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Location notes
The station is in a large residential area on the southern edge of Croydon, approx 3 minutes south of East Croydon on the Brighton line.
Railway type and traffic
Mostly the trains are Southern and Gatwick Express EMUs, with a few First Capital Connect and SouthEastern trains services. There are also DMUs on Uckfield services. Trains are fairly regular at this point, arguably one of the busiest points on the Brighton line.
Freight is infrequent with workings to Purley, Ardingly, Crawley and Kent via. Redhill.
Environment
The station is fairly shabby and uncared for. There is a small booking office and waiting room on platform 1 but the station is often unmanned, especially outside peak hours. The far side of the station is against a cutting side then the backs of houses. There are two bridges at either end of the station, one over (London end) and one under (country end) indicating the slope of the embankments either side. The residential area is best avoided at night but is fine during the day.
Road directions
From the M25, Junction 7:Take the A23 north through Coulsdon and Purley. Turn right at Denning Avenue just before West Croydon station, then Warham road from where the station is signposted.
Click here to set up your location for directions to this location South Croydon map co-ordinates
Parking
You can leave your car in local roads if it is not restricted at all, or the small station car park where there is a pay and display facility.
Public transport
The station is served by suburban trains from London Victoria, London Bridge, Clapham Junction, Norwood Junction, East Croydon and Charing Cross. From the south it is is easiest to go to East Croydon and double back on yourself.
There are also buses every 20 minutes from central Croydon.
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Amenities
There are toilets on the station, but no other amenities either on the station or near the station. There are a few coffee shops on East Croydon station a few minutes train ride away.
Sun Compass
Sun Compass using Suncalc by brought to you by Vladimir Agafonkin:
It might be necessary to adjust the time to suit your visit, this link should open with the current day.
South Croydon
Googly map
Streetmap links
South Croydon general view map
South Croydon close up map
Windows Local Live Link - image quality may vary
South Croydon
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Photographic notes
The line is fairly straight either side, with a trailing junction just south of the station for East Grinstead and Uckfield. The light is good through out the day for most of the year, although late afternoon and early morning in winter can be tricky due to the high cuttings and North Downs.
General views - All photographs © Christopher Ward unless otherwise stated
Fig 1 - Looking south
There is a good view of trains coming off the junction from all platforms except platform 1.
Fig 2 - Looking south
For trains on the suburban platforms, the same applies, with scope for photo from 1 and 3 as well, although trains on platform 5 should be photographed from platform 5 as there are several buildings in the way.
Fig 3 - Looking south
Fig 4 - Looking south
Fig 5 - Looking south
Platform 5
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