Kew - Transport and Locale

Transport and Locale

The traditional mode of transport between Kew and London, for rich and poor alike, was by water along the Thames which, historically, separated Middlesex (on the north bank) from Surrey (which then included Kew, on the south bank). Kew was connected to Middlesex by ferry. The first bridge crossing the Thames at Kew was built in 1759. The current Kew Bridge, which today carries the South Circular Road (the A205), was opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1903.

The A205 road passes through Kew, with Kew Road providing the main road link to Richmond. The M4 motorway starts a short distance north of Kew, providing access to Heathrow Airport and the west. The A316 road starts in Chiswick and continues over Chiswick Bridge and junctions with the South Circular Road at Chalker's Corner.

Since 1869 rail services have been available from Kew Gardens station. London Underground (District Line) services run to Richmond and to central London. London Overground trains run to Richmond and (via Willesden Junction) to Stratford.

Three bus routes serve Kew: the 65, 391 and R68.

River bus services are available from Kew Gardens Pier. Services operate to Richmond, Hampton Court and to Westminster Pier in central London.

Nearest places

• Brentford
• Richmond
• Gunnersbury
• Chiswick
• Mortlake
• Barnes

Nearest railway stations

• Kew Bridge station (South West Trains)
• Kew Gardens station (London Overground; London Underground District Line)
• North Sheen station (South West Trains)

Bridges

• Kew Bridge, which carries the A205 South Circular Road. Beside the bridge is Kew Gardens Pier, which serves tourist ferries operating under licence from London River Services.
• Kew Railway Bridge