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.
Address: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames, in the heart of the City of London, England. It is a short walk from Tower Hill Underground station and is also close to other famous landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, and the Shard.
Closest landmark: Tower Bridge (300 m away)
Best for: Budget travel
Travel time: 30 mins (from Trafalgar Square)
Closest stop: Tower Hill
Timings: Buses run every few minutes during the day and every 15-30 minutes at night.
Buses 15, 42, 78, 100, 343, and RV1 stop outside the Tower of London. You can catch these from Trafalgar Square, King's Cross, or Paddington.
Best for: Saving time
Travel time: 5 mins (from Trafalgar Square)
Closest station: Tower Hill
Timings: Trains run every few minutes during the day and every 15-30 minutes at night.
District and Circle lines stop at Tower Hill.
Best for: Sightseeing
Travel time: 25 mins(from Westminster Pier)
Closest stop: Tower Pier
Timings: Riverboats run every 30-60 minutes during the day.
There are a number of different riverboat companies that operate services to Tower Pier. You can catch a riverboat from a number of different piers in central London, including:
Best for: Visitors arriving from outside of London
Travel time: 1 hr 15 mins
Closest stop: Tower Gateway DLR station
Timings: Trains run from early morning to late night, 7 days a week.
You can take DLR to Tower Gateway from London Bridge or from Waterloo. If you’re boarding from Victoria, take the District like to Westminster, Jubilee at Green Park, then DLR to Tower Gateway at Green Park.
Best for: Convenience
Travel time: 15 minutes (from Charing Cross)
Distance: 2.4 miles
Head southwest toward Strand/A4. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Northumberland Ave. Turn left onto Victoria Embankment/A3211 and then onto Puddle Dock. Turn right onto Queen Victoria St and turn right onto Cannon St. Continue onto Great Tower St before turning left onto Byward St/A100.
There is no parking available at the Tower of London itself, but there are a number of pay-and-display car parks nearby:
Best for: Sightseeing
Travel time: 49 minutes (from Charing Cross)
Distance: 2.2 miles
Walking to the Tower of London is a great way to see some of the most iconic landmarks in London. The walk takes you along the River Thames, past the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard.
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The best way to get to the Tower of London depends on your budget and preferences. If you are on a tight budget, taking the bus is the cheapest option. If you are in a hurry, taking a taxi is the fastest option. If you want to enjoy the scenery, taking a boat is a great option.
Taking a taxi is the fastest way to get to the Tower of London. However, taxis can be expensive, especially during peak hours.
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to get to the Tower of London. There are a number of bus routes that stop near the Tower of London, and a single ticket costs just a few pounds.
If you need help, just ask a TfL staff member — many speak multiple languages. Or use Google Maps in your preferred language for walking and transit directions.
Peak hours are usually 7:30–9:30am and 5–7pm on weekdays. If you’re looking for a quieter trip, aim for mid-morning or early afternoon.
Absolutely! Both work on all Tube, DLR, and bus services to the Tower. Just tap in and go.
You bet! Many of London’s popular hop-on hop-off buses stop right outside the Tower, making it super convenient to include in your sightseeing loop.
There are a number of disabled parking spaces available in the Tower Hill car park. These spaces are located on the lower ground floor of the car park.
Yes, you’ll usually find black cabs lined up near the main entrance. Or just use a ride-hailing app — drivers know the Tower well.
Definitely! You’ve got Tower Bridge, The Shard, and Sky Garden all within walking distance.
Less than 5 minutes! It’s right next door, so if you’re already at Tower Bridge, you’re practically there.
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!
