Head of the River Race London 2026: Trains, nearby stations & timings

The Head of the River Race 2026 will be held on Saturday, 28th March at 12:15 pm. The race follows a Mortlake to Putney course, going along one of London’s most famous stretches of the Thames. The event runs from midday through to the afternoon, with boats competing in quick succession, making sure you’re entertained all day long.

Spectators line the riverbanks to cheer on both the men’s and women’s teams as they take on the challenging course. From the start of the race at Mortlake to the finish at Putney, the entire day is a highlight of the rowing calendar.

If you’re planning to follow the Head of the River Race 2026, London’s train network makes it easy to reach all the prime viewing points along the Thames at practically any time of the day. 

Mortlake

Arriving at Mortlake station, run by South Western Railway, puts you within 5 minutes of the start of the Head of the River Race in London, and within easy reach of local cafés, pubs and riverside benches for viewing the race.

Barnes and Chiswick Eyot

South Western Railway services for Barnes and Barnes Bridge put you a 10-12 minute walk away from the race, with benches, pubs and cafés close by.

Hammersmith Bridge

Hammersmith’s District and Piccadilly Lines are an 8 to 10 minute walk from the Head of the River Race 2026, with riverside pubs and small cafés along the Thames Path.

Putney

Putney’s South Western Railway services and Putney Bridge’s District Line services are both close to the finish line, only a 5 to 7 minute walk to the river. Cafés, pubs and public restrooms are within a short stroll.

Many key stations - including Putney, Hammersmith and Barnes - offer step-free access, making it easier for those with limited mobility to reach the river. 

Whether you’re travelling from across the UK or within or even just outside of London, train travel is the easiest way to reach the Head of the River Race. There are a lot of London train stations near the Thames, so you won’t be short of journey options.

Oxford to London Paddington

With a journey time of 1 hour and 5 minutes, and direct trains available, this is a popular route for those heading to the River Thames rowing race 2026. From Paddington, take the District Line to Hammersmith for Hammersmith Bridge or Chiswick Eyot. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes.

Cambridge to London King’s Cross

Within 50 to 60 minutes, you can journey from Cambridge to London. Then take the London Underground via the Victoria Line to Green Park, then catch the District Line to Hammersmith.

Reading to London Waterloo

This journey takes 30 to 35 minutes, and puts you in a prime position for onward connections. Use South Western Railway services from Waterloo for trains to Putney and Barnes, and on to Mortlake. Trains run frequently.

Manchester to London Euston

Travel from Manchester to London Euston in around 2 hours, and then use the London Underground. Take the Victoria Line to Oxford Circus, then the Bakerloo or District Line to Hammersmith.

Clapham Junction

From Clapham Junction, you can board direct routes to Barnes, Putney and Mortlake. Trains run frequently throughout the day.

Attending the Head of the River Race by train is convenient, but a little preparation can make your day even smoother and stress-free. 

• Arrive Early - If you want a prime riverside spot and a good view, you need to arrive early. The riverside gets busy quickly, especially near Putney and Mortlake.
• Check for weekend engineering works - Before travelling, check to see if there are any planned engineering works on your route. Service changes or replacement buses could make your journey longer than you think.
• Use Contactless or Oyster Cards - Contactless payments or Oyster cards are the easiest way to get from A to B using London Underground or London Overground services. 
• Bring layers and waterproofs - The weather in March in London can be unpredictable. Layers, waterproofs and sensible shoes are key if you want to be comfortable standing along the riverbank and walking between stations.
• Book Flexible tickets - If you’re not sure what time you’ll be heading home, book flexible tickets. Booking flexible return tickets or open returns allows you to leave at your own pace, avoiding the busy trains after the race.

Train travel is the most reliable and sustainable way to get to the Head of the River Race 2026, but buses and cycling routes are also an option worth noting. Various London bus routes stop near the race, though delays are possible due to crowds and road closures on the day. There are riverside paths for cyclists, but these are also likely to be busy on race day.