Expert reveals six London stations that are faster to walk between
The London Underground is used by roughly four million passengers each day. It transports people across the city, charging them depending on their zone of travel (£2.80 - £2.90 for Zone 1). But many don’t know that they might be wasting money on tube journeys that are actually quicker to walk.
This is costing some people hundreds of pounds a year, which, during a cost of living crisis, is better off elsewhere. Not only this, but walking these short routes instead of getting the tube will increase your step count and let you see more of the city.
But what routes are closer to walking between than getting the underground? John White, an Expert at We Run, has revealed six below.
Charing Cross to Embankment - 3-minute walk


Charing Cross and Embankment Underground Stations sit just 300 metres apart, with the Bakerloo Line and Northern Line serving both. However, if you’re aiming to get to Charing Cross for a National Rail Service, you can get off at Embankment Station using the Circle or District Line. This will save you from a transfer at another station, allowing you to reach your destination quickly.
Blackfriars to Southwark - 10-minute walk
If you’re aiming to get south of the river from Blackfriars to Southwark, you might be tempted to take the underground (14-minute journey). However, walking takes equal or even less time and gives you a pleasant walk over Blackfriars Bridge.
Lancaster Gate to Paddington - 6-minute walk
Getting between these two stations via the tube can take 20 minutes and requires a change in between. Alternatively, you can make a short six-minute walk along Craven Terrace and up the B410. This is a great tip for people who regularly use Paddington Station, as Lancaster Gate uses a different Underground Service in the Circle Line.
Bond Street to Oxford Circus - 5-minute walk
Oxford Circus is one of the most popular underground stations in London. Tourists flock to this area, as well as many of the city's workers. To make your journey easier, it’s good to know that Bond Street is around a five-minute walk away from Oxford Circus. So if your aim is to get to busy Oxford Street or the British Museum, then Bond Street is a good alternative.
Leicester Square to Covent Garden - 4-minute walk
These two busy stations are 250 metres apart, but due to the crowds of people in this area, it might be hard to notice. Getting through the crowds, then down to the platform, and onto the tube can take up to 20 minutes. The short walk will instead take you past some of London’s most famous shops, bars and restaurants.
Bank to Mansion House - 3-minute walk
A tube journey between these two stations would take roughly ten minutes compared to the three-minute walk. This is handy for Londoners and tourists, as Bank Station serves several routes, including the Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines. Meaning if your final destination is Mansion House, it might be easier to simply get off at Bank and walk.
John White, Expert at We Run:
‘’To some, it might seem unthinkable that you can walk between stations faster than getting the tube itself.
It’s important to keep these close stations in mind when looking to travel to these specific areas. As you might aim to go to Bond Street, but it could be easier and quicker just to make your way to Oxford Circus Station.’’