Buckingham Palace Directions | Getting There by Bus, Tube & More

Where is Buckingham Palace located?

Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom | Find On Maps

Buckingham Palace is located in the heart of London, situated in the City of Westminster. It stands as a central, ceremonial hub for the United Kingdom. Overlooking the grand, tree-lined avenue of The Mall and bordered by the greenery of St. James's Park, the palace is perfectly positioned at the center of London’s royal and political life. It is within a short walking distance of other famous landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square.

Closest landmark: Victoria Memorial

Compare your travel options

Mode of transport	Travel time	Estimated cost	Best for
By tube	15 mins	$	Inexpensive & reliable
By train	30-45 mins	$$	Visitors arriving from outside London
By bus	15-20 mins	$	Budget-friendly & above-ground views
By bike	10-15 mins	$	Quick, scenic journey
By foot	15-20 mins	Free	Exploring nearby landmarks on foot
By car	10-20 mins	$$$	Convenient, but not recommended due to traffic and cost

Getting to Buckingham Palace by public transportation

Best for: Visitors travelling into London from outside the city
Closest station: London Victoria Station

Take a train from your nearest station and reach London Victoria Station. Buckingham Palace is just 10 mins away from the station. You can walk to the attraction or find a cab easily from here.

Other nearby stations:

London Euston: Another major train station near Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take the London Underground to get to the Palace.

Best for: People seeking an inexpensive and reliable mode of transportation
Closest station: St James's Park

Take the London Underground metro (called the Tube) to St James's Park station, on the Circle and District lines. Buckingham Palace is a 10-min walk from here.

Other nearby stations:

Green Park Station (Piccadilly and Jubilee lines): 10-min walk
Victoria Station (District, Circle, and Victoria lines): 10-min walk
Hyde Park Corner Station (Piccadilly line): 15-min walk
Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo or Northern lines): 15-min walk

Best for: Visitors who want a budget-friendly option, or prefer to travel aboveground
Closest station: Wilton Street

Buses 11, 211, C1, and C10 stop near Buckingham Palace. Get off at the Wilton Street bus stop and walk to the entrance. It is just a 3-min walk.

For further information, visit the Transport for London website.

Getting to Buckingham Palace by private transportation

While driving to Buckingham Palace is possible, it's generally not recommended due to traffic, the London Congestion Charge (a fee for vehicles entering the central London area), and limited parking options.

You can't drive directly into the palace grounds, but you can drive around the perimeter and see it from the streets (via Constitution Hill, Grosvenor Place, and Buckingham Palace Road).

Parking: There is no general visitor car parking at Buckingham Palace.
Public parking: The Cavendish London (Public Car Park) (0.9 km), Q-Park Knightsbridge (1.4 km), Q-Park Pimlico (1.6 km)
Accessible parking: Disabled visitors with pre-booked Access Route tickets may be able to arrange accessible parking with the Specialist Sales team.

You can also get to Buckingham Palace by bicycle. There are Santander cycles that cost from £1.65/hr. They're docked in locations around London, especially near Tube stations, as well as nearby locations like Belgravia, Park Lane, Piccadilly, and Wellington Arch, where you can drop them off before visiting the palace.

Getting to Buckingham Palace on foot

Travel time: 16 mins (via Trafalgar Square)

Owing to its location in Central London, Buckingham Palace is close to all the top attractions in the city. You can easily walk to the attraction from the city centre.

The attraction is just 1 km away from Trafalgar Square in the city centre.

If you want to see Westminster, take the longer route via Westminster Abbey from Trafalgar Square. Downing Street, White, and Westminster Abbey will be on your way via this route.

How to enter Buckingham Palace

The main visitor entrance for the State Rooms tour is located on Buckingham Palace Road, near the corner of Grosvenor Place. This entrance is exclusively for visitors who have pre-booked a ticket for the official tour of the Palace. You can easily get there by taking the London Underground to Victoria Station or St. James's Park, both of which are a short walk away. The entrance is also a short walk from the Wilton Street bus stop, serviced by several bus routes.

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The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace Tickets

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr. 45 min.

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Buckingham Palace Ticket

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

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Changing the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace

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Accessibility & step-free routes

Many tube and bus stations in the vicinity of Buckingham Palace are equipped with lifts and ramps, ensuring easier access for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. The nearest fully step-free Tube station is Green Park, located on the Piccadilly, Jubilee, and Victoria lines. All London buses are low-floor vehicles equipped with ramps and a designated space for a wheelchair.
Step-free access has been a recent priority for London’s transit network, so look out for stations clearly marked with accessibility icons to plan your journey with confidence.
Upgraded platforms and designated seating areas further accommodate travelers who might require extra assistance when using public transportation.
Detailed accessibility maps are available online and via transit apps, showing the most accessible entrances and exits, as well as facilities such as accessible restrooms.
Local tour services often provide additional support for disabled visitors, ensuring a smooth and inclusive experience when you travel to and from Buckingham Palace.
There is no public parking on-site at Buckingham Palace. However, a limited number of accessible Blue Badge parking bays are available on nearby streets. You must pre-book this with the Royal Collection Trust's Specialist Sales team to guarantee a spot.

Frequently Asked Questions about getting to Buckingham Palace

What's the best way to get to Buckingham Palace by public transport?

London's public transport system is highly efficient for reaching Buckingham Palace. The most convenient options are the Underground (Tube), National Rail trains, and buses. Walking from nearby stations is also a popular and scenic choice.

Is there parking available at Buckingham Palace?

No, there is no general visitor parking available directly at Buckingham Palace. Driving to the area is generally not recommended due to heavy traffic, central London's Congestion Charge, and extremely limited parking options. If you require accessible parking due to a disability, you must pre-book this directly with the Royal Collection Trust well in advance of your visit.

Is Buckingham Palace accessible to visitors with mobility challenges?

Yes, Buckingham Palace aims to be fully accessible. The Palace and its gardens are wheelchair accessible. However, if you require step-free access, it is essential to contact the Royal Collection Trust's team directly when booking your ticket. Assistance dogs are also welcome.

How can I check for travel disruptions before my visit?

London's transport network is vast, and occasional disruptions can occur. Always check the Transport for London (TfL) website or app before you travel for the latest updates on Tube, bus, and train services. This will help you plan your route efficiently and avoid unexpected delays.

Can I use an Oyster card or contactless payment for public transport?

For seamless travel on London's public transport, it's highly recommended to use an Oyster card or a contactless debit/credit card. Both allow you to simply tap in and out at Tube and train stations, and tap on and off buses, automatically calculating the correct fare for your journey. This is generally the most cost-effective and convenient way to pay.

What is the best way to reach the Palace from Heathrow or Gatwick?

From Heathrow, consider the Heathrow Express combined with the underground, while Gatwick offers direct train services into central London. Both options connect you to tube stations near Buckingham Palace, ensuring a relatively seamless transition for your visit.