London Book Fair 2026: Train tickets and closest station

The London Book Fair 2026 venue is well-served by public transport, with Kensington (Olympia) being the closest station and several other Underground options within easy walking distance.

Kensington (Olympia) Station — The closest option

The nearest station to Olympia London is Kensington (Olympia), served by both London Overground and Southern Rail services. The District Line also operates limited services here on weekends and at some special events. Trains run regularly from Clapham Junction, Shepherd's Bush, and West Brompton, providing easy connections to other Underground lines.

The great news is that Olympia London is located directly opposite the station, literally just across the road. From Platforms 1 and 2, you can exit onto Olympia Way, cross the street, and you're at the venue entrance. From Platform 3, use the Russell Road exit and follow a short 5-minute walk via Hammersmith Road to reach the main entrance.

Accessibility at Kensington (Olympia) Station

While convenient, Kensington (Olympia) is not fully step-free. There are no lifts, and the footbridge linking the platforms involves stairs. However, Platforms 1, 2, and 3 offer step-free access to street level via different exits. The walk from each exit to the venue is flat and step-free.

The station includes accessible ticket machines, a low-level counter, an induction loop, and accessible toilets. Staff can also assist with boarding ramps.

Alternative stations nearby

West Kensington Station

If you're travelling on the District Line, West Kensington Station is a convenient option; it's just an 8- to 10-minute walk to Olympia London. Exit the station, turn right onto Vereker Road, then right again onto Hammersmith Road, and you'll see signs for Olympia on your left.

You can also make a short rail connection: take the District Line one stop to West Brompton, then change to the London Overground for a quick 2-minute trip to Kensington (Olympia).

Please note that West Kensington Station is not step-free, with approximately 30 stairs between the ticket hall and the platforms. For passengers needing lifts or ramps, it's best to use Hammersmith or Kensington (Olympia) instead.

Barons Court Station

Barons Court Station serves both the District and Piccadilly lines and is around a 10 to 15-minute walk (1 km) from Olympia London. Exit left onto Gliddon Road, continue to Hammersmith Road, turn left, and follow the signs for Olympia.

However, Barons Court does not have step-free access, so travellers with mobility needs should consider alternative routes via Hammersmith or the step-free exits at Kensington (Olympia).

Hammersmith Station

For many visitors, Hammersmith Station is the most flexible choice. It's a major interchange served by the District, Piccadilly, Circle, and Hammersmith & City lines, as well as several bus routes. The venue is approximately a 10- to 15-minute walk along Hammersmith Road; the route is flat, wide, and fully accessible.

If you'd prefer public transport, you can take the District Line one stop east to West Brompton, then change to the Overground for a 2-minute ride to Kensington (Olympia).

Accessibility is excellent here, as both Hammersmith Underground stations (District/Piccadilly and Circle/Hammersmith & City) have lift access, making them a good option for anyone requiring a fully step-free journey to Olympia.

Travelling to Olympia London for the London Book Fair 2026 is straightforward, with quick and regular train services connecting major UK cities to the capital. Most trains arrive at London Euston, Paddington, or King's Cross, where you can transfer easily onto the London Overground or District Line for Kensington (Olympia).

Manchester → London Euston → Kensington (Olympia)

Travellers from Manchester can reach London quickly via Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry, with frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. The journey covers approximately 161 miles and takes an average of 2 hours and 9 minutes. Tickets start from £14.00, and there are 112 trains per day, including direct services. The first train departs at 05:05, and the last leaves at 22:30.

From Euston, you can reach Kensington (Olympia) via the London Overground or Southern Railway. The onward journey takes approximately 36 minutes (the fastest takes 28 minutes), covering 5 miles, with 70 trains operating daily. Tickets cost from £4.50, with the first service at 05:38 and the last at 23:58. One quick change is usually required at Willesden Junction or West Brompton before arriving at Olympia.

Birmingham → London Euston → Kensington (Olympia)

From Birmingham New Street, trains to London Euston are regular and fast, operated by Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, and CrossCountry. Covering approximately 101 miles, the journey averages 1 hour 48 minutes, with the fastest trains reaching London Euston in 1 hour 19 minutes. Fares start from £9.00, with 95 trains daily, and direct services available. The first train departs at 00:41, and the last leaves at 21:03.

Once at Euston, continue to Kensington (Olympia) using the London Overground or Southern services;  a short connection of around 30 to 35 minutes, costing £4.50.

Bristol → London Paddington → Kensington (Olympia)

From Bristol Temple Meads, the quickest route to London is via Great Western Railway (GWR), which operates regular high-speed trains to London Paddington. The distance is approximately 104 miles, and the trip takes an average of 1 hour and 33 minutes. Fares start from £29.00, with 62 trains operating per day, most of which are direct. The first train departs at 05:03, and the last train leaves at 22:30.

From Paddington, the simplest route to Kensington (Olympia) is to take the District Line to Earl's Court, then transfer to the Overground or Southern Rail towards Kensington (Olympia). The connection spans approximately 3 miles and takes an average of 40 minutes with a fastest time of 35 minutes, serving 20 trains daily. Tickets start from £7.00, with the first service at 06:43 and the last at 23:23.

Edinburgh → London King’s Cross → Kensington (Olympia)

If you're travelling from Scotland, LNER and Avanti West Coast run fast and comfortable trains from Edinburgh Waverley to London King's Cross. The distance is approximately 331 miles, with an average journey time of 4 hours 38 minutes. Tickets start from £38.90, and there are 60 trains daily, with direct services throughout the day. The first train leaves at 05:36, and the last at 20:00.

From King's Cross, continue to Kensington (Olympia) via the London Overground, Southern Rail or South Western Railway. The connection takes around 53 minutes and costs from £7.00. There is one daily through-service with two changes, at Highbury & Islington and Clapham Junction.

Travelling to Kensington (Olympia) from London's main rail terminals is straightforward, with options using the London Overground, District line, and local bus services. The Overground generally provides the most direct connection, while the District line and short walking or taxi options offer reliable alternatives, especially on weekends or during events.

From London Euston to Kensington (Olympia)

From London Euston, reaching Kensington (Olympia) takes around 25 to 35 minutes and involves at least one change.

Tube and London Overground (Recommended)

The most direct route combines the Underground with the Overground. From Euston, take the Northern line southbound (Bank branch) or the Victoria line southbound to Oxford Circus, then transfer to the Central line westbound to Shepherd's Bush. A short walk takes you to Shepherd's Bush Overground station, where one stop south brings you to Kensington (Olympia).

Tube and District Line

Alternatively, take the Northern or Victoria line to Charing Cross or Victoria, then switch to the District line westbound to Earls Court, followed by the branch service to Kensington (Olympia). This route mainly operates on weekends or for specific events.

Tube and walk

A final option involves taking the Northern or Victoria line to Oxford Circus, the Central line to Holborn, and the Piccadilly line to Barons Court, then walking 10–15 minutes to Olympia.

From London Paddington to Kensington (Olympia)

Travellers from Paddington generally need one change, with a journey of 25–35 minutes.

Tube and London Overground (Recommended)

From Paddington, take the Circle line clockwise or the Hammersmith & City line westbound to Hammersmith, then walk a short distance to the District and Piccadilly line platforms. Travel one stop west to West Brompton, then transfer to the Overground for the final stop at Kensington (Olympia).

Tube and Walk

For a simpler option, take the Circle or Hammersmith & City line to Hammersmith, then walk 10–15 minutes to Olympia.

Taxi or Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share service provides the most direct route, taking approximately 11 minutes, depending on traffic, with a typical fare of £18–£23.

From London King's Cross to Kensington (Olympia)

The journey from King's Cross usually takes 30–40 minutes with one or two changes.

Tube and London Overground (Recommended)

From King's Cross St Pancras, take the Central line westbound to Shepherd's Bush, then walk a short distance to the Overground station for one stop south to Kensington (Olympia).

Tube and District Line

Take the Victoria line southbound to Victoria, then transfer to the District line westbound to Earls Court, followed by the branch service to Kensington (Olympia). This option is best for weekends or event-specific services.

Tube and Walk

Take the Piccadilly line westbound to Barons Court, then walk 10–15 minutes to Olympia.

From London Victoria to Kensington (Olympia)

From Victoria, the journey takes 25–35 minutes with one change.

Tube and London Overground (Recommended)

Take the District line westbound from Victoria to West Brompton, then switch to the Overground for one stop north to Kensington (Olympia). Step-free access is available at West Brompton.

Direct Southern Train (Limited Service)

Southern Railway runs limited services from Victoria to Clapham Junction, where passengers transfer to the Overground, heading northbound to Kensington (Olympia).

Tube and Walk

Take the District line to Earls Court or Barons Court, then walk 10–15 minutes to Olympia or take a short taxi ride.

The London Book Fair 2026 will take place from Tuesday, 10 March, to Thursday, 12 March, at Olympia London. The fair serves trade professionals, including publishers, agents, booksellers, librarians, and media experts, offering a comprehensive platform for networking, rights negotiation, and industry insights. 

Daily opening hours are expected to run from 09:00 to 18:00, with the final day likely closing slightly earlier.

You won’t want to miss…

LBF 2026 will feature an extensive range of exhibitions, including major publishing houses, independent publishers, academic presses, and service companies that cater to print, audio, digital, and multimedia content.

The fair will feature over 100 content seminars across three days, covering pressing trends in publishing. Dedicated stages and programmes such as Author HQ, the Writers' Summit, and the Academic and Professional Publishing Conference will provide tailored advice and industry knowledge for authors and professionals alike.

The New Title Showcase and Audiobook Village will highlight new releases and innovations in audio publishing, while international pavilions will facilitate global rights deals. Networking remains a core focus, alongside the presentation of industry awards, including the Trailblazer Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Author highlights

Notable authors featured include Edna O'Brien, Afra Atiq, and Cressida Cowell, offering attendees insights into contemporary writing, literature, and author experiences. The Author of the Day programme will celebrate their work, providing a platform for engagement and discussion with industry peers.

To get the best value on train travel to the London Book Fair 2026, it is essential to plan. Booking tickets in advance is crucial, as early fares are often significantly cheaper than those purchased at the last minute. Many operators release discounted tickets up to 12 weeks before travel, so securing your seats early can save a considerable amount.

Railcards are another excellent way to reduce costs. Options like the 16–25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, or Senior Railcard offer discounts of up to one-third on most journeys, making them especially useful if you are travelling from outside London.

For visitors attending the Fair for a single day, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets are ideal. These fares avoid the busiest times and provide a lower-cost option compared with Anytime tickets. 

Multi-day attendees should consider Travelcards or using contactless payment across London's transport network. Contactless daily or weekly capping ensures predictable costs for unlimited journeys on the Tube, Overground, and buses.

For attendees of the London Book Fair 2026 at Olympia London, booking nearby accommodation early is essential, as rooms fill quickly during fair week. Staying close to the venue makes commuting simple and allows you to maximise your time at the fair.

Hilton London Olympia

Located at 380 Kensington High Street, Hilton London Olympia offers exceptional convenience, just a three‑minute walk from the fair halls. With free WiFi, meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and on‑site dining, it suits business‑minded visitors well. Check-in is from 15:00, and check-out is at 12:00. Parking is available, although the venue is better accessed by public transport.

Holiday Inn London – Kensington High Street

Holiday Inn London – Kensington High Street offers over 700 modern rooms, high-speed WiFi, a full-length indoor pool, spa, sauna, and gym. It's located just a few minutes' walk from High Street Kensington Tube station, with direct access to the District and Circle lines. Olympia is only a 5-minute drive away by taxi or bus.

Hotel Indigo London – Kensington

For a boutique alternative, Hotel Indigo London – Kensington is housed in a townhouse in Barkston Gardens, offering a more intimate atmosphere. While slightly further from the venue, it is still within 10–12 minutes' walking distance and positioned in a quieter Kensington neighbourhood.