Getting to the Hippodrome Casino
The Hippodrome Casino sits on Cranbourn Street, right at the edge of Leicester Square in London’s West End. With theatres, restaurants and nightlife packed into every surrounding street, transport and parking need a little planning. This guide covers the most practical options for arriving by Tube, bus, train, taxi, car or bike, so you can spend less time circling and more time enjoying your evening.
Driving into the West End can be tricky, so many guests choose public transport when visiting the hippodrome casino.
By London Underground
Leicester Square station, on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, is the closest Tube stop. It is roughly a two-minute walk from the station exits to the casino entrance. Piccadilly Circus, on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines, is also about five minutes away on foot and often less crowded during peak theatre times.
Charing Cross, served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines plus National Rail, is a ten-minute walk. Covent Garden, on the Piccadilly line, is around eight minutes away, though its lifts and stairs can be slow at busy periods. If you are coming from the east, consider Embankment and walk up through Leicester Square.
By Bus
Night buses and 24-hour routes make the West End surprisingly accessible after midnight. Key stops sit on Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue and Regent Street, all within a short walk of the casino. Routes serving the area include the 14, 19, 24, 29, 38 and 176, among others. Check Transport for London’s journey planner on the day, as diversions are common around Leicester Square.
By Train
Charing Cross mainline station is the nearest National Rail terminus, about ten minutes on foot. Waterloo is a 20-minute walk across the river or a short Tube hop. If you arrive at Euston, King’s Cross or Paddington, take the Tube rather than a taxi, as road traffic in the West End is slow for most of the day.
By Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Black cabs can drop you on Charing Cross Road or Coventry Street, both a couple of minutes from the door. Ride-hailing apps work well too, but expect surge pricing after theatre performances and on Friday and Saturday nights. A useful trick is to set your pickup point a street or two away from Leicester Square to avoid gridlock.
Parking Options Near the Hippodrome
Parking in the West End is limited and expensive, but several secure car parks operate within walking distance:
- Q-Park Chinatown, Newport Place: about five minutes on foot, open 24 hours.
- Q-Park Leicester Square, Whitcomb Street: roughly three minutes away, ideal for evening bookings.
- NCP Car Park London Leicester Square, Bedfordbury: a short walk via Cranbourn Street.
- Apcoa Westminster, Trafalgar Square: around ten minutes on foot, often cheaper for longer stays.
- Masterpark Chinatown, Gerrard Street: convenient but fills quickly at weekends.
Pre-booking online typically saves 30 to 50 per cent compared with turning up. Note that the Congestion Charge applies Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, and Saturdays, 12pm to 6pm, plus the Ultra Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day across central London. Check your vehicle meets ULEZ standards before driving in.
By Bicycle
Santander Cycles docking stations are scattered around Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Quietways and cycle lanes make central London manageable by bike, though you should avoid busier junctions like Trafalgar Square at rush hour. Secure parking for private bikes is scarce, so use designated racks and a solid lock.
Accessibility and Late-Night Travel
Leicester Square station has step-free access from the street to the ticket hall, but not to the platforms. Piccadilly Circus offers similar limitations. If you need full step-free access, plan a route via King’s Cross St Pancras or use a bus, which is often the easiest option. After midnight, the Night Tube runs on Fridays and Saturdays on the Piccadilly line, and night buses cover most major routes.
Practical Tips
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your booking to allow for crowds around Leicester Square. Avoid driving between 4pm and 8pm if you can. Keep an Oyster card or contactless card handy, as fares are capped daily. Finally, if you are dressing up for an evening out, choose a car park with good lighting and CCTV, and walk via well-lit streets such as Charing Cross Road.