Get to Windsor Castle From Bristol
Windsor Castle is approximately 97–112 miles (156–180 km) from Bristol, depending on the chosen route. The best way to get to Windsor Castle from Bristol depends on your preference for speed and convenience. Driving via the M4 is the fastest and most direct option, covering 97.9 miles in about 1 hour and 50 minutes, though traffic near Slough and Windsor can cause delays. If you prefer public transport, the train is a great alternative. The fastest train journey takes around 1 hour 55 minutes, typically requiring a transfer at Reading or London Paddington before connecting to Windsor & Eton Central. Taking a train via Reading is usually the most efficient for minimal hassle.
Takeaways
| Key Points |
|---|
| Driving from Bristol to Windsor Castle can be done via three main routes: the M4, the M5 and M4 combination, or the M4 and M3 combination, with the M4 being the fastest at approximately 1 hour 50 minutes for 97.9 miles, while the other two routes take slightly longer but offer scenic alternatives. |
| Train travel requires at least one transfer, typically via London Paddington or Reading, with journey times ranging from 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 17 minutes, depending on transfer efficiency and service schedules. |
| Bus travel, primarily operated by National Express and FlixBus, involves a transfer at London Heathrow Airport and can take between 3 to 6 hours. |
| For cycling enthusiasts, the 112-mile journey takes roughly 9 hours 40 minutes, following a mix of national cycle routes, canal paths, and countryside roads, with significant elevation changes. |
| Key considerations for all travel methods include traffic congestion near London, potential road closures, live transport updates, and the need for advance booking, particularly for public transport. |
Getting to Windsor Castle from Bristol by Car
Routes Comparison Table
| Route | Distance | Estimated Time | Key Features | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via M4 | 97.9 miles (157.5 km) | ~1 hour 50 minutes | Fastest and most direct route, primarily motorway travel | Heavy traffic near Slough and Windsor; potential road closures on B3022 |
| Via M5 and M4 | 125 miles (201 km) | ~2 hours 20 minutes | Scenic route with mix of motorway and countryside roads | Traffic variability on M5; possible congestion at Air Balloon Roundabout on A417 |
| Via M4 and M3 | 112 miles (180 km) | ~2 hours 21 minutes | Alternative approach via M3, less congestion than M4 alone at times | Traffic delays around Newbury and Basingstoke; multiple roundabouts on A339 |
Route #1: Via M4
One of the fastest and most convenient ways to drive from Bristol to Windsor Castle is via the M4 motorway. This route covers approximately 97.9 miles (157.5 km) and typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes under ideal traffic conditions.
Directions
- Starting from Bristol
- Begin your journey by taking Bond Street South (A4044), Temple Way (A4044), and Newfoundland Way (A4032) towards the M32 motorway in the Saint Paul’s area of Bristol.
- Follow Queen Street (restricted usage road) and turn right onto Queen Street.
- Turn left onto Passage Street and continue onto Narrow Plain.
- Turn left onto the ramp leading to Bond Street South/Temple Way (A4044).
- At Old Market Roundabout, take the second exit onto Bond Street South/Temple Way (A4044) ramp towards M32/M4/M5/City Centre.
- Use the right lane to turn slightly left onto Bond Street South/Temple Way (A4044).
- Continue along Bond Street South, using the second lane from the right.
- Use the left lane to turn right onto Newfoundland Way (A4032).
- Joining the M4 Motorway
- Merge onto the M32, following Frenchay, Fishponds, Horfield, and Stapleton signs.
- Stay on the M32 for approximately 4.4 miles (7 km) before merging onto the M4 motorway.
- Continue east on the M4 for about 89.3 miles (143.7 km).
- Take the exit towards A355 in Slough.
- Final Approach to Windsor Castle
- At the roundabout, take the third exit onto A355.
- Continue on A355 and merge onto Royal Windsor Way (A332).
- After 1.2 miles (1.9 km), take a slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout.
- Continue onto Victoria Street and take the first exit at the next roundabout onto Sheet Street (B3022).
- Follow B3022 (noting that parts of this road may be closed at certain times or on specific days).
- Turn right onto Castle Hill, and you will arrive at Windsor Castle.
Key Notes
- This route is the fastest under normal traffic conditions.
- Expect heavier traffic near London, particularly as you approach Slough and Windsor.
- Always check for road closures or delays before setting off, especially on the B3022.
- Windsor Castle has limited parking nearby; consider using public parking facilities within walking distance.
By following this route, you can easily enjoy a smooth drive from Bristol to one of England’s most famous landmarks.
Route #2: Via M5 and M4
For those preferring a slightly longer but scenic drive, taking the M5 and M4 offers an alternative route. This journey spans approximately 125 miles (201 km) and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes under optimal conditions.
Directions
- Starting from Bristol
- Follow the same initial route as Route #1 via Bond Street South (A4044), Temple Way (A4044), and Newfoundland Way (A4032) to reach the M32 in Saint Paul’s.
- Getting onto the M5
- Merge onto the M32 and use the middle lane to take the exit toward M4.
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto the M4.
- At Junction 20, take the exit for M5(S) towards A38/Thornbury/Filton/Bristol Airport.
- Slight right onto the M5(N) ramp to The Midlands/Gloucester.
- Merge onto M5 and continue for approximately 26.8 miles (43.1 km).
- At Junction 11A, take the A417 exit toward Cirencester.
- At Brockworth Interchange, take the first exit onto A417 towards Cirencester/Stroud/A46/Oxford/A40.
- Taking the A417 and A419 to M4
- Merge onto A417 and continue for 3.3 miles (5.3 km).
- Take the second exit at The Air Balloon Roundabout and stay on A417 for 14.4 miles (23.2 km).
- Continue onto A419 for another 14.5 miles (23.3 km).
- At Badbury Roundabout, take the first exit onto the M4 ramp towards London.
- Final Approach to Windsor Castle
- Follow the M4 for 53.2 miles (85.6 km) until you reach the A355 exit in Slough.
- At the roundabout, take the third exit onto A355.
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332).
- Take a slight left onto Clarence Road and continue through one roundabout.
- Continue onto Victoria Street and take the first exit at the next roundabout onto Sheet Street (B3022).
- Follow B3022 (noting potential road closures) and turn right onto Castle Hill to arrive at Windsor Castle.
Key Notes
- This route offers a mix of motorway and scenic countryside roads.
- Expect variable traffic conditions on the M5 and near the Air Balloon Roundabout on A417.
- Check for roadworks or closures before departing.
Route #3: Via M4 and M3
This alternative route covers approximately 112 miles (180 km) and typically takes around 2 hours and 21 minutes under ideal traffic conditions.
Directions
- Starting from Bristol
- Follow the same initial route as Routes #1 and #2 via Bond Street South (A4044), Temple Way (A4044), and Newfoundland Way (A4032) to reach the M32.
- Getting onto the M4
- Merge onto the M32 and then onto the M4, continuing east for approximately 61.1 miles (98.3 km).
- Take the A34 exit at Junction 13 towards Oxford/Newbury.
- Following the A34 and A339
- Merge onto the A34 and continue for a short distance before taking the A339 towards Newbury.
- Follow the A339 through multiple roundabouts for about 20.4 miles (32.8 km) until reaching the M3.
- Taking the M3 to Windsor
- Merge onto the M3 and continue for approximately 18.7 miles (30.1 km).
- Take the A322 exit at Junction 3 towards Woking/Bracknell.
- Follow the A322 and A332 towards Windsor.
- Final Approach to Windsor Castle
- Follow the A322 and A332, passing through several roundabouts.
- Take Kings Road and then Sheet Street (B3022), noting any potential road closures.
- Turn right onto Castle Hill, arriving at Windsor Castle.
Key Notes
- This route provides an alternative approach via the M3, which can sometimes have less congestion than the M4 alone.
- Expect variable traffic around Newbury and Basingstoke.
- Check for live traffic updates before setting off.
With these three routes, drivers have multiple options to reach Windsor Castle from Bristol, depending on traffic conditions and personal preference.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Bristol by Train
Train travel from Bristol to Windsor Castle involves multiple connections, typically via London Paddington or Reading, and can take anywhere from 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 17 minutes, depending on the chosen route and transfer efficiency.
Why Travel Times Vary
- Route Taken: Some trains require a transfer at London Paddington to the Elizabeth Line, while others connect through Reading before continuing towards Windsor.
- Transfer Efficiency: Routes with shorter transfer times at key stations like Reading or London Paddington tend to be faster.
- Additional Modes of Transport: Some routes include short bus journeys or walking segments between train stations, which can add to the total travel time.
- Peak vs. Off-Peak: Evening and early morning trains often experience fewer stops and quicker transfers, leading to shorter journey durations.
Typical Journey Durations
- The fastest journey takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes.
- Most journeys range between 2 hours 4 minutes and 2 hours 17 minutes.
- Travel times can fluctuate slightly depending on the time of day and route efficiency.
By considering these factors, travellers can choose the most efficient route based on their schedule and preferences.
Getting to Windsor Castle From Bristol by Bus
Travelling from Bristol to Windsor Castle by bus is feasible, though it typically involves at least one transfer, often at London Heathrow Airport. The journey covers approximately 85 miles (137 kilometres) and can take between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the specific route and transfer times.
Bus Operators:
- National Express: This operator provides services from Bristol Bus Station to London Heathrow Airport. From there, you can transfer to another National Express service or a local bus to reach Windsor. Fares depend on journey times, which vary based on connections.
- FlixBus: FlixBus operates routes from Bristol to London Heathrow Airport. After arriving at Heathrow, you can take local services to Windsor. Prices and schedules can be checked on the FlixBus website.
Typical Journey:
- Bristol to London Heathrow Airport: Depart from Bristol Bus Station on a service bound for London Heathrow. The journey usually takes about 2 hours.
- Transfer at Heathrow: Upon arrival at Heathrow, transfer to a local bus heading to Windsor. The Windsor Express routes – London Line 702 and Flightline 703 – operated by Reading Buses, provide links from Heathrow to Windsor.
- Arrival in Windsor: The bus will drop you off at a stop in Windsor, from which Windsor Castle is within walking distance.
Booking Tickets:
- It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to secure the best fares. Websites like Omio allow you to compare prices and schedules across different operators.
Additional Tips:
- Check Schedules: Bus schedules can vary, especially on weekends and public holidays, so ensure you verify the latest timings before your trip.
- Allow for Transfers: Since direct bus services from Bristol to Windsor are limited, plan for transfers, typically at London Heathrow Airport.
- Comfort: Longer journeys can be tiring, so consider bringing water and snacks. Most long-distance buses offer amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms.
By carefully planning your journey and being aware of transfer points, you can enjoy a smooth trip from Bristol to Windsor Castle by bus.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Bristol by Cycle
Cycling from Bristol to Windsor Castle is an adventurous and scenic journey spanning approximately 112 miles and taking around 9 hours and 40 minutes to complete. This route follows the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, incorporating several national cycle routes and scenic countryside paths along the way.
Route Overview
- Distance: 112 miles
- Estimated Duration: 9 hours 40 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 1,939 ft
- Elevation Loss: 1,857 ft
- Highest Elevation: 538 ft
- Lowest Elevation: 26 ft
Route Details
- Starting in Bristol
- Begin at East Tucker Street and navigate through the city, passing through Broad Plain and Unity Street before joining the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.
- The Railway Path provides a well-maintained, mostly traffic-free route towards Bath, covering approximately 13 miles.
- Passing Through Bath
- Enter Bath and follow the Two Tunnels Greenway, an exciting route featuring long, well-lit tunnels and beautiful countryside views.
- Continue onto National Cycle Route 24 towards Bradford-on-Avon.
- Bradford-on-Avon to Devizes
- Follow the Kennet & Avon Canal Towpath, a picturesque waterside trail, for a relatively flat and relaxing ride.
- Pass through Semington Aqueduct and continue along the canal path towards Devizes.
- Devizes to Newbury
- Transition onto quiet country lanes, moving through small villages and open landscapes.
- Ride through Etchilhampton, Woodborough, and Hungerford, gradually approaching Newbury.
- Newbury to Windsor
- Take National Cycle Route 4, moving through Reading, Maidenhead, and Bray.
- Use the Thames Path in sections, following scenic riverside trails towards Windsor.
- Arrive at Windsor Castle, with bike racks near the castle to secure your bicycle.
Important Considerations
- Route Restrictions: Some sections may have restricted usage or require cyclists to dismount.
- Weather Conditions: Ensure you check the forecast, as some paths can become muddy or slippery in wet weather.
- Navigation: Using a cycling GPS or mobile app is recommended to stay on course.
- Refreshment Stops: Several towns along the way, including Bath, Devizes, and Reading, provide excellent spots to rest and refuel.
This cycling journey offers a fantastic blend of urban, rural, and riverside landscapes, making it an excellent option for long-distance cycling enthusiasts seeking a rewarding route to Windsor Castle.
Conclusion
No matter your preferred mode of travel, getting from Bristol to Windsor Castle is a straightforward journey with multiple options to suit different needs. Whether you choose the speed and convenience of driving via the M4, the efficiency of a train journey through Reading, the affordability of a bus ride via Heathrow, or the adventurous challenge of cycling through scenic routes, each option offers a unique experience. By planning ahead and considering factors like traffic, transfer times, and weather conditions, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to one of England’s most iconic landmarks.
