How do I get to the Natural History Museum?

Getting there is easy! You can hop on the Tube, catch a bus, take a train, cycle, walk, or drive. The closest Tube stop is South Kensington, and several buses stop just a short walk from the museum.

Which is the best way to get to the Natural History Museum?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Take the Tube if you want to get there quickly, take buses or walk if you’re keeping it budget-friendly, or walk or cycle from nearby areas to enjoy a scenic stroll through South Kensington.

Which is the fastest way to get to the Natural History Museum?

For the quickest trip from central London, the Tube can’t be beaten. Jump on the District, Circle, or Piccadilly lines to South Kensington station, then it’s just a five-minute walk to the entrance.

Which is the cheapest way to get to the Natural History Museum?

Buses and walking are the most budget-friendly. Plenty of bus routes stop near the museum, and walking from the South Kensington Tube station won’t cost a penny.

Which is the closest bus stop to the Natural History Museum?

The closest stops are on Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road. Bus routes like 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, and C1 will drop you right nearby.

Which is the closest train station to the Natural History Museum?

If you’re coming by National Rail, London Victoria and Paddington are the nearest stations. From there, hop on the Tube via the District or Circle lines to South Kensington, then walk a few minutes to the museum.

Which is the closest Tube station to the Natural History Museum?

South Kensington Tube station is your go-to, just a five-minute walk away. It’s on the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines, so it’s super convenient no matter where you’re coming from.

Natural History Museum Location | Directions & Transport Options

Where is the Natural History Museum Located?

Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom | Find on maps

The Natural History Museum in London is situated in the cultural heart of South Kensington, one of London’s most famous museum districts. It sits on Cromwell Road and fronts Exhibition Road, surrounded by the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. The area is known for grand Victorian architecture and easy access to public transport.

Closest landmark: Victoria and Albert Museum (150 meters away).

Getting to the Natural History Museum by public transport

Best for: Fastest and most convenient city travel
Travel time: From London Charing Cross (city centre) to South Kensington station—about 12–15 minutes by Tube.
Closest stop: South Kensington Tube Station (about a 2‑minute walk).
Timings: Tube services generally run from early morning until around midnight.

Take the District, Circle, or Piccadilly lines to South Kensington. From the station, it’s a short walk to the museum entrances. The station is the main public transport access point.

Best for: Budget travel and scenic urban routes.
Travel time: From London Charing Cross to the museum—around 25–30 minutes by bus, depending on traffic.
Closest stop: Cromwell Road / Natural History Museum bus stops.
Timings: London buses generally operate from early morning to late evening, with night buses on select routes.

Several bus routes stop near the museum on Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road. Key routes serving this area include 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1, and select night services such as N74 and N97.

Best for: Visitors arriving from outside central London by rail
Travel time: From London Victoria or London Paddington—5–15 minutes on the Tube from the main stations to South Kensington, then a short walk.
Closest stop: South Kensington Tube Station (1‑minute walk to the museum)
Timings: National Rail services operate from early morning to late evening.

After arriving at a major London rail terminus like Victoria or Paddington, transfer to the Underground and take a District or Circle line train to South Kensington. From there, it’s an easy walk to the museum.

Getting to the Natural History Museum by car

Driving route

Best for: Door‑to‑door access if you need convenience
Travel time: From central London (Charing Cross), 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic
Distance: Around 3–4 miles to South Kensington

Head south on the A4/Cromwell Road toward South Kensington. The museum is on Cromwell Road between Exhibition Road and Queen’s Gate.

Parking facilities

A very limited number of parking spaces for Blue Badge holders are available via Queen’s Gate. There are also twelve Blue Badge bays on Exhibition Road, which are limited to four hours at certain times. If you’re arriving by car, be prepared to use nearby public parking options:

NCP Car Park London Cadogan Place Gardens: A short walk from the museum area.
Q‑Park Knightsbridge: Typically a 15–20 minute walk to the museum.
Harrods Car Park: About a 15–20 minute walk from the museum.

Cycling/Walking to the Natural History Museum

Best for: Scenic exercise and exploring the city at a relaxed pace
Travel time: Walk for about 10–15 minutes from Kensington Gardens; cycle for about 5–10 minutes depending on route and traffic
Distance: Approximately 0.5 to 1 mile

From Kensington Gardens, head south through local streets toward Cromwell Road in South Kensington. The route offers a pleasant walk or bike ride through leafy areas and past local shops before reaching the museum. Cycling is feasible on city streets, with bike racks available outside on Exhibition Road, while walking lets you enjoy the neighbourhood’s architecture before arriving at the museum.

What is the best way to get to the Natural History Museum?

Budget-friendly

To save money, take the buses, which are the most cost-effective option. They allow you to see the city while travelling, and fares are cheaper than taxis or rideshares.

Fastest route

The quickest way from central London is via the London Underground. Take the District, Circle, or Piccadilly lines to South Kensington station, which is about a 5-minute walk from the museum. This is especially helpful during peak hours or when coming from stations like Victoria or Paddington.

To sightsee

Walking or cycling from Kensington Gardens or nearby areas provides a scenic and enjoyable journey. The route passes through historic architecture and local shops in South Kensington, making the trip visually engaging.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is located on Cromwell Road in South Kensington, right in the heart of London’s famous museum district. It’s close to the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, making it easy to combine visits.