Londoners and visitors alike can now explore the insides of some of the capital’s busiest rail and Tube stations from the comfort of their homes, thanks to Google Street View’s latest update. The technology giant has rolled out its roving cameras into 18 major stations, with another 18 expected to be added by the end of the year.
This expansion covers a mix of Underground stations, Elizabeth line stops, and key Network Rail termini. Among those already accessible are iconic spots like Baker Street, Bank, and Tottenham Court Road. Soon-to-be-added stations include transport hubs like Waterloo, King’s Cross, and Victoria.
Why it matters
For many, navigating London’s sprawling transport network can be an intimidating experience. The addition of Street View to station interiors offers a game-changing tool for journey planning, especially for individuals with accessibility needs or those prone to anxiety in crowded environments.
Imagine being able to rehearse your journey virtually—figuring out where lifts, escalators, or exits are located—before setting foot inside the station. The feature could also help demystify notoriously complex layouts like those at Euston or Camden Town, saving time and reducing stress.
Even seasoned London commuters may find value in the service. “I’ve been commuting for years, but this could finally help me understand the labyrinth of Northern line platforms at Euston,” admitted one user.
Using the feature
Accessing the new Street View interiors is as straightforward as dragging the familiar yellow ‘pegman’ onto a station on Google Maps. However, the process isn’t entirely seamless. Some users, including this reporter, found it tricky to correctly position pegman inside the subterranean spaces on their first attempt. Once in, though, the interface allows easy navigation through ticket halls, concourses, escalators, and even down to the platform level.
True to Street View’s ethos, privacy remains a priority. Faces and personal details in captured imagery are automatically blurred. Nevertheless, the technology occasionally offers unusual perspectives, such as appearing to pass through ticket barriers without tapping a card or leaping impossibly between platforms.
A treasure for the future
While the service has clear immediate benefits, its long-term potential is equally fascinating. Urban historians and future generations could use archived images to understand how stations evolved over decades. Street View has the potential to immortalise everything from architectural changes to the advertising posters of our era, offering a unique snapshot of London’s transport heritage.
Current and upcoming stations
The following 18 stations already have Google Street View enabled:
- Baker Street
- Bank
- Bond Street
- Canada Water
- Cannon Street
- Custom House
- Charing Cross
- Embankment
- Euston Square
- Farringdon
- London Bridge
- Monument
- Old Street
- Oxford Circus
- Tottenham Court Road
- Tottenham Hale
- Westminster
- Whitechapel
By the end of 2024, another 18 stations will join the lineup, including:
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- Camden Town
- Canary Wharf
- Canning Town
- Clapham Junction
- Euston
- Green Park
- Hammersmith (both stations)
- Highbury & Islington
- King’s Cross
- Liverpool Street
- Moorgate
- Paddington
- South Kensington
- St Pancras
- Stratford
- Victoria
- Waterloo
A new era of navigation
This bold update to Google Street View is more than a navigational aid; it’s a step towards making London’s transport network more accessible, user-friendly, and transparent. For locals, tourists, and those who simply appreciate an innovative approach to urban exploration, this feature represents a transformative leap forward.
As the rollout continues, it’s safe to say that finding your way under the Waterloo clock—or any other iconic station landmark—just got a whole lot easier.
