Visit Buckingham Palace | Timings, Directions, Tips & More

Plan your day

Given the temporary closure of the State Rooms, The King's Gallery, and the Royal Mews, here is how you can best experience the available attractions and the surrounding area.

Buckingham Palace facade with ornate gates and lampposts, London.

Quick visit (1–2 hours)

Take photos in front of the Buckingham Palace gates and the Victoria Memorial. Walk down a portion of The Mall, the ceremonial road leading to the Palace. If time permits and your visit aligns with the schedule, dedicate time to watching the Changing the Guard ceremony.

People walking and sitting in St James's Park, London, with a historic building in the background.

Half-day (3–4 hours)

Begin with the visit to the Palace gates and Victoria Memorial. Walk the length of St. James's Park, enjoying the lake and views back towards the Palace. This is London's oldest Royal Park and offers a peaceful escape right next to the Palace. Continue your walk along Constitution Hill toward Hyde Park Corner.

Flags and Big Ben at Parliament Square, London, on a cloudy day.

Full day (4+ hours)

Start at the Palace and walk through St. James's Park. Climb the Wellington Arch (managed by English Heritage, ticket required) at Hyde Park Corner for balcony views back along Constitution Hill, over the Palace, and across the Royal Parks. Take a leisurely stroll through Green Park, the third of the parks immediately surrounding the Palace. Conclude your day by walking eastward from St. James's Park toward Parliament Square to see other major historical sites.

Handy tips:

Tickets: Always book tickets online and in advance. The Palace interiors are only open to the public during the summer months, and timed entry slots sell out quickly.
Best times: The quietest times to visit are early morning or late afternoon. Arriving for the first entry slot of the day will help you avoid the midday crowds.

Explore Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace State Rooms with ornate chandeliers and gilded decor.

State Rooms (temporarily closed)

Experience opulent chambers from George IV’s era, like the White & Green Drawing Rooms, the Throne Room, and the grand Ballroom, furnished with Royal Collection masterpieces that bring royal ceremonies alive.

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Diamond Jubilee State Coach with ornate gold detailing in front of a historic building.

The Royal Mews (temporarily closed)

Step behind the Palace gates to see the working stables, historic state coaches (like the Gold State Coach), royal carriages, and majestic horses to experience how ceremonial transport still operates today.

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Edwardian art and artifacts displayed in King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London exhibition.

The King’s Gallery (temporarily closed)

Art gallery next to Buckingham Palace with changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection, including paintings, furniture, and decorative arts, with themed displays such as Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style.

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Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats perform at Changing of the Guard, London.

Changing the Guard

A centuries-old ceremony where the Old Guard hands over responsibility to the New Guard outside the Palace forecourt, complete with marching bands, regiments in red tunics and bearskin hats, and musical pageantry.

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Before you get there

Timings

See peak hours & closures.

Directions

Metro, bus & walk routes.

Entrances

Know the best gate to use.

Map

Plan the best route.

Shopping

Souvenirs & Palace stores.

Dine

Café, Afternoon Tea, and quick bites.

Book Buckingham Palace tickets

Know before you book tickets

Buckingham Palace is not open year-round—its State Rooms can only be visited during the Summer Opening (July–September). This makes advance booking essential, as daily entry slots often sell out quickly. Tickets are timed and must be used on the chosen date; same-day walk-ups are usually unavailable.

Decide early which areas you want to see:

State Rooms: The core ticket, covering the lavish ceremonial rooms and a small section of the Garden (closed until July 2026).
The King’s Gallery & Royal Mews: Both are mostly open year-round with separate tickets. They offer rotating exhibitions and working stables with historic coaches. The Royal Mews are currently closed and expected to reopen in March 2026.
Changing the Guard: Free to watch from outside, but join guided walks to secure the best vantage points.
Combo passes: Pairing the Palace with London icons like Windsor Castle or an afternoon tea cruise often saves money if you plan to see multiple sites.

Buckingham Palace opening hours

The State Rooms, The King's Gallery, and the Royal Mews are currently closed and expected to reopen in 2026.

2026 opening:

State Rooms: July 9-September 27, 2026
Royal Mews: March 5-November 1, 2026
The King's Gallery: April 10-October 18, 2026

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Best time to visit Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is open to visitors only for a few months. You can visit the attraction between July and September and explore the State Rooms and the Palace Garden. The Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery are open for longer periods of time.

However, you can see the Changing the Guard ceremony more often. The ceremony, displaying military precision and pageantry, takes place daily at 11am from April to July and on alternate days for the rest of the year. Ensure you book your tickets early, as they're sold out quickly.

Where is Buckingham Palace located?

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

Buckingham Palace is located in the City of Westminster, London, and is the central landmark of the British monarchy. It is situated at the end of The Mall, a grand ceremonial road.

Closest landmark: Victoria Memorial (66 m)

Directions to Buckingham Palace

How to get to Buckingham Palace

A tube with open doors at the station platform

By public transport

By tube: The closest stations are St. James’s Park (Circle and District lines), Green Park (Jubilee, Victoria, and Piccadilly lines), and Victoria Station (Circle, District, and Victoria lines).
By bus: The closest bus stop is Wilton Street, serviced by bus routes 11, 211, C1, or C10. The stop is a 3-min walk from the palace.
By train: The nearest major train station is London Victoria Station, which is a 10-min walk from Buckingham Palace.
By bike: You can hire a bike from a Santander Cycles docking station. Several are located near the palace, including Belgravia, Park Lane, and Wellington Arch.

By car

The quickest route to Buckingham Palace from nearby attractions like Big Ben or Westminster Abbey is via Birdcage Walk. Both attractions are just over a kilometer away, and the drive takes approximately 5-7 mins.

Parking facilities

There is no on-site public parking available at Buckingham Palace. You can find several public car parks within walking distance:

Q-Park Victoria (about 10 mins walk)
Q-Park St James's (about 15 mins walk)
NCP Car Park London Victoria (about 10 mins walk)
Westminster City Council's Q-Park Soho (about 15 mins walk)

Itineraries at Buckingham Palace

Note: The Buckingham Palace State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and The King's Gallery are all temporarily closed and scheduled to reopen in 2026. These itineraries maximise your experience of the Palace exterior, the ceremonial route, and the surrounding Royal Parks and historical landmarks.

Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats at Buckingham Palace ceremony.

If you have 1.5–2 hours

Begin at the front of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial for photos. Walk the length of The Mall (lined with Union Jack flags), the famous red road, towards Trafalgar Square. Detour through Admiralty Arch and onto Horse Guards Parade to see the mounted sentries (check for the daily Dismounting Ceremony timings). Align your visit with the daily schedule to observe the world-famous Changing the Guard ceremony at the Palace gates or nearby Horse Guards Parade.

Union Jack flags lining The Mall in London.

If you have 2–3 hours

Start at the Palace exterior, noting the scale and architecture from the outside. Enter Green Park and walk along its eastern edge, enjoying views of surrounding stately homes like Clarence House (the residence of The King). Cross to St. James's Park. Walk along the lake, enjoying the famous view back toward the Palace from the bridge. This path will take you past Birdcage Walk and back near the Palace gates.

Northern entrance of Westminster Abbey with intricate Gothic architecture.

If you have 3–5 hours

Begin at the Palace exterior for your photo opportunity. Walk through St. James's Park until you reach Parliament Square. Visit the Westminster Abbey, the coronation church of British monarchs (booking recommended). Then, explore the secret underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his government directed the Second World War at the Churchill War Rooms. Finally, head to Parliament Square to view the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Know before you go to Buckingham Palace

Toilets and baby care: Accessible toilets and baby care facilities are available at the end of your tour inside Buckingham Palace.
Assistance dogs: You can bring registered assistance dogs to the Palace. You can leave the staff to take care of them.
Gift shops: Buckingham Palace has several gift shops.
Borrow wheelchair: You can borrow wheelchairs and rollators, free of charge, for the duration of your palace visit. Folding stools may also be available.
Wheelchair access: Powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome inside the premises.
Elevator access: Two lifts are installed inside the Palace.

Two men using audio guides in front of a royal carriage at Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace can get crowded when it opens for visitors. The rush might prevent you from properly exploring each highlight of the attraction and learning its history.

An audio guide is an excellent option as it narrates the history of the Palace and its many highlights. You can get a multimedia guide in English and other languages. A multimedia guide with subtitles is also available in British Sign Language (BSL), while an audio-descriptive guide is also available for blind or partially-sighted visitors.

Buckingham Palace guard in red uniform and bearskin hat.

Arrive 15 mins before your chosen time slot because there might be a rush when you arrive.
Only bottled water is allowed inside the Palace. You cannot bring any other food or drink inside with you.
Pushchairs are not allowed inside the State Rooms.
Pets are not allowed inside the Palace.
Before you enter Buckingham Palace, you must undergo airport-style checking, so bring as little baggage with you as possible.
Do not wear backpacks inside the palace. Large items, bags, and suitcases over 45x20x30 cm are also not allowed. You can take purses only if you hang them on your side.
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the premises.
Drones, knives, and pepper sprays will be confiscated during the entry check.
Photography and videography are restricted in the Palace but are allowed in the Garden.

Crowd walking towards Buckingham Palace, London, with Union Jack flags lining the path.

Book well in advance for summer: Tickets, especially for the State Rooms, sell out months ahead for the popular summer opening. Secure your slot as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.
Understand Changing the Guard viewpoints: Don't just show up at the Palace gates expecting a perfect view. For the best experience, arrive at least an hour early and consider positioning yourself along The Mall, near the Victoria Memorial, or even along Birdcage Walk for different perspectives.
Factor in security time: Allow a minimum of 15-30 mins for airport-style security checks upon arrival. Pack light, leaving large bags and backpacks at your hotel or public lockers to expedite your entry.
Check flag status: The Royal Standard flag flying means the monarch is in residence. If the Union Flag is flying, it signifies the monarch is not present. This can add a layer of interest to your external viewing.

Afternoon tea set with floral china at Buckingham Palace State Rooms.

The King’s Gallery: You can buy bespoke china, homeware, postcards, and glittering jewellery at The King’s Gallery.
Buckingham Palace Road: Buckingham Palace Road offers the best selection of elegant, royal-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
The Garden Shop: The Garden Shop (currently closed), in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, is another place to discover wonderful Royal gifts.

Afternoon tea setup with tiered sandwich platter and floral teacups in a garden setting.

The Garden Café: Located with views of the Palace grounds, this café offers a seasonal menu of freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, along with a selection of summer drinks. You can also indulge in a classic British tradition with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes, all served in a special keepsake tin with your choice of tea or coffee.

As you exit the Garden, you can enjoy a plant-based vanilla soft serve or a variety of sundaes from the convenient, on-site ice-cream parlour.

Note: The Garden Cafe is only open during the State Rooms Summer Opening (July to September).

Modern hotel room with double bed, white linens, and brown pillows near a window.

Nearby

Budget stays: YHA London Central Hostel (from £40 | 2.1 km), Vegas Hotel (from £43 | 1.1 km), Astor Museum Hostel (from £49 | 2.3 km), Carlton Hotel (from £50 | 1.3 km)
Mid-range stays: The St. George's Inn Victoria (from £90 | 1 km), Mornington Victor Hotel London Belgravia (from £96 | 1.2 km), The Z Hotel Victoria (from £98 | 700 m), Best Western Buckingham Palace Rd. (from £117 | 1.1 km)
Luxury stays: The Resident Victoria (from £191 | 270 m), St. James’ Court London (from £271 | 440 m), The Guardsman Hotel & Residence (from £319 | 440 m), The Rubens at the Palace (from £373 | 360 m)

A mother and son looking at a manta ray fish at SEA life centre

SEA LIFE London Aquarium: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to the UK’s largest living coral reef, with regal tangs, cardinal fish, and clownfish swimming through the 40-foot-long sea life tank.
Westminster Abbey: A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and active place of worship, Westminster Abbey is a London church used for coronations and other ceremonies of national significance.
British Museum: The British Museum, founded in 1753, has a collection covering two million years of history. It has the world’s first public museum of its kind and attracts more than six million visitors yearly.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Buckingham Palace

Can I enter Buckingham Palace anytime during operating hours?

No, you can only enter at the time mentioned on your ticket. Please aim to arrive 15 mins before your timeslot to avoid any hassles.

How much time does it take to visit Buckingham Palace?

2–3 hours is enough to explore Buckingham Palace at length.

Can I enter Buckingham Palace once I exit?

No, you cannot enter Buckingham Palace once you exit.

What is the best way to get to Buckingham Palace?

The tube is the best way to get to Buckingham Palace.

Is there a dress code to be followed at Buckingham Palace?

No. There is no specific dress code to follow at Buckingham Palace. However, ensure you wear respectable clothes.

Does Buckingham Palace conduct activities for children?

Yes. Buckingham Palace conducts several activities for children, especially in the Royal Mews.

Will my luggage be allowed inside Buckingham Palace?

Only small purses and handbags are allowed inside the Palace if you can hang them by your side.

Can I buy souvenirs or gifts at Buckingham Palace?

Yes, your tour of the State Rooms concludes with an opportunity to visit the official shop. It offers a wide range of gifts, books, and souvenirs inspired by the Royal Collection and the Palace itself.

When is the best time for photos of the Palace exterior?

The best time for photos is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This allows you to avoid the midday crowds and harsh sunlight, providing you with a clearer and open view of the Palace.

Are there live guides available inside the State Rooms?

No, the official tour of the State Rooms is a self-guided experience. Your ticket includes a free multimedia guide that provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative, with detailed commentary on each room and its contents.

Where is the best place to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony?

For the most immersive experience, find a spot along the railings of The Mall to see the full procession of the New Guard marching to the palace. For a clear view of the actual changeover, stand near the Queen Victoria Memorial.