spayneuterlady

My daughter and I will be traveling from Ipswich to Canterbury by train this summer.
This involves changing stations from Stratford (London) to Stratford (International) next to Westfield Shopping Centre.

I have located and studied the station maps. We will be able to walk through the Shopping Centre from one station to the other.

We have 40 minutes between connections. I'm sure we can cover the distance, as long as we know we're going. And obviously it is possible, as it is a listed connection on the National Rail website.

You guys know everything about travel, so I am throwing this question out. Can anyone tell me if the route is well sign-posted through the Shopping Centre? I would love to have as much detail and advice as possible. A wrong turn and we miss our connection and precious time in Canterbury.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

PatrickLondon

I've never actually used Stratford International or the high-speed train, though it makes an interesting alternative to going in and out of central London and having to change terminals there.

But on the map, it shouldn't take you more than 15-20 minutes or so to walk. You have to go up to the footbridge over the railway lines (there are escalators, but it's quite a number of steps if not) and through Westfield.

I notice that National Rail advise using the Lower Ground Floor level of Westfield, which means going down again (escalators again) once you're over the bridge. The layout of the shopping centre is pretty simple:
http://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5431532,-0.0083959,17z

Alternatively, you can take the DLR the short hop between the two, but I'm not sure if your National Rail tickets are valid to cover that.

tipsygus

I have done the transfer and you should have plenty of time, follow the signs,it is clearly signposted. Enjoy Canterbury, if you have time try "Tiny Tim's Tearoom" just down the side road by Lloyds bank.

RM67

I wasn't aware you could do this so that's an interesting tip for the future... I am assuming your train from Ipswich is actually going via Stratford, not that you have to go into Liverpool Street and come out again?

spayneuterlady

Thank you so much for the replies. The info is exactly what I needed. I can rest easy now.

Yes, the train goes from Ipswich directly to Stratford. What luxury not to have to fight the crowds and the Tube trek in London, isn't it?

Thanks again.

flanneruk

"What luxury not to have to fight the crowds and the Tube trek in London"

You've been told that the 10 minute trek through a shopping centre is well signed. No-one's said anything about uncrowded.

And a 20 minute trek is a 20 minute trek whether it's walking through a John Lewis or sitting down on a comfy tube train.

PatrickLondon

>>And a 20 minute trek is a 20 minute trek whether it's walking through a John Lewis or sitting down on a comfy tube train.<<

But IIRC, to get to St Pancras from Liverpool St means hoicking your luggage up a fair few steps with no escalator, and another long walk through the station there.

OReilly

Hey there! I am in Stratford centre right now and I arrive from St. Pancreas into Stratford International. Just exit the station and right in front of you is the rear entrance of the Westfield shopping centre (you will see Waitrose in front of you.) walk right through the mall to the end (about 10-15 mins, and you will see Stratford London station in from of you. Easy-peasy

jaja

Stratford is in the Texas Panhandle.

flpab

We loved that mall with all different food for the Olympics. It was big and roomy and marked very well. Easy, just a shame you don't have time for lunch there. We went to the John Lewis store to view the Olympic grounds before the opening.