North Downs Way Transport Links
Welcome to our guide to transport links along the North Downs Way National Trail. Navigating your way to and from the trail has never been easier, thanks to our detailed information on transportation options available at each route section. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus or car, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to plan your journey seamlessly.
Farnham
Train Stations: Farnham Train Station conveniently provides direct connections to London Waterloo and other major stations across the South East. From the station, it’s just a short 5 minute walk to the trailhead, allowing you to start your North Downs Way adventure.
Car Parks: Right next to Farnham Station is a pay and display car park. This is a great option if you’re arriving by car as you can get the train back to Farnham Station before driving home.
Buses: Explore Farnham and its surrounding areas with local bus services offering convenient routes and stops. Whether you’re heading to nearby villages or attractions, buses provide a reliable and affordable way to access the trail and other points of interest. See the local bus timetable for the latest travel information.
Guildford
Train Stations: Both train stations in Guildford are actually quite far from the official start point of the Guildford to Gomshall section. The main station is Guildford Railway Station which is a 28 minute walk to the start. Alternatively you can walk from London Road Station which takes slightly longer at 34 minutes.
Car Parks: The closest car park to this section’s start is Shalford Park car park on Shalford Road or alternatively Chantries Car Park a bit further up Pilgrim’s Way.
Buses: The Pilgrim’s Way bus stop is the closest stop for this section. You can find a variety of buses from central Guildford that stop here.
Gomshall
Train Stations: The only option is Gomshall Station, located around 30 minutes from the trailhead. Trains here are fairly infrequent so planning ahead is advised.
Car Parks: The pay and display car park right next to Gomshall Station is your best choice.
Buses: One of the best routes is to take the 25 from central Guildford. Check the bus timetable before travelling.
Dorking / Box Hill
Train Stations: The closest station is Box Hill & Westhumble Train Station, a short 10 minute walk to the trailhead. Alternatively, Dorking (Main) Station is around 20 minutes from the start point.
Car Parks: The small car park next to Box Hill & Westhumble Station offers free parking when using rail transport during the day. The Stepping Stones car park just across the A24 is another convenient option.
Buses: A variety of buses run into Dorking. For the most up to date information see the bus timetable.
Merstham
Train Stations: Merstham Train Station is only a short 5 minute walk from the start of the Merstham to Oxted section. Head directly towards Merstham Cricket Club — the metal North Downs Way marker is just before their grounds.
Car Parks: There is a car park right next to Merstham Train Station, though you will need to pay. Large residential areas surround Merstham so permit-only parking is common nearby.
Oxted
Train Stations: Oxted Train Station is the nearest stop for this section. It’s a fair distance from here to the trailhead as you need to walk back up to the downs and cross the M25. Expect an additional mile of walking in total from Oxted station.
Car Parks: There is no shortage of parking around Oxted Train Station. Look out for residential areas around Oxted Park which reduce the distance to the start point — most have restrictions between 9 and 9:30am but you should be fine for a late-morning start.
Otford
Train Stations: A section of the North Downs Way begins and ends very conveniently right next to Otford Train Station, making this one of the most accessible start points along the route. Note there are no direct trains between Oxted and Otford, so returning typically requires going into London to change.
Car Parks: The car park next to Otford Station is easily the closest option. You can pay to park here for the day. The car parks on Otford High Street are closer to local amenities if you want to grab food or coffee before setting off.
Cuxton
Train Stations: Cuxton Train Station is around a mile walk from the start point for this section, worth factoring in given that both the Cuxton to Detling and Cuxton to Otford sections are quite long (12 and 15 miles respectively).
Car Parks: The nearest car park is next to Cuxton Train Station. Cuxton is very residential with side roads off Bush Lane that generally don’t require permits.
Detling
Train Stations: The nearest stations are in Maidstone. Maidstone East is a 2.9-mile walk from the start point; Bearsted is a slightly shorter 2.2-mile walk. Factor in this additional mileage when planning.
Car Parks: Detling offers quite a few options for off-road parking. You should be able to find spaces directly off Pilgrim’s Way, provided it’s not too busy.
Lenham
Train Stations: Lenham Train Station is around a mile’s walk from the North Downs Way start point for this section. The station has easy access to London.
Car Parks: The nearest car park is next to Lenham Train Station.
North Downs Way Baggage Transfer Companies
Exploring the North Downs Way at your own pace has never been easier. Whether you’re looking for a hassle-free hiking experience or want to lighten your load along the trail, these trusted self-guided walking and baggage transfer companies can help.