HC
London Commuter Rail · South Western Railway
Hampton Court Branch Line
The Hampton Court Branch is a short South Western Railway suburban line linking Waterloo with Hampton Court Palace via Surbiton and Thames Ditton in just 36 minutes — the fastest rail route to the palace.
Operator
South Western Railway
London terminus
Waterloo
Outer terminus
Hampton Court
Stations
4
Zones
Zone 6 + Surrey
Frequency
2 tph
Journey time
36 min Waterloo → Hampton Court
Rolling stock
Class 701 Aventra / 458
About the Hampton Court Branch Line
Opened in 1849 by the London & South Western Railway specifically to serve the palace, it terminates at a Grade II listed station building 100 m from the palace gates.
Trains run 2 tph off-peak with extras on summer weekends and during the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival.
Key stations on the Hampton Court Branch Line
- SurbitonMainline interchange, Art Deco station
- Thames DittonQuiet riverside village
- Hampton Court100 m from Hampton Court Palace gates
FAQs about the Hampton Court Branch Line
What is the best way to get to Hampton Court Palace?
South Western Railway from Waterloo direct to Hampton Court station — 36 minutes, then a 2-minute walk across the bridge.
Does Oyster work to Hampton Court?
Yes — Hampton Court is in Zone 6 and accepts Oyster, contactless and Travelcards.
How often do trains run to Hampton Court?
Every 30 minutes off-peak (2 tph); more frequent at peak.