink
Typical Times
St Paul’s Tube → Cathedral: 3–5 min • Blackfriars → Cathedral: 8–10 min • Bank → Cathedral: 10–12 min walk.
Wayfinding
Follow signs to Paternoster Square / New Change. The dome is your landmark from every direction.
Crowd Strategy
Weekdays before 11:00 or after 15:00 are calmer. Sundays have services; check opening times.
Accessibility
Cathedral step-free entry via south churchyard. Prefer step-free rail at Blackfriars / City Thameslink.
Nearby Essentials
Cafés and restrooms at One New Change; riverside spots across Millennium Bridge.
Ready to Go?
Pick the best route—Central line to St Paul’s, Thameslink to City Thameslink/Blackfriars, or a scenic walk over Millennium Bridge.
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