The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has cared for adults with neurological conditions for over 160 years and is one of the world's leading clinical neuroscience centres. Founded in 1859 and sitting on Queen Square alongside the UCL Institute of Neurology, it offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for conditions of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles, with facilities including seven operating theatres, an interventional MRI suite and a Gamma Knife. This guide is travel information for patients and visitors — not medical advice — covering exactly how to reach it.
01 / LOCATIONWhere exactly is the NHNN?
The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery is at Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, in the London Borough of Camden, in Bloomsbury — on a historic garden square close to Great Ormond Street, the British Museum and Russell Square. It sits within the Congestion Charge zone and the ULEZ, with only very limited metered parking around the square. So for most arrivals, a clean drop-off near the entrance on Queen Square is the sensible approach.
02 / SITESThe hospital and Queen Square
The NHNN is centred on Queen Square, sharing it with related institutions, so it helps to confirm where you're going:
- The main hospital — on Queen Square, with outpatient clinics, theatres, critical care and specialist neuroscience departments.
- The UCL Institute of Neurology — the hospital's academic partner, on the same square.
- Nearby Queen Square institutions — including the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine close by.
Your appointment letter will confirm the department and entrance. Note that while construction continues nearby for the new GOSH Children's Cancer Centre, the hospital advises using the south-side pavement on Great Ormond Street and the pedestrian crossings to reach Queen Square — worth knowing if you're walking from a station.
03 / STATIONSNearest stations and getting around
The NHNN is in zone 1 and well connected, though the nearest Tubes have steps:
- Russell Square (Piccadilly line) is about a five to six-minute walk — the closest, but not step-free.
- Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) is around eight to nine minutes.
- Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras mainline stations are all about fifteen minutes' walk.
Several bus routes stop nearby on Southampton Row, Theobald's Road and High Holborn, and low-floor accessible buses run on all routes. If you need step-free travel, the bus or a car is easier than Russell Square or Holborn. For a patient who is unwell or has mobility needs, the walk and the steps can be a real obstacle.
04 / AIRPORTSAirport transfer times to the NHNN
As a national and international referral centre, the NHNN sees patients from far afield. The board below gives realistic door-to-door driving times for a pre-booked private hire car. Treat them as a planning guide; central London traffic has its own ideas.
From Heathrow
Heathrow is the gateway for most international patients, and the Piccadilly line runs direct from the airport to Russell Square, a few minutes from the hospital — but it's a long ride with luggage, and Russell Square has steps. A direct Heathrow airport transfer by car removes that long journey, with the driver meeting you in arrivals and taking you straight to Queen Square.
From the other airports
London City lies to the east; Gatwick, Luton and Stansted sit further out. From each, the rail route ends in a Tube ride and a walk with steps; for anyone unwell or with luggage, one car and one fixed price is the gentler option.
With limited parking and stepped stations nearby, door-to-door to Queen Square is the calmest way in.
05 / ARRIVINGArriving for an appointment or admission
For an outpatient appointment, a test or a planned admission, the priority is arriving calm and on time. A pre-booked private hire transfer helps: a fixed fare known in advance, a driver who knows the Queen Square approach, and no meter ticking if traffic is slow. For patients with neurological conditions affecting mobility, a door-to-door car avoids the stepped Tube stations entirely. Allow extra time to find your department, and have your appointment details ready.
Why this helps at the NHNN: Queen Square has only a handful of very limited metered bays, the nearest Tubes have steps, and nearby building works can complicate the walk. A local driver brings you straight to the entrance on Queen Square — and because the fare is fixed in advance, a slow run through Bloomsbury traffic doesn't cost more.
06 / VISITINGVisiting a patient
If you're visiting, check the ward's current visiting hours and guidance before you travel, as these can change between wards. A pre-booked car means you arrive at the Queen Square entrance without hunting for one of the scarce parking spaces, which matters on a tight visiting slot or an evening visit. For families coordinating visits, a fixed fare and an agreed pick-up time keep the day simple.
07 / NEARBYWhat's around the NHNN
Queen Square sits in the heart of Bloomsbury:
- Queen Square gardens — the peaceful garden square right outside the hospital.
- Great Ormond Street & Lamb's Conduit Street — the children's hospital and a lively shopping street close by.
- The British Museum — one of the world's great museums a few minutes' walk away.
- Russell Square & the Brunswick Centre — gardens, cafés and supermarkets nearby.
08 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Where is the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery?
At Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, in Bloomsbury, part of University College London Hospitals. The nearest Tube is Russell Square, about a five to six-minute walk.
What's the nearest station to the NHNN?
Russell Square (Piccadilly line) is about five to six minutes' walk, and Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) around eight to nine. Euston, King's Cross and St Pancras are all about fifteen minutes' walk. Buses stop on nearby Southampton Row and Theobald's Road.
How do I get from Heathrow to the NHNN?
Heathrow is around 17 miles away, roughly 50 to 85 minutes by car. The Piccadilly line runs direct to Russell Square, though it's a long ride with luggage; a pre-booked car runs door to door with the fare fixed in advance.
Is there parking at the NHNN at Queen Square?
Parking is very limited; there are metered bays in Queen Square and Great Ormond Street, an NCP at Brunswick Square and three disabled bays in Queen Square. The hospital is in the Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones, so a drop-off by car is easiest.
Is a pre-booked car a good idea for an appointment?
Yes. With a fixed fare set in advance, a driver who knows the Queen Square approach and no meter running if delayed, a pre-booked car takes the stress out of getting to a neurology appointment on time.
Can I book a fixed-price transfer to the NHNN in advance?
Yes. With Rushxo you can book online or by WhatsApp at any hour, with the fare confirmed before you ride, no surge pricing and 24/7 human support.
Time Matters
Arrive at the National Hospital the easy way
Fixed-fare private hire to and from the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square. Local drivers, flight tracking, no surge — confirmed before you ride.