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How to Get to Chinatown: The Basics
As the largest Chinatown in Europe, it makes sense that the capital of East and Southeast Asian culture is found in the heart of London. Chinatown London acts as an extension of the vibrant Soho neighbourhood, bordering Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. This is where to find the city’s most authentic, and most delicious eats, as well as a variety of stores and entertainment spaces. For first timers planning a trip to the lantern strewn Chinatown, here are the best routes to know, plus where to stay so that you’re within easy reach of that piping hot bowl of noodles.
The best ways to get to Chinatown
Take the tube
The closest tube station to Chinatown is Leicester Square for the Northern or Piccadilly lines (0.1 miles), however Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles), Covent Garden (0.3miles) – for the Piccadilly line – Tottenham Court Road Elizabeth Line (0.3 miles) and Tottenham Court Road (0.4 miles) for the Central and Northern lines, are all close by and within walking distance. To use the London tube, you’ll need to touch in and touch out payment via contactless bank card, oyster card, or visitor oyster card. Download the TFL Go app for maps, route planners, travel updates, and more.
Take a bus
Chinatown is largely pedestrianized, but buses do stop on Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross Road and Piccadilly Circus, which are a short walk over. Bus routes that service Chinatown are 14, 24, 27, 29, 134, 168 and C2Xx. Payment can be made using the same methods as the tube, and the TFL Go app can map the best bus route for you.
Order a taxi or rideshare
Taxis and rideshares are convenient and can drop you right on Chinatown, including Wardour Street and Little Newport Street. However, during peak hours, traffic is high in the West End and walking is a lot quicker if you’re travelling short distances.
Walk on over
If you’re in the West End, walking is the easiest way to get Chinatown. Even at the edges, whether Mayfair or Holborn, you’re looking at a 20-minute walk at most. This is often quicker than hailing a taxi during peak hours or travelling down to and waiting for a busy tube train, which is only advised for short distances if it’s raining.
By bicycle
You’ll find Santander cycle bays located in Soho on Moor Street, Frith Street and Wardour Street with both classic and Ebikes.
Drive on by
There are several car parks in the West End district, including Q-Park Chinatown in Newport Place WC2H 7PU and Q-Park Leicester Square on Whitcomb Street WC2H 7DT. NCP London Soho Brewer Street (W1F 0LA) is located a short 6-minute walk away from Chinatown.
Arrive by air
Both Tottenham Court Road Elizabeth Line and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) are just 40-45 minutes from Heathrow Airport.
Where to stay near Chinatown?
To be based close to Chinatown, consider the following hotels:
- W Hotel London 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF
- Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse 65-73 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 6EX
- Thistle Piccadilly Coventry St, London W1D 6BZ
- Hotel Indigo 1 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA
- Broadwick Soho 20 Broadwick St, London W1F 8TH
- Z Hotel 17 Moor St, Soho, London W1D 5AP
- Ham Yard Hotel One Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
- St Martins Lane Hotel 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Leicester Square, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LH
- Radisson Blu Hotel, London Mercer Street, 20 Mercer St, London WC2H 9HD
- Covent Garden Hotel, 10 Monmouth Street London, WC2H 9HB
