East Croydon Station is the nearest train station to Shirley Oaks Hospital, located approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away. The journey from the station to the hospital typically takes 10-15 minutes by car or taxi. East Croydon Station is well-connected, serviced by Southern, Thameslink, and Tramlink services, providing convenient access for patients and visitors to Shirley Oaks Hospital.
What is the Exact Location of the Nearest Train Station to Shirley Oaks Hospital?
East Croydon Station, situated in the heart of Croydon, serves as the primary rail hub for those traveling to Shirley Oaks Hospital. Here are the key details:
- Address: George Street, Croydon CR0 1LF
- Coordinates: 51.3765° N, 0.0923° W
- Station Operator: Govia Thameslink Railway
The station’s central location in Croydon makes it easily accessible from various parts of London and the surrounding areas.
How Far is East Croydon Station from Shirley Oaks Hospital?
The distance between East Croydon Station and Shirley Oaks Hospital is approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). This relatively short distance allows for several transportation options:
- Taxi: 10-15 minutes
- Bus: 20-30 minutes
- Walking: Approximately 50-60 minutes (not recommended due to distance)
It’s important to note that travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.
What Public Transport Options are Available from East Croydon Station to Shirley Oaks Hospital?
Several public transport options connect East Croydon Station to Shirley Oaks Hospital:
- Bus Service:
- Route: 198 bus towards Thornton Heath, High Street
- Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes
- Journey Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes
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Nearest Stop: Shirley Oaks Road
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Taxi Services:
- Available directly outside East Croydon Station
- Journey time: 10-15 minutes
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More expensive than bus but offers door-to-door service
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Ride-sharing Apps:
- Uber, Bolt, and other ride-sharing services operate in the area
- Can be booked directly from your smartphone
What are the Train Services Available at East Croydon Station?
East Croydon Station is a major transport hub, offering a variety of train services:
- Southern Railway:
- Connects to London Victoria, London Bridge, and Brighton
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Frequent services throughout the day
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Thameslink:
- Provides north-south cross-London services
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Connects to St Pancras International, Luton Airport, and Gatwick Airport
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London Overground:
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Limited services to West Croydon
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Tramlink:
- Connects East Croydon to various parts of South London
This diverse range of services makes East Croydon Station a convenient starting point for journeys to Shirley Oaks Hospital from various locations across London and the South East.
How Accessible is East Croydon Station for Disabled Passengers?
East Croydon Station is designed to be accessible for passengers with disabilities:
- Step-free Access: Available from street level to all platforms
- Lifts: Present for easy access between platforms
- Accessible Toilets: Located on the main concourse
- Tactile Paving: Installed along platform edges
- Assistance Services: Staff available to help with boarding and alighting trains
These features ensure that passengers with mobility issues can navigate the station comfortably and safely.
What are the Ticket Options and Prices for Travel to Shirley Oaks Hospital?
Ticket options and prices vary depending on the mode of transport chosen:
- Train Tickets:
- Prices vary based on time of travel and ticket type (peak/off-peak)
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Oyster cards and contactless payment accepted
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Bus Fares:
- Single fare: £1.75 with contactless payment
- Cash fare: £2.95
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Daily cap: £4.95 for bus-only travel within London
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Taxi Fares:
- Approximately £10-£15 for the journey from East Croydon Station to Shirley Oaks Hospital
- Prices may vary based on time of day and traffic conditions
It’s advisable to check current prices and consider purchasing a day travel card if planning multiple journeys.
What Amenities are Available at East Croydon Station?
East Croydon Station offers a range of amenities to enhance passenger comfort:
- Ticket Office: Staffed during operating hours
- Ticket Machines: Available 24/7 for self-service ticket purchases
- Waiting Rooms: Heated areas for passenger comfort
- Retail Outlets: Including coffee shops and convenience stores
- ATMs: Located within the station concourse
- Bicycle Storage: Secure parking facilities for cyclists
- Car Park: Limited spaces available nearby (charges apply)
These amenities ensure that passengers have access to essential services while waiting for their train or onward transport to Shirley Oaks Hospital.
How Frequent are the Trains at East Croydon Station?
Train frequency at East Croydon Station is high, making it a reliable option for travel:
- Weekdays:
- Peak hours: Trains every 2-3 minutes
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Off-peak: Trains every 5-10 minutes
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Weekends:
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Trains every 5-15 minutes, depending on the route and time of day
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Late Night Services:
- Limited services available, with some 24-hour routes on weekends
This high frequency ensures minimal waiting times for passengers traveling to Shirley Oaks Hospital via East Croydon Station.
What are the Best Times to Travel from East Croydon Station to Shirley Oaks Hospital?
To optimize your journey from East Croydon Station to Shirley Oaks Hospital, consider the following travel times:
- Off-Peak Hours:
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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After 7:00 PM
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Weekends:
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Generally less crowded throughout the day
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Avoid Peak Hours:
- 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Traveling during off-peak hours can result in shorter journey times and more comfortable travel conditions, especially when using bus services.
Are There Any Alternative Train Stations Near Shirley Oaks Hospital?
While East Croydon is the nearest major station, there are other options to consider:
- West Croydon Station:
- Distance from hospital: Approximately 3 miles
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Served by London Overground and Southern services
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South Croydon Station:
- Distance from hospital: Approximately 2.8 miles
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Served by Southern services
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Norwood Junction Station:
- Distance from hospital: Approximately 3.5 miles
- Served by Southern and London Overground services
These alternatives may be useful depending on your starting location and preferred train service.
In conclusion, East Croydon Station serves as the primary rail link for those traveling to Shirley Oaks Hospital. With its excellent connectivity, frequent services, and accessibility features, it provides a convenient starting point for your journey. Whether you choose to continue by bus, taxi, or other means, the station’s proximity to the hospital ensures a relatively straightforward trip for patients and visitors alike.