Meltdown

Belvedere Road (Southbank Centre) is served by multiple Tube and train options. The closest Tube stop is Waterloo Station (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo and Waterloo & City lines), just a short walk away. Southwark Station (Jubilee line) and Embankment Station (District, Circle, Northern, Bakerloo lines) are also within easy walking distance. Regional trains stop at Waterloo East, Charing Cross and London Bridge stations, making it simple to arrive by rail from other parts of the UK. From any of these stations, a quick stroll or a connecting bus ride will take you to Belvedere Road.

Several London bus routes stop near Belvedere Road, providing another convenient way to reach the venue. Routes such as the 76, 188, 148, 11 and night buses serve stops on Waterloo Bridge or Belvedere Road itself – check the latest TFL maps for exact stops. For a more scenic journey, Thames river boats (London Clipper) call at nearby piers like London Eye Pier and take you along the Thames. Whether you prefer the Tube, buses or even an open-top river cruise, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your schedule and starting point.

London is served by multiple major airports. Heathrow (west of the city) is the busiest and has a fast rail link (Heathrow Express) to central London, followed by a quick Tube or taxi ride to Waterloo. London City Airport (east) connects via the Docklands Light Railway and Jubilee line into central London. If you fly into Gatwick in the south, the Gatwick Express or Southern train will take you to Victoria or Clapham Junction, where you can transfer to the Underground to London Bridge or Waterloo. Stansted and Luton (north) also have direct rail or coach services to central stations like Liverpool Street or Victoria – from there just hop on the Tube to reach Belvedere Road. In short, whichever airport you arrive at, there are multiple public transport options to carry you into the heart of London and on to the festival site.

If you plan to drive, note that Belvedere Road lies within London’s Congestion Charge zone (and Ultra Low Emission Zone). Major roads like the A3 (coming from the west) or A2 (from the east) will get you close, but parking is very limited. There are a few public parking garages and pay lots in the area, though they can fill up quickly, so booking a spot in advance could be wise. Many visitors choose to park outside the city center and use public transit to avoid traffic and parking hassles. Taxis and ride-share services are available too, but keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour. If you do drive, plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

South Bank and the surrounding districts offer many places to stay during the festival. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly hostels and chain hotels to boutique properties and serviced apartments. Popular areas to consider include Waterloo, Lambeth, Bankside and Southwark – all within easy reach on foot or by Tube. For those looking for lower cost options, neighborhoods like Shoreditch or even Greenwich may have affordable lodging with quick transit links to central London. Wherever you stay, be sure to book early since summer is a busy season in London. Use hotel booking sites or apps to compare rates and find accommodation that suits your travel style.