How to Get to The Shard: Everything You Need to Know

– This post was written by Emma Levin –

The Shard is one of London’s newest skyscrapers and is home to some of the most incredible views of the London skyline. The structure was designed as a vertical city, so its residents can eat, work, and live all in the same place. This eye-catching building is the tallest building in Western Europe and one of London’s newest tourist hot spots.

The Shard is located in the Southwark Borough and is extremely close to London Bridge Station. It was purposely built in a cross-section of neighborhoods and public transportation so that it can be easily accessible from all over London and nearby major cities. 

As you plan your next trip to London, you might wonder how to get to The Shard. There are many ways to reach this gorgeous piece of architecture, whether traveling by train, car, bike, or your own two feet. Keep reading to learn about the best ways to travel to The Shard, including all the information you need to know before you visit. 

Important need-to-knows before you visit The Shard

Where is The Shard located?

The Shard’s complete address is 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, and is located in the London Borough of Southwark. Within a couple of minutes walk to London Bridge Station, visitors can access the main entrance and ticket office by Joiner Street.

How tall is The Shard?

The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe at 309.6 meters or 1,016 feet high, 95 stories, and is covered with 11,000 panels of glass. 

When is the best time to visit The Shard?

The Shard provides beautiful, scenic views at all times of day, but the sunset is particularly gorgeous. However, going at night introduces a completely different view of London completely lit up. If you visit The Shard on a bright, clear day, you can see as far as 41 miles, including all of London’s landmarks. 

If you do happen to visit on a cloudy day and cannot see at least three of London’s most iconic landmarks, The Shard has a guarantee that you can return for free within three months.

Can you just walk into The Shard?

You can just walk into The Shard to visit or eat at one of its delicious restaurants. However, you will need a ticket to The Shard to visit one of its glorious viewing platforms. The viewing platforms are on the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors and require a ticket and time slot to visit. Also, if you would like to include your visit to The Shard with other major London landmarks, then grab the Go City: London Explorer Pass. 

How to get to The Shard

The Shard was intentionally designed by architect Renzo Piano and developer Irvine Seller to be built in a cross-section of transportation systems. The developers wanted The Shard to be easily accessible while limiting traffic and over-development in the populous area. Thanks to the forethought of Piano and Seller, The Shard is easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation. 

How to get to The Shard by underground

Due to its proximity to the London Bridge railway station, you can easily visit The Shard by using the tube. The London Bridge is actually one of the world’s oldest urban railway stations and is home to a National Rail Station, the Underground, a bus station, and even a riverboat pier. 

If you’re traveling to The Shard, you can take either the Northern or Jubilee lines that run into London Bridge. Once you arrive at London Bridge Station, The Shard is only a few minute’s walk away, just follow signs for The Shard or Joiner Street. 

The Shard is also close to some other tube stations if you prefer to grab other lines, then settle in for a walk. The Shard is just over two miles from Charing Cross Station, three miles from King Cross St. Pancras, and one and a half miles from Waterloo Station. 

How to get to The Shard by train

The London Bridge Station is also a National Rail Station, and the Southern, Thameslink, and Govia Thameslink Railway lines run into this station. The station just recently finished improvements as part of the Thameslink £6.5 billion upgrade program, expanding train accessibility and frequency. Now, spacious trains enter London Bridge every two to three minutes during peak travel times. 

If you’re traveling from Paris to The Shard, you’ll take the Eurostar from Gare du Nord to St. Pancras. Then, you’ll hop on the Thameslink from St. Pancreas to London Bridge Station. 

How to get to The Shard by walking

Many of the pedestrian routes near The Shard are safe and easy to walk. The nearby London Bridge Station is only a few minutes’ walk away from The Shard if you prefer a quick jaunt. 

However, if you find yourself exploring London’s major landmarks, you can walk from the famous London Bridge and enjoy beautiful views of the River Thames and the Tower Bridge. If you’re walking from Buckingham Palace, cross over Westminster bridge and enjoy an exciting one-hour walk through London’s Southbank area. 

How to get to The Shard by bus

To get to The Shard by bus, grab the bus outside the main entrance at the London Bridge Station. The buses at that station are 43, 48, 141, 149, and 521, all of which are wheelchair accessible. Other nearby bus stations include Duke Hill, which is a five-minute walk away, and Borough High Street, which is an eight-minute walk away. Also, if you’re exploring other major London landmarks, the Hop on Hop off buses also stop at the London Bridge Station, making it easy for travelers to get around.

How to get to The Shard by car

The Shard is accessible by taxi, coach, and private car with its ideal location in the Southwark Borough. If you’re touring the major landmarks around London, The British Museum is only 12 minutes away from The Shard. However, keep in mind that if you’re arriving at The Shard by private car, there is no private parking garage at The Shard. However, some nearby privately owned car parks are only a five-minute walk from The Shard. 

How to get to The Shard by River Bus

Did you know that you can arrive at The Shard by River Bus? The River Bus is a popular mode of transportation for tourists visiting London Town. The UberBoat by Thames Clippers, London’s River Bus, stops at the London Bridge City pier, only five minutes from The Shard. You can use your Oyster or contactless payment card to touch and go on the River Bus. 

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Planned how to get to The Shard? Then here’s everything you need to know about The Shard.