London Tube: Best Routes from Charing Cross to Piccadilly Circus

Quickest Options

Traveling between Charing Cross and Piccadilly Circus? Here are your Tube options ranked by speed:

1. Bakerloo Line (Direct): ~3 minutes, one stop northbound. Fastest and simplest.
2. Northern Line via Leicester Square: ~5 minutes with change. Take Northern line northbound one stop to Leicester Square, switch to Piccadilly line westbound one stop.
3. Walk: ~10-12 minutes above ground via The Mall or Strand—often faster than waiting for a train.

Less Efficient Alternatives

The District/Circle lines via Embankment/Westminster or Central line via Oxford Circus add significant time and transfers. Avoid unless connecting from those lines already.

Pro Tip

Both stations are in Zone 1. Use contactless or Oyster for seamless payment. The Bakerloo line platforms at Charing Cross are deep—allow extra time for lifts/escalators.