How to Use Public Toilets in London (Yes, It’s a Thing)
Travel tip you never knew you needed: navigating public toilets in London is a rite of passage. It might not be glamorous, but finding a clean, accessible loo in the right moment can make or break your day.
This city treats toilets like hidden treasures—some are free, some charge a few pennies, and knowing which is which will help you avoid unnecessary panic amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Here’s your full guide to peeing in London like a local, not a tourist.
1. Station Toilets: Yes, They’re Free (At Major Rail Hubs)
Since April 2019, most major Network Rail stations in London have made public toilets free to use. That includes:
London Paddington
King’s Cross & St Pancras
Liverpool Street
Euston
Waterloo
Victoria
London Bridge
Charing Cross
Before 2019, cleanliness and access varied, but now you can expect reliable, free facilities in these high-traffic hubs.
2. Still-Bitten: Paid Loos in Parks & Tourist Spots
If you're venturing beyond the transport hubs, you’ll encounter some public toilets that still charge between 20p to 50p. Locations like:
Parks (example: Hampstead Heath)
Street-facing or council-run facilities in touristy areas
Large venues without built-in customer facilities
Funding and maintenance at some of these spots still depends on the small-entry fee. Think of it as a small price for convenience.
3. Use the Community Toilet Scheme (CTS) for Free Access
Thanks to local schemes, many pubs, cafés, and small businesses opt into the Community Toilet Scheme, offering their restrooms to the public for free.
Look out for a “Community Toilet” or “Use Our Loos” sticker in the window. These facilities won’t ask for payment, and they tend to be clean and welcoming.
Richmond alone has over 70 participating businesses thanks to this initiative.
4. Helpful Apps That Save the Day
Always prepared? Use apps like Toilets4London, Flush Toilet Finder, or Toilet Finder to discover your nearest public restroom—free or paid, accessible or standard. They include user reviews, opening times, and facilities like baby-changing or wheelchair access.
Having one of these on your phone is the travel hack no one tells you about until they regret it.
5. Always Available: Museums, Malls, and Stores
If you’re near:
Museums like the British Museum, V&A, or Tate — toilets are generally free to use, no ticket required.
Department stores like Selfridges, Liberty, or Harrods — their facilities are often top-class and free.
Centers & malls like Westfield (Stratford or White City) or Battersea Power Station — reliable, clean, and free restrooms.
They’re not officially “public,” but they’re essential if you’re in dire need and nearby.
6. Late-Night Emergencies? Here’s Your Backup Plan
Late-night London can be tricky, but here's how to avoid disaster:
Visit 24-hour McDonald’s or fast-food chains near late-night areas like Leicester Square or Victoria.
Some night buses and stations still offer facilities, though availability varies and they can be shut late.
If you're near a pub or bar, purchase a quick drink and ask politely—you’ll often get access.
These aren’t foolproof, but they can save your night when you least expect it.
7. Pro-Toilet Etiquette Tips
Before you go, here's how to avoid embarrassing moments:
Always flush — it’s basic, but so important.
Don't hoard the toilet paper — leave some for the next person.
Queue politely — skipping in line gets dirty looks fast.
Be quick — save lingering for coffee shops.
Say thank you — to café staff, cleaners, or pub employees who hold the key.
London's crowd flow is disrupted quickly, so your toilet usage should be quick, clean, and courteous.
Why This Matters
Understanding London’s bathroom landscape keeps you dry, safe, and unruffled. With convenient station facilities, free options via CTS, and helpful mapping apps, you’re not stuck when nature calls.
It’s one of those city skills that every local learns in week one—and now you’ve got it, too.
Final Word
Whether you're at a station after a long journey, wandering the parks on a sunny afternoon, or desperate outside a museum, London’s loos are manageable—once you know where to look.
Forget phone maps and panic-fueled searches. You'll be a smooth-operating Londoner who always knows the nearest loo—because you have the inside knowledge.
Next time you’re exploring London, save this blog for when you need a bathroom fast—and follow @Londonyaar for more real-life city tips nobody tells you!