The quickest way from New Malden to Kingston is the train. It takes about five to six minutes, with a stop at Norbiton on the way. Buses 131, K5 and 213 also link the two towns. If you have luggage, a hospital appointment, a pushchair or a late finish, a cab service in New Malden that you book ahead can be the easier choice. This guide compares all three so you can decide before you leave home| New Malden to Kingston Travel Guide.
New Malden to Kingston Travel Guide | Train, Bus or a Cab Service in New Malden
Quick answer: train, bus or a cab service in New Malden?
The train is usually fastest. The bus is usually cheapest. A cab is usually the easiest when you are carrying things, travelling in a group or going somewhere the train does not reach.
The two towns are only about 2.5 miles apart by road, so the right choice depends on your bags, the time of day and where in Kingston you need to end up. A cab service in New Malden takes you from your door to your exact drop-off point. The train and bus are better when you are travelling light and heading to the station or town centre.
| Option | Typical time | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | About 5–6 minutes, station to station | Commuters, light bags, Kingston station | Steps at some stations, fewer trains on Sundays, still needs a last-mile trip |
| Bus (131, K5, 213) | Around 12–20 minutes, depending on traffic | Lowest cost, no luggage | Traffic, waiting time, not door to door |
| Cab or minicab | Around 10–15 minutes in normal traffic | Luggage, families, appointments, late nights, groups | Must be pre-booked; costs more than the bus |
Times are typical. Check live times on the day.
By train: New Malden to Norbiton and Kingston
Trains leave New Malden station (Coombe Road, KT3) for Kingston via Norbiton. During the day they usually run about every 15 minutes, with fewer on Sundays. The ride itself is only a few minutes.
Two local details are worth knowing:
- Norbiton is closer to Kingston Hospital than Kingston station is. You will still need a short bus ride or walk from there.
- Check step-free access before you travel if you use a wheelchair or have a pushchair or a heavy case. Look at the station pages on National Rail. Norbiton has ground-level platforms.
If trains are replaced by buses because of engineering works, replacement buses for Kingston and Surbiton have stopped on New Malden High Street. Follow the signs on the day, as stop positions can change.
By bus: routes 131, K5 and 213
You have three sensible choices from New Malden:
- Route 131 runs along Kingston Road through Norbiton to Kingston’s bus stations (Cromwell Road and Fairfield Road). It is the simplest option for the town centre.
- Route K5 links New Malden and Kingston and carries on towards Ham and Morden.
- Route 213 runs between Kingston and Sutton via New Malden, and is the usual bus for Kingston Hospital.
Buses work well if you are not in a hurry and have light bags. They are not door to door, and traffic on Kingston Road can slow them at busy times. Before you set off, check the live route on the TfL Journey Planner, because routes and stops can change.
By cab or minicab: what to know before you book
A pre-booked cab takes you from the exact address in New Malden to the exact place you need in Kingston, with no changes and no walking with bags. In normal traffic it takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Allow extra time at school-run hours and on Friday evenings.
Minicabs cannot be hailed in the street, so you need to book ahead. Pre-booking a cab service in New Malden makes the most sense when:
- you are carrying suitcases, shopping or a pushchair
- you have an appointment and cannot risk a missed bus
- you are travelling as a group of four or more, where the fare shared between you can compare well with individual tickets
- it is late, dark or raining and you would rather not wait at a stop
When you book, give the exact pick-up point, the exact drop-off point, the number of passengers and how many bags you have. That lets us send the right vehicle. Ask for the fare at the time of booking so there are no surprises. If you need more room than a saloon offers, our fleet includes estate cars, MPVs and larger vehicles. If you need a child seat or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, say so when you book so it can be arranged.
Where in Kingston are you going?
The drop-off point matters more than most people expect.
- Kingston station and town centre: The train or the 131 is hard to beat here, and you avoid town-centre traffic and parking.
- Kingston Hospital: Use route 213 if you are travelling light. A cab is easier for early appointments, for anyone who finds walking difficult and for the journey home. Leave 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
- Kingston University: It has several sites, so check which building or campus you need before booking. This matters most on move-in days, when a cab with luggage saves a lot of hassle.
- Anywhere beyond Kingston: If you are carrying on to an airport, see our airport transfers rather than changing transport twice with bags.
Evenings, early mornings and train disruption
Late evening is where the options narrow. Trains and buses run less often, and a missed connection can leave you waiting a long time. Check the last train for your journey on National Rail before you go out. TfL night buses also serve New Malden, but they can be slow and do not go door to door.
For a late finish, a cab service in New Malden that you have booked in advance takes away the worry about the last train. It also helps when you are coming back the other way. If you are going to Kingston for the evening, book your return at the same time so you are not trying to find a ride at closing time.
Early starts work the same way. If you have a 7am appointment or a train to catch, a booked cab is more reliable than a bus that may or may not turn up on time.
Which option suits you?
- Travelling light to the town centre: Train or bus.
- Commuting to Kingston station every day: Train, and a cab for the days it rains or you are running late.
- Hospital appointment: Route 213 if you are well and early; a cab if you are tired, in pain or on a tight schedule.
- Family with a pushchair and bags: Cab, so you avoid steps and changes.
- Student with luggage: Cab, especially on arrival or departure days.
- Group of four or more: Compare the cab fare with everyone’s tickets before you decide.
- Late night out: Book the cab there and back before you leave.
FAQs
How far is New Malden from Kingston?
About 2.5 miles by road, or roughly 2 miles to Kingston Hospital.
How long does it take to get from New Malden to Kingston?
About 5–6 minutes by train and around 12–20 minutes by bus. A cab takes about 10–15 minutes in normal traffic, and longer at peak times.
What is the cheapest way to get from New Malden to Kingston?
The bus is usually the lowest-cost option. A cab can work out sensible when several people share the fare.
Is there a direct bus from New Malden to Kingston?
Yes. Routes 131, K5 and 213 all connect the two towns. Check the TfL Journey Planner for live times.
Do I need to book a cab in advance?
Yes. Minicabs must be pre-booked. Booking ahead also means you get the right size of vehicle, particularly if you have luggage.
Can I book a return journey from Kingston to New Malden?
Yes. Book both legs at the same time so your ride home is arranged before you set out.
Ready to book?
If you have decided that a cab is the easiest option, you can book a cab service in New Malden with Viceroy Cars online, on the app or by phone on 01372 722222. We have been licensed by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council since 1971 and have a local office at Chessington North station, not far from New Malden. Tell us where you are going and how many of you there are, and we will do the rest.
