Notting Hill is one of London’s most iconic and charming neighborhoods, famous for its vibrant streets, colorful houses, and eclectic markets. Whether you’re heading to the area for the world-renowned Notting Hill Carnival, the charming Portobello Road Market, or just to enjoy its cozy cafes and boutiques, getting to Notting Hill is an adventure on its own. This guide will help you navigate the various ways to reach Notting Hill, offering insider tips and insights from my perspective as a travel blogger who has explored this part of London many times.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to London or a seasoned traveler, you’ll find that reaching this neighborhood is both easy and enjoyable, with plenty of sights to take in along the way.
Where is Notting Hill Located?
Notting Hill is located in West London, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The area is well-known for its Victorian architecture, pastel-colored houses, and bohemian spirit. You’ve probably seen its streets in movies like Notting Hill (of course!) or Love Actually, but what makes Notting Hill truly special is its lively atmosphere and distinct London charm.
The Main Attractions in Notting Hill
Before diving into how to get to Notting Hill, it’s worth knowing a bit more about what you can do when you arrive. Some of the must-see attractions include:
Portobello Road Market: One of the world’s largest antiques markets, with over 1,000 dealers selling a wide range of items from vintage clothes to rare antiques.
Notting Hill Carnival: Held every August, this Caribbean-inspired street festival is one of the biggest celebrations in London, featuring parades, music, and food.
Pastel-Colored Houses: Wander around streets like Hillgate Place, Denbigh Terrace, and Colville Houses to take Instagram-worthy shots of the colorful houses.
Notting Hill Bookshop: A pilgrimage spot for fans of the 1999 film Notting Hill, where you can browse a wonderful selection of books.
With so many attractions, knowing how to get to Notting Hill easily is essential to making the most of your day in the area.
How to Go to Notting Hill by Tube
One of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to Notting Hill is by using the London Underground, also known as the Tube. Notting Hill Gate is the main Underground station that serves the area, but there are a few other stations nearby, depending on where exactly in Notting Hill you’re headed.
The Closest Tube Stations to Notting Hill
Notting Hill Gate: The primary station for the area, served by the Central, Circle, and District Lines. This is your best bet for reaching Portobello Road Market or the surrounding streets of Notting Hill.
Westbourne Park: A bit farther from the central attractions, Westbourne Park is on the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines, giving you another option if you’re traveling from East or North London.
Ladbroke Grove: Also served by the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines, Ladbroke Grove is a great station if you want to start exploring Notting Hill from the northern end, closer to the quieter residential areas.
Queensway: Located just a short walk away, Queensway is on the Central Line and offers easy access to Notting Hill, particularly if you’re coming from central London or East London.
Which Tube Lines Will Get You to Notting Hill?
Central Line: This line is perfect if you’re coming from central or east London, including areas like Oxford Circus, Liverpool Street, or Stratford. The Central Line directly serves Notting Hill Gate.
Circle Line: The Circle Line is another excellent option as it loops through much of central London and also serves Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove, and Westbourne Park.
District Line: The District Line is ideal for those traveling from southwest or west London, including areas like Earl’s Court, Richmond, or Wimbledon.
Hammersmith & City Line: Use this line if you’re traveling from areas like King’s Cross, Paddington, or even the east side of the city.
Tips for Traveling by Tube
Oyster Cards or Contactless Payment: If you’re unfamiliar with London’s transport system, know that you can use an Oyster card or any contactless bank card to pay for your journey. Fares are calculated automatically, and you’ll always be charged the cheapest rate possible.
Avoid Rush Hour: The Tube can get very crowded during rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM and 5-7 PM). If you’re carrying luggage or simply want a more relaxed journey, try to travel outside of these peak times.
Plan Your Route: Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps are lifesavers for navigating London’s extensive Underground network. They offer real-time information and can help you find the quickest route to Notting Hill, including any necessary transfers.
How to Go to Notting Hill by Bus
If you prefer taking a more scenic route, London’s bus network is a fantastic way to travel to Notting Hill. Buses not only offer a cheap way to get around, but they also allow you to enjoy some of London’s iconic sights above ground, from bustling city streets to historic landmarks.
See Also: How to Go to Covent Garden
Popular Bus Routes to Notting Hill
Bus 52: Running between Victoria Station and Willesden, this bus passes through Notting Hill Gate and offers an excellent route for travelers starting in central London.
Bus 7: This route takes you from Oxford Circus, a major shopping area, through Hyde Park and Kensington before arriving at Ladbroke Grove, perfect for those coming from the central shopping districts.
Bus 23: Starting at Aldwych, Bus 23 takes a scenic route through the city center, passing by locations like Paddington and Marble Arch before dropping you off near Portobello Road.
Bus 27: Running from Chalk Farm to Hammersmith, this bus also passes through Notting Hill Gate, offering a great route if you’re coming from the northwest or southwest areas of London.
Navigating the Bus System
Using London’s buses is simple, and they accept Oyster cards and contactless payment in the same way as the Tube. Fares are flat-rate, so you won’t need to worry about calculating zones or distances. Just make sure to tap in when you board!
Tip: Download the TfL (Transport for London) Bus App or use Citymapper to check live bus arrivals and the best routes to take.
How to Go to Notting Hill by Train
While there isn’t a direct National Rail train that takes you to Notting Hill, you can still combine a train journey with other forms of public transport to reach the neighborhood. If you’re arriving from outside of London or from an airport like Gatwick or Luton, trains are a fantastic way to get into the city before switching to the Tube or bus to reach Notting Hill.
Arriving by Train from Heathrow
Heathrow Express to Paddington: If you’re flying into Heathrow, one of the quickest ways to get to central London is by taking the Heathrow Express. This high-speed train will take you to Paddington Station in about 15 minutes, where you can then transfer to the Circle or Hammersmith & City Line to reach Notting Hill.
Piccadilly Line: Alternatively, you can take the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow directly to Notting Hill Gate, though this journey will take about an hour. It’s a cheaper option if you’re traveling on a budget.
Arriving by Train from Gatwick
Gatwick Express to Victoria: The Gatwick Express offers a quick connection to Victoria Station. From there, you can hop on a District Line train to Notting Hill Gate. The entire journey should take about 45 minutes to an hour.
Southern Rail: You can also take a Southern Rail train to Clapham Junction, where you can change for an Overground service to Shepherd’s Bush. From Shepherd’s Bush, it’s just a short bus or Tube ride to Notting Hill.
Arriving by Train from Luton
Thameslink to St. Pancras: The Thameslink service runs from Luton Airport to St. Pancras International in central London. Once you’re at St. Pancras, you can easily switch to the Hammersmith & City Line or Circle Line to get to Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove.
How to Go to Notting Hill by Taxi or Ride-Sharing
If you prefer a door-to-door service, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber, Bolt, or Free Now offer a more personalized way to get to Notting Hill. While more expensive than public transport, taxis and ride-shares offer convenience and comfort, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group.
Black Cabs vs. Ride-Sharing
Black Cabs: London’s iconic black taxis are always an option, and you can either hail them on the street or find them at taxi ranks near major stations. They’re more expensive than ride-sharing apps but offer a direct, no-fuss way to reach Notting Hill.
Uber and Other Ride-Sharing Apps: Uber, Bolt, and Free Now are all available in London, and prices are typically cheaper than black cabs. Just open the app, plug in your destination, and your driver will pick you up in minutes.
Estimated Cost and Time by Taxi
From Central London (Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus): A taxi ride will take around 15-20 minutes and cost approximately £15-£25, depending on traffic and time of day.
From Heathrow Airport: Expect a journey of 45-60 minutes with a fare of around £45-£60. Ride-sharing apps may offer slightly lower prices.
Conclusion
Notting Hill is one of those rare places in London where charm and culture collide. From its bustling markets to its quaint streets, it offers a little bit of everything for every type of traveler. Whether you take the Tube, hop on a bus, or enjoy the comfort of a taxi, getting to Notting Hill is straightforward, thanks to London’s efficient and comprehensive transport system.
Once you arrive, take your time to wander, explore the hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. If you plan your journey ahead of time and choose the transport option that best suits your needs, getting to Notting Hill will be just as enjoyable as spending time in the neighborhood itself.
Related topics:
Why London is the Most Beautiful City
