Kew Gardens is the ultimate plant lover's dream. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to 50,000+ plant species, cool glasshouses, and 132 hectares of stunning landscapes. Here’s a guide that will help you find your way to the gardens without any hitch!
Address: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
Tucked away in leafy southwest London, Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 living plants and a jaw-dropping 7 million preserved specimens—making it one of the most diverse botanical collections on the planet. Ready to visit? Here's how to find your way to this green wonderland with ease, from address details to handy travel tips.
Nearest attraction: Bamboo Garden and Japanese Minka House (0.06 km)
Best for: Visitors seeking a scenic route
Travel time: 1.5 hours from Westminster Pier
Closest stop: Kew Gardens Pier, 1.1 km from the gardens
Cruise Schedule:
Cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Kew, passing iconic sights like the London Eye and Hammersmith Bridge. It’s a relaxed journey through historic neighborhoods with leafy riverside views all the way.
Best for: Budgeted travellers
Travel time: From Earl’s Court, it’s a 35-minute ride; from Richmond Station, you’ll be there in just 10–15 minutes.
Closest stop: Kew Road/Victoria Gate (Stop R) (0.04 km) and Kew Gardens Station (H) (0.32 km)
Timings: Buses usually run from 5am to 12 midnight, with a bus running every 10-20 mins
Take bus routes 65, 110, 391 or R68 for a smooth trip to Kew Gardens. They stop near Victoria Gate and Kew Green, placing you minutes from the action.
Best for: Avoiding traffic and travelling without a hiccup
Travel time: Around 30-mins from Waterloo
Closest stop: Kew Bridge Station, 1.2 km away from the garden
Timings: Trains generally run from 5am to 12:30am, with one running every 15-30 mins
Catch a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Kew Bridge Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes, with scenic views and a short walk to the Brentford Gate entrance.
Best for: Convenient access
Travel time: Around 30 minutes from Westminster
Closest stop: Kew Gardens Station, around 0.32 km from the gardens
Timings: Tube services typically operate from 5am to 12:30am, with trains arriving every 10-20 mins throughout the day.
From Westminster Station, catch the District Line train heading towards Richmond. The journey to Kew Gardens Station takes around 40 minutes and offers a direct, scenic route.
Best for: Travelling at your own pace and comfort
Travel time: Approximately 30 mins from central London
Head west from Central London on the A4 or A316 towards Richmond. The journey to Kew Gardens takes around 30-35 mins and leads you to Brentford Gate, where visitor parking is available.
Kew Gardens Admission Ticket
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Combo (Save 5%): Kew Gardens + Kensington Palace Admission Tickets
Combo (Save 5%): Tower of London with Access to Crown Jewels + Kew Gardens Tickets
Travel time: 20-mins
Distance: Approximately 1.2 km
Ideal for: Scenic stroll lovers
Start your walk at Richmond Station and enjoy a breezy 20-25 mins walk along the Thames Path. It’s quite a peaceful route where you can soak up river views, historic houses, and birdsong before reaching Kew Gardens.
Kew Gardens has four lovely entrances, each with its own perks:
Yes, contactless payment works on most National Rail trains to Kew. Just tap in and out like the Tube.
Yes, Kew Gardens Station has step-free access, but the bridge between platforms has stairs, so use the ramped side for assistance.
Yes, foldable bikes are allowed on trains and inside Kew Gardens, as long as they’re folded and not ridden onsite.
Yes, bike racks are available near every entrance—just bring your own lock and avoid securing bikes to fences or gates.
Elizabeth Gate is the handiest entrance if you're strolling along the Thames Path. Just follow the river from Richmond.
No, the riverboat service usually runs from April to October. Check exact dates before planning your scenic cruise to Kew.
Kew Pier is closest to Elizabeth Gate. It’s just a short 5-minute walk with signs pointing you toward the gardens as you dock.
Absolutely. Just set your destination to your preferred entrance—Victoria Gate and Elizabeth Gate usually work best for rideshare drop-offs.
Yes, all entrances are pram-friendly, but Brentford Gate and Victoria Gate are the easiest for step-free access and wide paths.
