Contents

How to Get to Windsor Castle | Directions and Transport Options

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. The town of Windsor is just an hour from London, making it perfect for a London to Windsor Castle day trip to discover this stunning monument to British history. It is also one of the most visited castles in England, meaning that you need to ensure you plan well, keeping in mind the best time to visit Windsor Castle.

Read on to learn more about Windsor Castle's location and how to get there.

Where is Windsor Castle located?

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

Windsor Castle lies in Windsor in Berkshire, England. The Castle is perched on the top of a hill along the banks of the River Thames. It is 21 miles west of Central London and ideally situated for easy access from the capital city.

Nearest landmark: Windsor Guildhall (110m)




How to buy tickets to Windsor Castle?

Windsor Admission Tickets
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
More details
Half-Day Tour to Windsor Castle from London
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
5 hr. 30 min.
Audio Guide
Transfers Included
More details
From London: Windsor Castle, Bath & Stonehenge Guided Tour with Optional Entry
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
11 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
More details
Windsor Castle Guided Tour with Afternoon Tea from London
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
6 hr.
Audio Guide
More details
Windsor Castle, Oxford & Stonehenge Tour from London
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
10 hr. - 11 hr.
Guided Tour
More details
From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle Access & Windsor Day Trip
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
11 hr.
Guided Tour
More details
London Explorer Pass by Go City: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
Free Cancellation
Extended Validity
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
More details
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Guided Tour with Access to Roman Bath
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
11 hr.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
More details
Full-Day Tour of Royal London & Windsor
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
9 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
More details

Getting to Windsor Castle by public transportation

By train
By bus
By tube

Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central Station

Getting to Windsor Castle by train is a popular option as they’re convenient and affordable. Trains in England have modern facilities, offer a pleasant travel experience, and showcase scenic views of the English countryside. Trains depart regularly from the London Paddington station, taking around 35 minutes to reach Windsor & Eton Central Station. From here, it is a short walk to Windsor Castle.

Nearest station: Parish Church (Stop J) (161m)

Traveling to Windsor Castle by bus is a budget-friendly option. Many bus services operate regular routes from London and nearby towns to Windsor. You can take the Green Line 703 or 702. It’s a beautiful journey as you pass by the picturesque countryside and the authentic side of the UK.

Nearest station: London Paddington station (35km)

The tube is not an option to reach Windsor Castle. Windsor does not have an underground station, with London Paddington Station the closest to the area. However, if you want to travel by tube, you can take the subway to London Paddington station and transfer to a train to Windsor & Eton Central Station.

Getting to Windsor Castle by public transportation

By car
By cycle

The driving route to Windsor Car depends on the starting point. 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.

Parking isn’t available inside Windsor Castle, but there are plenty of parking options in Windsor. It is advised to use one of the long-stay car parks in Windsor like:

Both car parks are under 10 minutes from Windsor Castle. They’re also cheaper than the other short-stay car parks in Windsor.

Cycling through London and Windsor is a satisfying experience.

  • You’ll cycle along the National Cycle Route 4 from West London to Windsor in Berkshire. It stretches around 40 miles, but the journey is beautiful, with riverside paths and plenty of traffic-free sections. Long stretches through Richmond Park and Windsor Great Park are two route highlights.
  • The journey starts in Battersea Park, crossing Chelsea Bridge, passing through Barnes Common and Roehampton, and Kingston-upon-Thames toward Hampton Court Park.
  • You’ll cycle along the river to Sunbury, Walton on the Thames, Weybridge, Chertsey, and Staines before climbing Cooper's Hill and the wonderful Windsor Great Park.
Paddington Station
Waterloo Station

Travel time: 54 minutes

  • From Paddington Station, you'll jump on the Elizabeth Line heading towards Slough.
  • At Slough, board a train on the Great Western Railway (GWR). When you get off the train, keep an eye out for the Windsor & Eton Central Station nearby. This station is close to the castle, and you'll be there before you know it.

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.
Victoria Station
Canary Wharf
London Bridge
King’s Cross Station

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.
  • At Slough Bus Station, catch the Green Line bus number 702. This takes you straight to Windsor, no transfers needed! Alternatively, you can also take another GWR to Windsor & Eton Central Station.

Travel time: 1 hour 29 minutes

  • Take the Jubilee Line from Canary Wharf Underground Station to Waterloo.
  • Walk to the London Waterloo Railway Station where you can transfer to a South Western Railway train towards Windsor & Eton Central Station.

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

  • Take the Northern Line towards Waterloo Station from the London Bridge Station.
  • Walk to the Waterloo Railway Station and change to the South Western Railway service from there towards Windsor & Eton Riverside Station.

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 super 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. This can be expensive at times. Edward VII car park is one that operates 24/7, and has open spaces. It is a bit of a walk to the castle from there, 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. However, if you find driving to Windsor and finding parking a hassle, taking the train is the best option to get to the castle. There are two stops within walking distance of Windsor Castle, and the journey takes 30-60 minutes from 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. Although this price is high, it saves 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.