- Must visit
Jane Austen's House
Historic house museum where Jane Austen spent her final years, with period rooms and objects linked to her life and writing.
Cheapest price
£25
Average price
£27
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 9 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
71 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Alton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Alton will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.
Of the 12 trains that leave London for Alton every day 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 71 km distance in an average of 1 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 11 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
L78663
L78677
L79782 · L78677
L79764 · L78663
L79801 · L78691
L78631
L79782 · L78677
L79764 · L78663
L79801 · L78691
L79714 · L78623Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Alton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £11.
Distance: 71 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£27 Average Price | £9 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for London to Alton trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79542 · L78479 | On time 8:00 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h09 | 9:09 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L78487 | On time 8:24 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h13 | 9:37 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79548 · L78487 | On time 8:30 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h07 | 9:37 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L78495 | On time 8:53 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h16 | 10:09 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79559 · L78495 | On time 9:00 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h09 | 10:09 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L78503 | On time 9:24 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h13 | 10:37 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79567 · L78503 | On time 9:30 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h07 | 10:37 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L79577 · L78511 | On time 10:00 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h09 | 11:09 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L78519 | On time 10:23 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h14 | 11:37 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L79587 · L78519 | On time 10:30 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h07 | 11:37 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L79714 · L78623 | On time 17:00 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h11 | 18:11 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L78631 | On time 17:25 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h05 | 18:30 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L78639 | On time 17:55 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h16 | 19:11 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L78647 | On time 18:25 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h15 | 19:40 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L78655 | On time 18:53 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h18 | 20:11 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L78663 | On time 19:23 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h16 | 20:39 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L84035 · L78709 | On time 23:00 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h10 | 0:10 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
L78717 | On time 23:23 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h19 | 0:42 Alton station (AON) | 0 changesdirect | |
L84041 · L78717 | On time 23:32 London Waterloo (WAT) | 1h10 | 0:42 Alton station (AON) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from London to Alton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £11 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 71 km distance in 1h 7m.
Distance 71 km |
Average train duration 1h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £11 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 7m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Alton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alton trip today.
Historic house museum where Jane Austen spent her final years, with period rooms and objects linked to her life and writing.
Local museum presenting Alton’s story through objects, archives and displays on town life, trade and notable residents.
Country house with changing art exhibitions, historical displays and landscaped grounds, giving a broader view of local culture.
The town’s main historic street, lined with period buildings, independent shops and key civic landmarks for an easy walk.
A broad common on the edge of town with open views, paths and wildlife interest, well suited to short countryside walks.
Scenic village area near Alton known for timber-framed buildings, literary links and a gentle, characterful walking atmosphere.
Hampshire hog’s pudding is a seasoned pork sausage or pudding linked with the county’s farmhouse cooking and traditional butchery.
Watercress soup is tied to Hampshire’s watercress-growing heritage, especially around nearby Alresford, and is a classic local seasonal starter.
A ploughman’s lunch of local cheddar, bread, pickle and salad is a classic pub meal across Hampshire and southern England.
Well-known café and coffee spot for brunch, cakes and light lunches with a relaxed atmosphere in central Alton.
Smart Indian restaurant known locally for curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service in a polished town-centre setting.
Popular pub and dining room in nearby Chawton serving modern British dishes and drinks in a characterful village inn.
Alton is moderately priced for southern England, with mid-range stays and meals costlier than many UK towns, but cafés, pubs and local buses remain manageable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares, and café tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Alton station -> Alton High Street, Alton
As an attractive town within commuting range of the capital, Alton has a regular service of trains from London Waterloo, operated by South West Trains. As well as a direct service which runs every 30 minutes on weekdays and takes 1 hour 15 minutes, passengers can take a slightly faster-connecting service by changing at Woking station. Alton is also the connecting station for the Watercress Line, a heritage steam railway that operates seasonal services to nearby Alresford. The area's famous associations with Jane Austen and its excellent country walks make this a popular weekend and off-peak destination too.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Alton by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Alton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London to Alton trains use the London Waterloo to Alton station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Alton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Clapham Junction is 5 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Clapham Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Clapham Junction.
ATMs are available at Clapham Junction.
Ticket office support is available at Clapham Junction.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Clapham Junction: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Clapham Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Clapham Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access available through Brighton Yard entrance to all platforms via lifts. Step free access available through Grant Road entrance to platform 1 and 2 via lifts, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Alton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Alton.
Wi-Fi is available at Alton.
Ticket office support is available at Alton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Alton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Alton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station. Level access to Platform 1. Lifts to Platform 2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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