What is the closest Tube station to the Tower of London?

Tower Hill is the closest Underground station. It is served by the District and Circle lines, with the main entrance to the Tower only a short two-minute walk away.

Which bus routes stop near the Tower of London?

Routes 15, 42, 78, 100 and 343 all stop at Tower Hill, directly outside the fortress. They offer convenient connections from central London, King's Cross and Paddington.

Is there parking near the Tower of London?

Yes, but driving isn't usually recommended. Several public car parks are available within a 5 to 15-minute walk, though central London traffic and the Congestion Charge often make public transport the better option.

Where do taxis and ride-hailing services drop passengers?

Most taxis and ride-hailing vehicles use the designated drop-off area on Tower Hill, immediately outside the main visitor entrance, giving step-free access to the security checkpoint.

What is the best time to travel to avoid traffic and crowds?

Arriving before 9am generally offers the smoothest journey and the shortest entrance queues. If travelling by road, avoid weekday rush hours between 7:30–10am and 4–7pm whenever possible.

Is the Tower of London accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. Tower Hill Underground Station offers step-free access, accessible taxis can stop directly outside the entrance, and many areas within the Tower are accessible, although some medieval towers have unavoidable stairs due to their historic design.

Are parking discounts available for Blue Badge holders?

Some nearby public car parks offer designated Blue Badge bays, although discounts vary by operator. It's best to check individual parking facilities before travelling.

Can I walk to the Tower of London from London Bridge Station?

Yes. London Bridge Station is around a 15 to 20-minute walk away via the riverside and Tower Bridge, making it one of the most enjoyable walking routes to the fortress.

How do I get to the Tower of London from Heathrow Airport?

Take the Elizabeth line to Liverpool Street or the Piccadilly line with an Underground connection to Tower Hill. The journey typically takes between 50 and 70 minutes depending on your chosen route.

Is the riverboat worth taking to the Tower of London?

Yes, particularly if sightseeing is part of your day. River services arrive at Tower Pier, just a three-minute walk from the entrance, while offering panoramic views of London's riverside landmarks during the journey.

Is it safe to visit the Tower of London at night?

While the Tower itself closes in the evening, the surrounding area remains well-lit and well-patrolled. It’s safe to walk around — and especially stunning when the bridge is all lit up!

Tower of London location & best ways to get there

The Tower of London, situated on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England, resides within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, adjacent to the City of London across Tower Hill. This historic landmark is easily accessible via public transportation and is within walking distance of several major landmarks and attractions. Keep reading to know more about how to reach the Tower of London.

Tower of London location

The Tower of London sits on the northern bank of the River Thames beside Tower Bridge in central London. The quickest way to reach it is by Tube via Tower Hill Station, while arriving by riverboat offers one of London's most scenic approaches. Compare every transport option below to find the route that best suits your itinerary.

Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom

Closest landmark: Tower Bridge (350m | 5-minute walk)

Neighbourhood pointers:

The City of London: 10-minute walk
South Bank: 20 minutes by Tube or 30-minute walk
Covent Garden: 20 minutes by Tube

Compare your options

Mode	Travel time	Estimated cost	Best for
🚇 Tube	5–20 mins	£2.80–£3.60	Fastest and most reliable
🚌 Bus	30–45 mins	Approx. £1.75	Budget-friendly travel
🚤 River Bus	25–40 mins	£9–£15	Scenic arrival along the Thames
🚆 National Rail + DLR	20–75 mins	Varies	Visitors arriving from outside central London
🚖 Taxi / Ride-hailing	15–35 mins	£15–£35	Comfort and direct travel
🚶 Walking	45–60 mins	Free	Sightseeing through central London

Getting to the Tower of London by public transport

Getting to the Tower of London by car

There is no parking available at the Tower of London itself, but there are a number of pay-and-display car parks nearby:

Tower Hill Coach & Car Park – 4-minute walk
Minories Car Park – 7-minute walk
London Wall Car Park – 15-minute walk
NCP Whitechapel High Street – 15-minute walk

Walking to the Tower of London

Walking to the Tower is one of the most rewarding ways to arrive. From Charing Cross, the riverside route passes landmarks including the London Eye, Somerset House, St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge before reaching the fortress in around 50 minutes.
Cyclists can use London's Santander Cycles, with docking stations close to Tower Hill and Tower Bridge. Most of the route follows dedicated cycle lanes or riverside paths, although expect some cobbled sections near the Tower itself.

Traffic, timing & practical tips

Morning road traffic is heaviest between 7:30am and 10am, with another busy period from 4pm to 7pm.
Visitor arrivals peak between 10:30am and noon, particularly during school holidays and weekends.
If travelling during these periods, the Tube is almost always faster than buses or taxis.
Before leaving, check Google Maps for live conditions around Tower Hill, Lower Thames Street and Tower Bridge, where congestion is common.

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Which entrance should I use?

The Tower of London has one public entrance, the West Gate, located on the western side of the fortress beside Tower Hill Underground Station.

West Gate (Main Entrance)

Best for: Standard admission, pre-booked tickets, guided tours, combo tickets and audio guide visitors.
Closest transport: Tower Hill Underground Station (2-minute walk).
Notes: All visitors pass through airport-style security before entering. Those with pre-booked tickets usually use a faster-moving queue than visitors purchasing tickets on the day.

**→ See the complete Tower of London entrances guide

Other transport services

Airport transfers

Travelling directly from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Luton? Pre-booked airport transfers remove the hassle of navigating central London's busy transport network, especially if you're carrying luggage or arriving during peak hours.

View London airport transfers

Hop-on Hop-off buses

Several London Hop-on Hop-off routes stop at Tower of London or Tower Hill, making them an easy option if you're visiting multiple attractions in one day, including Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster.

Browse Hop-on Hop-off bus tours

London passes

If you're planning to visit several attractions, a Headout Pass London can offer excellent value by combining attraction entry with access to numerous landmarks. For transport, an Oyster Card or contactless payment provides the cheapest fares across the Tube, buses, DLR and many river services.

Frequently asked questions about reaching Tower of London location

The London Underground is the quickest option for most visitors. Tower Hill Station on the District and Circle lines is only a two-minute walk from the main entrance and avoids London's often unpredictable road traffic.

Tower of London location & best ways to get there

Tower of London location

Compare your options

Getting to the Tower of London by public transport

Getting to the Tower of London by car

Walking to the Tower of London

Traffic, timing & practical tips

Book Tower of London tickets

Which entrance should I use?