Hampton Court Palace, located 19 km southwest of central London along the River Thames, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Easily accessible by train from Waterloo, this grand palace in East Molesey offers breathtaking gardens, extensive parklands, and fascinating events, making it a perfect day trip from London!

Hampton Court Palace Location

Address: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom

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Only 19 km from London, Hampton Court Palace is easily accessible by various transportation options. Although there is no underground station nearby, the palace is well connected with other public transport services, ensuring convenient access.

Nearest landmark: Bushy Park (1.1 km)

Getting to Hampton Court Palace by public transport

By train

By bus

By boat

Best for: Tourists with travel constraints

Travel time: 40 minutes

Closest stop: Hampton Court Station, a 2-minute walk away from the palace

Timings: Runs from 5am to 11:30pm

A train to Hampton Court Palace from London Waterloo Station is available every 30 minutes. You can also alternatively catch a train from Waterloo Station to Kingston station and then get a bus from here to the palace. A train ticket to Hampton Court Palace from London's Zone 1 should cost you about £7.60.

Best for: Budget-conscious traveler

Travel time: 15-45 minutes

Closest stop: Hampton Court Palace (Stop F), which is around 5 minutes away from the palace

Timings: First bus from Richmond starts at 6am while the first one from Kingston starts at 9am. Both stations’ last bus operates till 11pm.

Traveling by bus is a convenient way to enjoy scenic views of the area. Key routes include the 111*, 216*, 411*, 461, and 513 from Kingston, and the R68* from Richmond.

*You can use Oyster cards, LT cards, bus passes, Travelcards, Freedom Passes, and Saver Tickets. The bus fare is around £1.75.

Best for: Visitors craving a scenic route

Travel time: 45 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your route

Closest stop: Hampton Court Pier located 2 minutes away from the palace

Timings: Boat services run from April to October

A relaxed journey down the Thames river provides scenic views of riverside beauty, and as you near Hampton Court, the entire palace reveals itself, its grandeur beautifully mirrored in the river, creating an awe-inspiring introduction to your visit.

Getting to Hampton Court Palace by car

Driving route

Parking facilities

Distance from Central London: 22 km

The quickest route to Hampton Court Palace is a straightforward drive southwest of central London. Head out on the A3 for about 10 miles, then take the A309 exit and follow it for 3 miles. Look for signs to Hampton Court Palace on the A308, and you'll find the palace on your right. If you need more guidance, just use the village of East Molesey as your destination with postcode KT8 9AU.

The directions to the Palace are straightforward, and there's parking right on site, though it's limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For the best spot, aim to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.

Accessible Parking: There are 9 designated disabled parking bays available, and parking is free for Blue Badge holders.

Nearby Parking Options:

Hampton Court Train Station: Only 0.2 km away; check National Rail for current rates.
Hampton Court Green: Just 0.5 km from the palace entrance, with a fee of £1.50 per hour.
Bushy Park: About 1.1 km from the palace. Visit the Royal Parks website for updated pricing.

Walking to Hampton Court Palace

Travel time: 40 minutes

Distance: 2.7 km

Ideal for: Nature-lovers

Walking to Hampton Court Palace from London’s Kingston is a treat with scenic views along the Thames Path, offering charming vistas of the River Thames and nearby piers. The route includes tranquil parklands like Bushy Park and Home Park, with their expansive greens and serene ponds, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Visitor tips

To save time, the best way to travel to Hampton Court Palace is to take rent a car or hail a cab.
The cheapest way to travel around London is by Bus. The London Bus network is well connected and therefore convenient as well.
Parking is on first-come-first-serve-basis, therefore coming early and reserving a spot is advisable.
The best time to visit the city is from March through May as the temperature is pleasant and flowers are in full bloom, making it an ideal time to visit the Hampton Court Gardens as well.

Frequently asked questions about Hampton Court Palace location

Are there scenic walking routes to Hampton Court Palace, and what can I expect to see?

Yes, the Thames Path provides beautiful riverside views, while Bushy Park and Home Park offer expansive green spaces and serene parkland vistas.

What is the frequency of trains from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Palace?

Trains run every 30 minutes from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, with a travel time of around 40 minutes.

Is it advisable to visit Hampton Court Palace from London during peak tourist seasons, and how does it affect travel?

Visiting during peak seasons can mean larger crowds and longer travel times. Off-peak times like spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting due to mild weather and smaller crowds, making travel to the palace more pleasant.

What landmarks or attractions can I visit along the way to Hampton Court Palace from London?

Enjoy picturesque views of the River Thames, historic piers, and the expansive green spaces of Bushy Park as you travel to the palace.

Is cycling to Hampton Court Palace from London an option, and are there bike racks available?

Cycling is an option with bike racks available near the palace, and you can enjoy a scenic ride along the Thames Path.