Notting Hill Carnival: How to Travel In and Out by Train
First taking place in 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival happens in West London, and is a celebration of the British Caribbean community. Taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Carnival is celebrating its 60th anniversary this summer. There are traditionally five different disciplines of Carnival that are celebrated: masquerade, calypso, soca, steel pan and sound systems. It’s frequently considered as one of the largest street festivals in Europe, attracting crowds of around two million people.
Image Credit: Bernd Dittrich | Unsplash
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
Download the app
The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!
Because of the sheer numbers of people attending, you may be wondering how on earth to get there. Well, worry not, as this is where we come in. The first step is getting to London in the first place. Through our website’s algorithm, we can help you find some superb value journeys via cheap train tickets. Given there are so many routes into London, then depending on where your starting point is, chances are you’ll be able to find some cheap train tickets relatively easily. We have plenty of other ways in which you can save money on your train tickets, and our article HERE should be of use to you.
Image Credit: Tiyapo Mokesi | Unsplash
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android - search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Getting to the Carnival itself is commonly done via the Underground. Typically, the best stations on the Underground for the Carnival are Paddington and Shepherd’s Bush. Different stations around the area (usually the more local stations, which are Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Latimer Road, Holland Park, Ladbroke Grove, and Royal Oak) can either be closed or have exit-only policies in place to assist with crowd control, so please make sure to double-check before travelling, as these could change. Westbourne Park is of note in that it has an additional entrance on the westbound platform (towards Wood Lane and Hammersmith) which is only used for the Carnival. The stations commonly-used for the Carnival are accessible via a number of different Underground lines, so accessing them from various parts of London should be pretty straightforward - just remember to check your intended destination station for any changes to how it’s operating. There are also special limited-stop bus services run by TfL from some locations in south London.
Image Credit: Bernd Dittrich | Unsplash
If you want to include your train tickets to/from the Carnival in your booking with us, then this can be done. What you'll need to do is set your destination to be 'London Underground and DLR Zones 1-2', with the zone being out to Zone 2 as an absolute minimum owing to this being where the Carnival takes place in relation to the Tube map. If you want to venture out further in London, then you can do this as well on your tickets purchased with us; just remember to change the zone number when making your initial search (for example, you may wish to choose Zones 1-3, or maybe even further).
Each day of the Carnival has a different plan, and these can be found on the Carnival’s official website. There are so many different things that form part of the Carnival, including masquerade bands, samba bands, Brazilian bands, live stages, and many more; the highlight for many is the main parade, which takes place on the Monday afternoon. The Sunday of the Carnival is a dedicated family & childrens’ day, and there’s a shorter parade route. Festivities usually start on the Saturday with Panorama, a competition between steel bands. There is of course a focus on Caribbean food and drink during the Carnival, and there can be over 300 different stalls available to choose from, so we’re sure you’ll be able to find something that takes your fancy.
Image Credit: Glodi Miessi | Unsplash
In terms of the history of Notting Hill Carnival, its roots are quite interesting. A Caribbean Carnival was held in Camden Town Hall in January 1959 as a response to the Notting Hill race riots of the previous year. Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1966, and it’s only grown from there. While it didn’t take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been held every year since, and its 60th anniversary promises to be a celebration. When it comes to the history of people from the Caribbean living in London, this has been ongoing for many years, but arguably the most pivotal event was the voyage of the Empire Windrush in 1948. Another historical event of note is that in 2022 - when the Carnival returned after the COVID-19 pandemic - a moment of silence was held to commemorate the victims of the Grenfell tower fire in 2017.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning multiple trips, don’t forget to buy a digital Railcard directly through TrainSplit. It can pay for itself in just 1-2 journeys!
We very much hope that we've been able to convince you to consider going to Notting Hill Carnival by train. If we have, then fantastic! If you have any questions about cheap train tickets for getting to & from the Carnival, please email us on customer.support@trainsplit.com, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning on going to Notting Hill Carnival by train? Here are answers to the most common questions about finding cheap train tickets, using split ticketing, and making the most of your adventures across the UK.
How can I find cheap train tickets in the UK?
You can save money by booking in advance, travelling at off-peak times, and using TrainSplit to find split ticket options, often involving cheap Advance tickets. It’s a great way to cut the cost of travelling across the UK by train.
Can I use split ticketing for journeys by train?
Absolutely. Many UK train routes allow for split ticketing, meaning you can book multiple tickets for different parts of a journey and save compared to a single through fare. TrainSplit does this automatically and shows you the savings upfront.
When should I book train tickets for the best prices?
It’s best to book well in advance, as fares rise closer to the travel date. Booking 8–12 weeks ahead often gets you the lowest fares. Split ticketing can also help you save even when booking later.
Are there discounts for frequent train travellers in the UK?
Yes. A digital Railcard offers 1/3 off most fares and works alongside split ticketing for even bigger savings. It’s ideal for frequent travellers or those planning several day trips and weekend breaks.
Is it cheaper to book train tickets online or at the station?
Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper. Using TrainSplit lets you compare fares, find split ticket combinations, and avoid paying full-price walk-up fares at the station.
Can I reach Notting Hill Carnival by train?
Yes. There are multiple Underground stations which are useful for getting to the Carnival, though the operational status can change, so please bear this in mind and make sure to check.
Can I still travel if my original train is delayed or cancelled?
Yes. Under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, you’re entitled to take the next reasonable service to complete your journey if your train is delayed or cancelled.
When is the best time to travel to Notting Hill Carnival?
Trains are quieter outside peak hours. Travel early and check return times in advance. Mid-morning departures often offer the best balance between comfort and cost.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint when travelling?
Travelling by train produces far fewer COâ‚‚ emissions than driving. Visiting places by rail helps reduce congestion and environmental impact while supporting sustainable tourism across the UK.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
No. Most tickets are available as e-tickets you can store on your phone. You can also collect them from a station machine with your booking reference if you prefer a paper copy.
Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
Take your journeys with you
Journey Planner