Start with the station and service
Name the station in full: for example St Pancras International, King’s Cross, Euston, Paddington, Liverpool Street, Victoria or Waterloo. Include the train operator, origin and scheduled arrival. Stations with nearby entrances or similar names should still be treated as separate collection locations.
St Pancras: identify the rail service first
The Gothic hotel frontage adjoining St Pancras International.
Eurostar, domestic intercity and Thameslink journeys need different directions within St Pancras. Keep the operator and service details with the passenger brief, then agree the precise meeting instructions. For a departure, work from the ticket’s station-arrival guidance so checks and the route through the station are included before boarding.
Agree an entrance, then allow time to reach it
A train’s arrival time is not the moment you will be outside with your luggage. Allow time to leave the platform, use lifts if required and reach the meeting point. A chauffeur collection does not automatically include platform access or railway assistance; discuss practical needs before confirming.
Set the pickup around the departing train
For a journey to a station, provide the departure station, operator, train time and full collection address. Work back from when you need to be at the station, allowing for the road journey and reaching the departure area with luggage. For Eurostar, use the recommended arrival time in your current booking and follow the St Pancras guide for the departure process.
Waterloo: leave time to reach the meeting point
Passengers inside Waterloo Station.
A train’s platform arrival is only the start of the passenger’s route out of Waterloo. Include the operator, service and luggage, then allow for leaving the platform and reaching the agreed entrance. If the journey continues to an airport or another station, share that next departure as a separate commitment.
Make an airport or cross-London connection realistic
Share both legs if your journey continues to an airport or another station. Include the onward departure details, baggage and the time you need to be ready there. A missed or delayed train may affect the ground journey, so discuss changes through the agreed booking contact.
Prepare one clear arrival brief
Bring the railway and road details together before your journey. If you are arranging travel for someone else, distinguish the person making the arrangements from the passenger who will meet the chauffeur. Keep the passenger’s contact available after they leave the train.
- Full arrival station, train operator and origin station.
- Local arrival date and scheduled time, including an overnight date change.
- The agreed street entrance or lawful collection point and any lift or step-free access requirements.
- Everyone travelling, all cases and any larger equipment.
- Onward address, a fixed check-in or appointment deadline, and a reachable passenger contact.
When the train or arrival station changes
A cancellation, diversion or replacement service can change the practical meeting arrangements. Confirm the station where you will actually leave the train, the revised arrival time and the exit you can reach before using the original road collection plan. An arrangement for King’s Cross does not automatically move to nearby St Pancras, and a changed station may affect the route or fare. Share the update through the agreed booking contact and have the revised ground journey confirmed.
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Your questions, answered.
Can I request a transfer between two London stations?
Yes. Provide the arriving train, the departure station and the onward train details. Allow for moving through both stations and the road journey; a transfer request does not guarantee the connection.
What time should I request a car for a departing train?
Start with the time you need to reach the station, then allow for the road journey and your party’s needs. Share the train details when arranging the pickup. For Eurostar, use its current recommended station arrival time, which comes before the train departure.
Will the chauffeur meet me on the platform?
Do not assume platform access. Agree a collection point and tell Ascend if you need help reaching it. Railway accessibility assistance should also be arranged with the relevant operator where needed.
What should I do if the train service changes?
Pass on the revised service, station and expected arrival through your agreed booking contact. A requested collection change needs confirmation and should not be assumed to update automatically.
Useful official travel information
Check the operator’s latest guidance when preparing your itinerary.
Eurostar station arrival guidance