Directions to Windsor Castle | An In-Depth Guide to Getting There

Windsor Castle, an iconic symbol of British history, is in Berkshire, England. The oldest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Windsor Castle is just a short trip from London, so you can easily do a day trip. It's one of the most popular castles in England, so if you're planning to go, make sure you read about the best time to visit Windsor Castle to avoid the crowds.

Read on to learn exactly where Windsor Castle is and how you can get there.

About Windsor Castle

Where is Windsor Castle located?

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom | Find on Map

Located in Windsor, Berkshire in England, Windsor Castle sits on a hill overlooking the River Thames. At only 21 miles west of Central London, it's an easy trip from the capital.

Nearest landmark: Windsor Guildhall (110m)

How to buy tickets to Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle Entry Tickets

Free cancellation

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Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Transfers included

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From London: Windsor Castle Half-Day Tour

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Flexible duration

Transfers included

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor & Oxford Day Trip

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Mobile ticket

11 hr. - 12 hr.

Audio guide

Guided tour

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath Day Trip

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11 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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Getting to Windsor Castle by public transportation

Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central Station

Trains are a great way to get to Windsor Castle. Not only are trains affordable and convenient, but they also offer modern amenities that ensure a comfortable journey. And if that’s not a perk enough, you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the English countryside! Trains leave every 30 minutes from London Paddington Station. The ride takes about 35 minutes and gets you to Windsor & Eton Central Station. From there, it's a 6-minute walk to Windsor Castle itself.

Nearest station: Parish Church (Stop J)

If you are on a budget but still want to enjoy England’s landscape, buses are a great way to do that. Lots of buses go from London and other nearby towns straight to Windsor. The Green Line 702 or 703 are your best bets. It's a beautiful ride through the English countryside, so you can glimpse the real UK outside the big city. Buses leave every 30 minutes, and the entire trip takes only 1.5 hours.

Nearest station: London Paddington station

The tube won't get you all the way to Windsor Castle as the town doesn't have its own underground station. However, you can catch the tube to London Paddington Station, which is the closest stop. From there, you can hop on a train to Windsor & Eton Central Station. It's a quick switch, and you're on your way to see the castle. Trains leave every 30 minutes and the trip should take you about 35 minutes.

Getting to Windsor Castle by private transportation

Driving to Windsor Castle can be a breeze, but the best route depends on where you start. If you're driving from Central London, the M4 motorway westbound is your best bet. It's pretty much a straight shot to Windsor and takes about 45 minutes. However, be aware that peak-hour traffic can be a beast. If you are coming from other parts of London, you can take the M3, M25, or M40 motorways to Windsor Castle.

While there’s no parking spot for your car inside the castle walls, there are plenty of options in Windsor itself. It is better to use one of the long-stay car parks, like:

Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road.
Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens car parks next to Coach Park.

These are all under a 10-minute walk from the castle and much cheaper than the short-stay options.

Cycling from London to Windsor Castle is an amazing experience! It's a bit of a drive at around 40 miles, but the route is beautiful and takes you on riverside paths and plenty of traffic-free areas.

You can cycle along the National Cycle Route 4 from West London to Windsor. Long stretches through Richmond Park and Windsor Great Park are two route highlights.
Starting at Battersea Park, you’ll cross over Chelsea Bridge and through the picturesque Barnes Common and Roehampton. Pretty soon, you’ll be greeted by Kingston-upon-Thames, leading you towards Hampton Court Park.
From there, it's a scenic ride along the river through Sunbury, Walton on the Thames, Weybridge, Chertsey, and Staines. You might find it a bit challenging to cycle up Cooper's Hill, but the views from the top will be worth it as you continue towards Windsor Great Park.

Windsor Castle from popular stations

Travel time: 54 minutes

Hop on the London Underground's Circle Line or Hammersmith & City Line. These will take you to London Paddington Station.
From Paddington Station, you can jump on the Elizabeth Line heading towards Slough.
At Slough, board a train on the Great Western Railway (GWR). Keep an eye out for the Windsor & Eton Central Station as this station is close to the castle.

Travel time: 1 hour 8 minutes

At the London Waterloo Station, board the South Western Railway. This is a direct line to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station.
From the station, Windsor Castle is a 10-minute walk.

Windsor Castle from popular stops

Travel time: 1 hour 7 minutes

Catch the Circle Line or District Line on the tube. Both go towards Paddington Station, so hop on whichever comes first.
From there, board a train on the Great Western Railway (GWR) towards Slough. Alight at Slough and head to the Slough Bus Station.
Then, catch the Green Line bus number 702. This takes you straight to Windsor, no transfers needed! Alternatively, you can take another GWR to Windsor & Eton Central Station.

Travel time: 1 hour 29 minutes

Jump on the Jubilee Line at Canary Wharf Station. This train will be your main ride almost all the way. Keep riding the Jubilee Line until you reach Waterloo station.
From Waterloo Station, things are easy-peasy. Walk to the London Waterloo Railway Station and look for trains on the South Western Railway service. These trains go directly to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station.

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Take the Northern Line towards Waterloo Station from the London Bridge Station. From there, walk to the Waterloo Railway Station.
Look for trains on the South Western Railway service heading towards Windsor & Eton Riverside Station. That's your best bet for a direct shot to the castle!

Travel time: 55 minutes

Walk to King's Cross St. Pancras Underground Station and board the Circle or Hammersmith & City Line to Paddington Station.
Catch a train on the Great Western Railway (GWR) towards Slough at the Paddington Rail Station.
From Slough, you have two options: Find the bus station and catch the Green Line bus number 702. This bus takes you straight to Windsor! Alternatively, skip the bus and catch another GWR train heading towards Windsor & Eton Central Station. This station is close to the castle as well.

Frequently Asked Questions about getting to Windsor Castle

What's the fastest way to get from London to Windsor?

The fastest way to get from London to Windsor is to take the train. The journey will take you between 45 minutes to one hour. There are direct services from London to Windsor that do not require you to change trains. You can catch a direct train from either London Waterloo or London Paddington.

What's the cheapest way to get from Windsor to London?

The cheapest way to get from London to Windsor, or vice versa, is to take a coach, with prices starting at £6.50.

Is there parking available at Windsor Castle?

There is no parking space available at Windsor Castle. However, parking is available close to Windsor Castle, which can be expensive at times. Edward VII car park operates 24/7 and has open spaces. It is a bit of a walk to the castle, but the road is pleasant.

Is it a good idea to drive from London to Windsor Castle?

You can drive from London to Windsor Castle. The journey is picturesque and worth the long drive. Take the M4 motorway westbound if you’re coming from Central London, as it connects directly to Windsor. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Take the M3, M25, or M40 if you’re coming to Windsor from other areas of London.

Are there tours from London to Windsor Castle?

Yes, there are London to Windsor Castle day trips. You can book a half-day trip to Windsor Castle, a full-day tour of London and Windsor, a guided tour of Windsor Castle, or a combo ticket that includes a tour of Stonehenge, Bath, or Oxford. Prices start from €92.55. This ticket will save you the hassle of arranging your transportation from London to Windsor Castle. It also saves money when you book combo tickets by providing discounted rates compared to individual tickets to attractions.

Are group visits allowed?

Yes, group visits are allowed in Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle allows groups of 25 travelers for a group booking.

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