Getting to Epping Forest by public transport
Epping Forest stretches across thousands of acres, and there are many points at which you can disembark a tube or bus and be in our beautiful green space in a matter of minutes.
London Underground
There are many tube stations which offer easy access to Epping Forest. We've listed the best options below, but it's advisable to use TFL's Journey Planner to check for station closures and planned maintenance before you travel. You'll also find all the nearby stations on our Official Epping Forest Map.
Central Line
Loughton (Zone 6)
Outside the station you will find a map showing the quickest routes to the Forest, as well as signposting. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the Forest on foot, or you can catch the 20 bus from the station and alight at Church Lane, from which Baldwin's Hill is a 5-minute walk. Baldwin's Hill is a great place to pick up the Golden Hill Trail.
Theydon Bois (Zone 6)
On exiting the station walk along Coppice Row beside Theydon Green before entering the Forest at Theydon Plain. From there the Oak Trail will take you on a broad 10km loop initially through ancient oak, hornbeam and beech wood pasture, taking in Ambresbury Banks, before emerging into more open grassland and farm land at Bell Common and around Great Gregories.
Buckhurst Hill (Zone 5)
From here seasoned walkers can access the Forest via an uphill walk towards Barn Hoppitt, however from here you can also walk to Knighton Woods and Lords Bushes in just 5 minutes. From here you can access the 2.4km Rowan Trail, which loops around Knighton Lake.
Roding Valley (Zone 4)
This also offers an excellent access point for Knighton Woods and Lords Bushes.
Epping (Zone 6)
Despite the name, Epping tube station doesn't provide direct access to Epping Forest. From here it's approximately a 10-minute walk to Sheppard's Meadows, were you can pick up the Oak Trail.
Snaresbrook (Zone 4)
Snaresbrook tube station is best for reaching Leyton Flats. You'll walk past Eagle Pond and Hollow Pond, on which you can go boating. You can also take the Hornbeam Trail north through Gilbert's and Canada Plain.
Wanstead (Zone 4)
From Wanstead station you can walk south to Wanstead Park, the beautiful historical parkland containing the Temple. The Chestnut Trail offers a good route to take in all the interesting history the Park has to offer.
Leytonstone (Zone 3/4)
This also provides easy access to Wanstead Flats.
Elizabeth Line
Forest Gate (Zone 3)
From this aptly named station it's a short walk north to Wanstead Flats. This huge grassland is perfect for gentle walks, picnics and sports, and in the summer you might even hear the larks ascending.
Manor Park (Zone 3/4)
The next station along from Forest Gate, Manor Park is also an excellent way to access Wanstead Flats, Wanstead Park and Manor Park Flats.
London Overground
Weaver Line
Chingford (Zone 5)
Chingford Station has a special place in Epping Forest history: in 1882 Queen Victoria travelled by train to Chingford Station in order to officially open the Forest for the people.
Turn right from the station and head towards Chingford Golf Course, from where you can pick up the Holly Trail. It's also just a five minute walk from the station to the the Visitor Centre and Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge. From there a trip to Connaught Water is popular and allows you to pick up the Willow Trail.
Highams Park (Zone 4)
From this station is it just a short walk to Highams Park and the fine Humphrey Repton designed lake at its heart.
Bus Routes
To Chingford Station
The 97, 179, 212, 313, 379, 385, 397, 444 and N26 buses all serve Chingford station, which is a 0.6km (0.4 mile) walk away from the Forest and Visitor Centre.
To Loughton
The 20, 167 and 397 buses all serve Loughton Station, which is 15 minute walk from the Forest. The 20 also stops at Church Lane, which is a 5-minute walk away from Baldwin's Hill.
From Epping
The 620 from Ingatestone to Abridge provides access to the north of the Forest and the Oak Trail.