Visiting the Science Museum by Train: Travelling by Train and Tube Stations

speeding train

Written by our web team

5 min read | 21 November 2023


The Science Museum is close to the Royal Park of Kensington Gardens and the buzzing streets of West London. It is also one of the most exciting and interactive museums to visit in the capital.

Whether you’re visiting with your friends or family, there is plenty to explore and inspire you. Plus, it’s easily accessible by public transport. This article will explain the best ways to get there and recommend what to see on your visit.

Planning your trip to the Science Museum

There’s plenty to see and do at the Science Museum. Based on Exhibition Road, it’s close to other iconic London cultural venues. This includes the Albert Hall, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.

Once you’re in this part of town, you don’t have to travel far to find things to do.

It’s also completely free to enter, though you can make a donation if you wish. However, you do need to pre-book a time slot to visit. Open from 10am to 6pm every day, there are interactive galleries, object exhibitions and even an IMAX cinema to enjoy. 

Whatever scientific discipline you’re most interested in, you’ll be sure to find something to pique your interest.

Uncover the world of mathematics, medicine or flight in the object galleries. Be captivated by a documentary in the IMAX on the ground floor. Experience what it's like to fly in the Red Arrows or a Typhoon jet by taking a ride in a simulator.

However, it's the interactive galleries that set this museum apart. These include the multi-sensory Pattern Pod, gaming-focused Power Up and spectacular WonderLab.

Here, families or groups have the chance to try out science experiments, listen to talks and join workshops.

Exhibitions also visit throughout the year. From astronomy-focused museum sleepovers for children to late adults-only events. There are also several cafes and picnic areas dotted around the Science Museum, so you can take some time to relax and eat.

How to get to the Science Museum by train

A child studies a refraction light lab experiment in the London Science Museum
Getting the train is the easiest way to reach the Science Museum in London, particularly for a family or group. Avanti West Coast runs regular trains into London from all major UK cities, making a day trip to the museum straightforward.

Travelling from Glasgow

Avanti West Coast runs regular direct trains to London Euston from Glasgow Central. This route goes through major destinations such as Carlisle, Lancaster, Stratford and Rugby.

It’s around a five-hour journey from Glasgow to London, so you can relax or plan your day in comfort.

From Euston Station, hop on the Underground and take the Victoria Line for four stops. Change to the District line at Victoria and ride two stops to South Kensington tube station.

Visiting from Manchester

The train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston takes only two hours and six minutes. This route goes through major destinations such as Stoke on Trent, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes Central.

It’s an easy 37-minute tube journey from Euston Station to the Science Museum. You can take the Northern line (Charing Cross Branch) four stops to Leicester Square and change onto the Piccadilly line. It’s then five stops to South Kensington tube station.

Getting the train from Birmingham

Birmingham New Street is just one hour and twenty-two minutes from London Euston by Avanti West Coast train.

It’s also a station that’s easily accessible from the Black Country and Wales. Thanks to this, more people can enjoy the train journey to central London before taking the Underground from Euston to South Kensington.
A mother and child look out of a train window

The nearest tube station to the Science Museum

The Science Museum’s nearest tube station is South Kensington, a seven-minute walk away. Gloucester Road tube station is also close to the Science Museum and takes 15 minutes to walk to.

These underground stations are on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. Making the Science Museum easily accessible from the wider city and beyond.

It takes 30 minutes to get to South Kensington tube station from London Euston. Alternatively, Transport for London bus routes 14, 345, 49, 52 and 74 stop here.

Once you reach one of these stations, the easy walking route to the Science Museum is well-signposted.

Visiting the Science Museum by train with Avanti

Broaden your scientific knowledge and enjoy a cheap family day out with a visit to the Science Museum in London.

Whether you’re heading out for a midweek treat or as an activity in the school holidays, getting to the Science Museum by train and tube couldn’t be simpler.

Get organised and enjoy cheaper fares by booking your Avanti train tickets to London directly and in advance online. If you are looking for extra savings, there are lots of different Railcard options for families and groups too.

You can enjoy a great day out for less with Avanti West Coast.

Buy train tickets for your next journey

Buying through our website or app saves you money because we never charge booking fees.

To take a look at more ways to save including using a Railcard, booking in advance, and booking as a group, visit our ways to save page.

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