Get to Windsor Castle from Waterloo Station

To travel to Windsor Castle from London Waterloo Station, take a direct South Western Railway train to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station. Trains run frequently, with an average journey time of about one hour. Upon arrival at Windsor & Eton Riverside, it’s a short 10 to 15-minute walk to Windsor Castle.

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Takeaways

Key Points
Travelling from London Waterloo to Windsor Castle by train is a scenic and convenient journey, with South Western Railway operating direct services to Windsor & Eton Riverside approximately every hour, taking around 53 minutes through picturesque areas of Surrey and Berkshire.
London Waterloo, a major railway terminus, offers facilities such as restrooms, eateries, and shops, while trains provide both Standard and First-Class seating with luggage space, and Windsor & Eton Riverside station is within a 10 to 15-minute walk of the castle along a well-signposted route.
Tickets start from £8.50 for a one-way Standard Class fare, available for purchase online or at the station, with discounts for Railcard holders, and both departure and arrival stations are equipped with accessibility features, though advance arrangements for assistance are recommended.
An alternative route via London Paddington requires a train change at Slough but may be faster at around 40 minutes, while bus options include the Green Line 702 or 703 from Victoria Coach Station, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes, or a combination of train to Staines and a local bus to Windsor.
For those preferring to drive, the journey via the M4 motorway takes around an hour, though parking in Windsor can be limited, making public transport a practical and efficient choice for visitors.

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Introduction

Travelling from London Waterloo Station to Windsor Castle is a straightforward journey that offers a glimpse into England’s rich history. This guide provides detailed information to ensure a smooth trip, covering train services, ticketing, station facilities, accessibility, and additional travel tips.

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Overview of the Journey

Windsor Castle, located in the county of Berkshire, is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres) west of central London. The most direct public transport route from London Waterloo Station is via the South Western Railway service to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station. The journey typically takes about one hour, depending on the specific train service.

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Train Services

Travelling from London Waterloo Station to Windsor Castle by train is a straightforward and scenic journey, offering a glimpse into the English countryside before arriving at the historic town of Windsor. Here’s a detailed guide to assist you:

Direct Train Service: London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside

• Operator: South Western Railway operates direct services from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
• Frequency: Trains run approximately every hour, providing regular options throughout the day.
• Journey Duration: The journey takes about 53 minutes, making it a convenient option for travellers.
• Route Highlights: The train passes through picturesque areas of Surrey and Berkshire, offering views of the River Thames and the English countryside.

Steps for the Journey:

1. Departure from London Waterloo:
   • Location: London Waterloo is a major railway terminus located near the South Bank of the River Thames.
   • Facilities: The station has amenities, including restrooms, eateries, and shops.
   • Boarding: Check the departure boards for the next train to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
2. Onboard Experience:
   • Seating: Standard and First-Class accommodations are available.
   • Amenities: While onboard services vary, trains typically offer comfortable seating and luggage space.
3. Arrival at Windsor & Eton Riverside:
   • Station Proximity: The station is a short walk from Windsor Castle, making it convenient for visitors.
   • Facilities: Amenities at the station are limited, but the town centre offers various services.

From Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, Windsor Castle is approximately a 10 to 15-minute walk. Upon exiting the station:

• Route: Walk straight along Datchet Road (A308) towards Thames Street.
• Landmarks: You’ll cross a bridge over the River Thames and pass by shops and eateries.
• Destination: The castle entrance is prominently visible as you approach, situated at the top of Castle Hill.

The route is well-signposted, but residents and shopkeepers are usually helpful in providing directions if in doubt.

Ticketing Information:

• Pricing: Advance tickets can start from £8.50 for a one-way Standard Class ticket.
• Purchasing Tickets:
  • Online: Tickets can be bought in advance through the South Western Railway website or other train ticket platforms.
  • At the Station: Tickets are available at ticket counters and on the machines at London Waterloo.
• Travel Cards: If you have a Railcard, ensure it’s valid for the time and route of travel to avail discounts.

Accessibility Considerations

Both London Waterloo and Windsor & Eton Riverside stations are equipped to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. However, it’s advisable to plan:

• Assistance: Contact South Western Railway’s Passenger Assistance service at least 24 hours before your journey to arrange help with boarding, alighting, or any other requirements.
• Onboard Facilities: Most trains on this route have accessible toilets and designated spaces for wheelchair users.
• Windsor Castle Access: The castle itself has made efforts to improve accessibility, but due to its historic nature, some areas might present challenges. It’s recommended to visit the official Windsor Castle website for detailed information on accessible routes and facilities within the castle grounds.

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Alternative Route: Via London Paddington

An alternative train route involves travelling from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central:

• Route Details:
  • Step 1: Take a Great Western Railway (GWR) train from London Paddington to Slough.
  • Step 2: At Slough, transfer to the shuttle service to Windsor & Eton Central.
• Journey Duration: This route can take as little as 40 minutes, depending on connection times.
• Considerations: While this route may be quicker, a train change at Slough is required.

Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Check Schedules: Train times can vary, especially on weekends and public holidays. It’s advisable to check the latest schedules before your trip.
• Station Navigation: London Waterloo is a large station; arrive a bit early to locate your platform without rush.
• Accessibility: Both London Waterloo and Windsor & Eton Riverside stations are equipped with facilities to assist passengers with mobility needs.
• Local Transport: Upon arrival in Windsor, local buses and taxis are available if you wish to explore areas beyond the castle.

By following this guide, you can enjoy a seamless and pleasant train journey from London Waterloo to Windsor Castle, immersing yourself in the route’s rich history and scenic beauty.

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Other Options

Travelling from London to Windsor Castle offers several transportation options, each with its own route, duration, and considerations. Below is a detailed guide on alternative methods to reach Windsor Castle from London, focusing on bus services, a combination of train and bus, and car hire or rideshare services.

Bus from London Victoria Coach Station

Route Overview:

• From Waterloo Station to Victoria Station:
  • Begin your journey at Waterloo Station.
  • Take the Jubilee Line of the London Underground, heading westbound towards Green Park.
  • At Green Park Station, transfer to the Victoria Line heading southbound.
  • Alight at Victoria Station.
• Walk to London Victoria Coach Station:
  • Exit Victoria Station and walk to London Victoria Coach Station, which is approximately a 10-minute walk.
• Board the Bus to Windsor:
  • Board the Green Line 702 or 703 bus service operated by Reading Buses at the coach station.
  • These services run hourly and pass through Slough and Windsor, providing a comfortable journey.
• Arrival in Windsor:
  • Disembark at the Windsor Theatre Royal stop.
  • From there, it’s a short walk to Windsor Castle.

Journey Duration:

• The total journey time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Ticketing:

• Purchasing Tickets:
  • Tickets can be purchased at Victoria Coach Station.
  • Alternatively, tickets are available online through the Reading Buses website.
• Advance Booking:
  • It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure seat availability.

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Combination of Train and Bus via Staines

Route Overview:

• Train from Waterloo Station to Staines:
  • From Waterloo Station, board a South Western Railway train heading towards Staines.
  • Trains to Staines run frequently throughout the day, with approximately 112 trains available daily.
• Transfer to Bus Service:
  • Upon arrival at Staines Station, exit the station and go to the nearby bus stops.
  • Board the 8 or 8A bus service towards Windsor.
• Arrival in Windsor:
  • Disembark at the Windsor Parish Church stop.
  • Windsor Castle is a short walk from this stop.

Journey Duration:

• Train to Staines:
  • The train journey from London Waterloo to Staines takes approximately 32 to 38 minutes, depending on the service.
• Bus to Windsor:
  • The bus journey from Staines to Windsor takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Ticketing:

• Train Tickets:
  • Tickets can be purchased at Waterloo Station or online via the South Western Railway website.
• Bus Tickets:
  • Bus tickets are available for purchase directly from the bus driver upon boarding.

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Car Hire or Rideshare Services

Route Overview:

• From London to Windsor:
  • Hire a car from a rental service or use a rideshare platform.
  • Drive westbound on the A4 road.
  • Merge onto the M4 motorway.
  • Take exit 6 towards Windsor.
  • Follow the signs directing you to Windsor Castle.

Journey Duration:

• The drive typically takes approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Considerations:

• Parking:
  • Parking in Windsor can be limited, especially during peak tourist times. It’s advisable to research parking options in advance.
• Costs:
  • Consider additional costs such as fuel, potential congestion charges when driving in London, and parking fees in Windsor.

By considering these alternative transportation methods, travellers can choose the option that best suits their preferences and schedule when journeying from London to Windsor Castle.

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Conclusion

In summary, travelling from London Waterloo Station to Windsor Castle is both straightforward and convenient. The direct South Western Railway service to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station offers a scenic journey of approximately 53 minutes, with trains departing hourly. Upon arrival, a brief 10 to 15-minute walk through the charming town of Windsor leads directly to the castle gates. Alternative routes, such as combining train and bus services via Staines or opting for car hire, are available but may require additional planning. For the most efficient and hassle-free experience, the direct train from Waterloo remains the recommended choice.

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FAQ

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