Get to Windsor Castle From Southend-on-Sea

April 2, 2025| April 21, 2025

J. Shaw 21 min read

Key Points

The distance from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle is approximately 79.3 miles via the M25, 84.3 miles via the A13 and M25, and 93.8 miles via the A13, M11, and M25.
The fastest and most efficient way is by car via the M25 route, covering 79.3 miles in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes under ideal traffic conditions. This route offers a direct motorway drive with minimal complexity.
Alternatively, the train journey takes around 2 hours 19 minutes to 2 hours 42 minutes, with the quickest option involving c2c services to West Ham, the Jubilee Line to Waterloo, and the South Western Railway to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Other rail routes include transfers at Liverpool Street and Slough, with some involving a short bus ride.
Cycling is possible but demanding, covering 72.2 miles in over 6 hours via a combination of roads and scenic paths.
While driving is the fastest and most flexible choice, trains offer a stress-free alternative, especially for those wishing to avoid traffic or parking issues.

Routes Comparison Table

Mode of Transport	Route	Distance (miles)	Estimated Duration	Key Features
Car	Via M25	79.3	~1 hour 45 minutes	Fastest route, follows usual traffic flow
	Via A13 and M25	84.3	~1 hour 46 minutes	Includes toll roads, slightly longer distance
	Via A13, M11 and M25	93.8	~2 hours 1 minute	Longest car route, avoids some congestion
Train	Southend Central – West Ham – Waterloo – Windsor & Eton Riverside	–	~2 hours 19 minutes – 2 hours 42 minutes	Uses c2c, Jubilee Line, and South Western Railway
	Southend Central – Limehouse – Bank – Waterloo – Windsor & Eton Riverside	–	~2 hours 19 minutes – 2 hours 42 minutes	Includes DLR transfer, slightly different underground route
	Southend Victoria – Liverpool Street – Slough – Bus to Windsor	–	~2 hours 19 minutes – 2 hours 42 minutes	Uses Greater Anglia, Elizabeth Line, and bus connection
	Southend Victoria – Liverpool Street – Slough – Windsor & Eton Central	–	~2 hours 19 minutes – 2 hours 42 minutes	Uses Greater Anglia, Elizabeth Line, and direct train connection
	Southend Central – Barking – Paddington – Slough – Windsor & Eton Central	–	~2 hours 19 minutes – 2 hours 42 minutes	Uses c2c, Hammersmith & City Line, GWR
	Early Morning Route: Southend Central – West Ham – Waterloo – Windsor & Eton Riverside	–	~2 hours 19 minutes	Slightly faster due to reduced congestion
Cycle	Via Grand Union Canal Walk	72.2	~6 hours 24 minutes	Challenging but scenic route, includes pedestrian areas and potential toll roads

Getting to Windsor Castle from Southend-on-Sea by Car

Route 1: Via M25

Travelling from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle by car is a journey of approximately 79.3 miles, taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes under ideal conditions. This is the fastest route and follows the usual traffic flow.

Step 1: Get on the M25 in Upminster from A127

Begin your journey by heading east on Carnarvon Road towards Loverose Way (0.1 miles).
Make a U-turn at Great Eastern Avenue (0.1 miles).
Turn right onto Victoria Avenue/A127 (0.8 miles).
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Prince Avenue/A127 (0.9 miles).
Keep left to continue towards Prince Avenue/A127 (420 feet).
Merge onto Prince Avenue/A127 and continue following the A127 for 11.6 miles.
Use any lane to turn right onto Southend Arterial Road/A127 (5.8 miles).
Use the left two lanes to take the ramp to M25 (0.2 miles).
At the roundabout, take the 5th exit onto the M25 ramp towards M11/M1/Stansted Airport (0.4 miles).
Use the right lane to take the ramp onto M25 (479 feet).

Step 2: Follow M25 to Slough and Take the A4 Exit from M4

Merge onto M25 (53.0 miles).
At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto M4 towards Slough (2.2 miles).
Take the A4 exit towards Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley (0.3 miles).

Step 3: Follow B470 to Castle Hill in Windsor

At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road/B470 (1.7 miles).
Take the 2nd exit onto London Road/B376/B470 (210 feet) at the roundabout.
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto High Street/B470 (0.2 miles).
Turn right onto Windsor Road/B470 (1.4 miles).
Turn left onto Thames Street/B3022 (Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) (0.2 miles).
Finally, turn left onto Castle Hill (266 feet), arriving at Windsor Castle.

By following this route, you will reach Windsor Castle efficiently while enjoying a scenic drive through the British countryside.

Route 2: Via A13 and M25

An alternative and efficient route from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle is via the A13 and M25. This journey covers a distance of approximately 84.3 miles and takes around 1 hour and 46 minutes under optimal traffic conditions. However, it is important to note that this route includes toll roads.

1. Departing Southend-on-Sea

Begin by heading east on Carnarvon Road towards Loverose Way (0.1 miles).
Make a U-turn at Great Eastern Avenue (0.1 miles).
Turn right onto Victoria Avenue/A127 (0.8 miles).
At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Prince Avenue/A127 (0.9 miles).
Keep left to continue towards Prince Avenue/A127 (420 feet).
Merge onto Prince Avenue/A127 and continue following the A127 for 5.1 miles.

2. Transitioning to A13 and M25

Use the left lane to take the A1245 ramp towards Chelmsford/Canvey Island/A130 (0.2 miles).
Take the first exit onto A1245 (0.3 miles) at the roundabout.
Take a slight left (0.2 miles) and merge onto the A130 (1.9 miles).
Continue onto the A13 for approximately 12.9 miles.
Use the left lane to take the M25 (N)/M25 (S) ramp towards M11/M1/Stansted Airport/Dartford Crossing/A282 (0.2 miles).
At Mardyke Junction, take the first exit (0.3 miles).
Use the right lane to take the A282 ramp towards M25(S)/Dartford Crossing (0.1 miles).
Use the right lane to take the ramp to A282 (0.2 miles).
Continue onto the A282 – Toll Road (4.4 miles).

3. Travelling on the M25 Towards Staines-upon-Thames

Continue on the M25, following signs for Dover/M20/Channel Tunnel/M23 (10.5 miles).
At junction 5, use the left two lanes to take the M25 exit towards Gatwick Airport/M23/Heathrow Airport/M4 (1.1 miles).
Continue on the M25 for 38.2 miles.
At junction 13, exit onto the A30 towards London(W)/Hounslow/Staines (0.2 miles).

4. Final Leg to Windsor Castle

Use the right lane to merge onto the A30 (0.2 miles).
Take the fourth exit at the roundabout and stay on the A30 towards A308/Bagshot/Egham/Windsor (0.5 miles).
Slight left to stay on the A30 (0.8 miles).
Merge onto The Glanty/A308 and continue following the A308 (2.0 miles).
Take the second exit onto Straight Road/A308 at the roundabout and continue along the A308 (2.2 miles).
At the roundabout, take the fourth exit onto Kings Road (0.5 miles).
Continue onto Sheet Street/B3022 – Parts of this road may be closed at certain times (0.3 miles).
Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 feet).

Upon arrival, you will reach Windsor Castle, a historic and iconic landmark known as one of the official residences of the British monarch. Parking options are available nearby, but checking for any road closures or restrictions before your journey is advisable.

By following these detailed directions, you can ensure a smooth and efficient drive from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle via the A13 and M25.

Route 3: Via A13, M11 and M25

For those travelling from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle by car, this route offers a convenient alternative with an estimated journey time of approximately 2 hours and 1 minute under ideal conditions. Covering a total distance of 93.8 miles, this route navigates through major motorways and key connecting roads, ensuring a smooth journey.

Step 1: Departing Southend-on-Sea

Begin your journey by heading east on Carnarvon Road towards Loverose Way (0.1 miles).
Make a U-turn at Great Eastern Avenue (0.1 miles).
Turn right onto Victoria Avenue/A127 (0.8 miles).
At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Prince Avenue/A127 (0.9 miles).
Keep left to continue towards Prince Avenue/A127 (420 ft).
Merge onto Prince Avenue/A127 and continue following A127 (5.1 miles).
Use the left lane to take the A1245 ramp towards Chelmsford/Canvey Island/A130 (0.2 miles).
Take the first exit onto A1245 (0.3 miles) at the roundabout.
Slight left (0.2 miles) and merge onto A130 (1.9 miles).
Continue onto A13 (22.6 miles).
Use the left lane to take the A406/A1020 ramp towards North Circular/M11/A12/City Airport (0.2 miles).
At the roundabout, take the third exit onto North Circular Road/A406 (4.6 miles).
Use the left two lanes to take the M11 ramp towards Cambridge/Stansted Airport (1.2 miles).

Step 2: Driving from M25 to Slough

Continue onto M11 (6.3 miles).
At Junction 6, exit onto M25 towards M1/Watford/Heathrow Airport (43.2 miles).
At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto M4 towards Slough (2.2 miles).
Take the A4 exit towards Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley (0.3 miles).

Step 3: Final Approach to Windsor Castle

At Langley Roundabout, take the second exit onto Major’s Farm Road/B470 (1.7 miles).
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto London Road/B376/B470 (210 ft).
At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto High Street/B470 (0.2 miles).
Turn right onto Windsor Road/B470 (1.4 miles).
Turn left onto Thames Street/B3022 (note: parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) (0.2 miles).
Turn left onto Castle Hill (266 ft), arriving at Windsor Castle.

This route offers a balanced approach to navigating from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle while avoiding excessive congestion. By following this well-mapped route, travellers can expect a straightforward journey, using key motorways and strategic road connections for an efficient trip to one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic landmarks.

Getting to Windsor Castle From Southend-on-Sea by Train

Travelling from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle by train can take between approximately 2 hours 19 minutes, and 2 hours, 42 minutes, depending on the chosen route, time of departure, and required connections. Several factors influence the overall journey time, including transfer times between different modes of transport, walking distances, and the frequency of train services.

Routes

Southend Central – Fenchurch Street – West Ham – Waterloo – Windsor & Eton Riverside
- Uses c2c from Southend Central to West Ham, the Jubilee Line to Waterloo, and the South Western Railway to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Southend Central – Fenchurch Street – Limehouse – Bank – Waterloo – Windsor & Eton Riverside
- Involves taking c2c to Limehouse, transferring to the DLR to Bank, taking the Waterloo & City Line to Waterloo, and then South Western Railway to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Southend Victoria – Liverpool Street – Slough – Bus to Windsor
- Uses Greater Anglia from Southend Victoria to Liverpool Street, the Elizabeth Line to Slough, and a bus to Windsor.
Southend Victoria – Liverpool Street – Slough – Windsor & Eton Central
- Similar to the previous route but takes a train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central instead of a bus.
Southend Central – Barking – Paddington – Slough – Windsor & Eton Central
- Takes c2c to Barking, the Hammersmith & City Line to Paddington, then GWR to Slough and Windsor & Eton Central.
Early Morning Route: Southend Central – Fenchurch Street – West Ham – Waterloo – Windsor & Eton Riverside
- Similar to Route 1, but benefits from shorter transfer times in the early morning.

Variations in Travel Time

Number of Transfers and Walking Time:
- Some routes require multiple transfers, including walking between stations or switching between underground and overground services. For instance, journeys that involve changing at Waterloo often require a 5 to 7-minute walk within the station.
- Routes involving a change at Slough may have a shorter transfer time but depend on train schedules aligning efficiently.
Different Train Services and Their Speeds:
- Routes departing from Southend Central via London Fenchurch Street typically involve the c2c service, which offers a relatively fast journey to London (approximately 40–53 minutes, depending on stops and time of day).
- Alternatively, routes departing from Southend Victoria use the Greater Anglia service to London Liverpool Street, taking around 57 minutes.
- The choice of onward travel from London affects the total time, with services from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside taking approximately 53 minutes and those involving Slough requiring additional connections.
Waiting Times Between Transfers:
- Some routes have minimal waiting times, such as the 3-minute transfer from West Ham to the Jubilee Line or the 6-minute wait at Slough before transferring to Windsor & Eton Central.
- In contrast, journeys with longer gaps between connections—such as the one requiring a transfer at Liverpool Street and then another at Slough—extend the total travel time.
Time of Travel and Frequency of Services:
- Early morning services, such as the 5:47 AM departure, have slightly shorter journey times (2 hours 19 minutes), likely due to less congestion and efficient train scheduling.
- Evening services can take longer due to increased commuter traffic, potential delays, or longer connection waiting times.
Use of Buses vs. Direct Train Connections:
- Some routes include a bus journey from Slough to Windsor, which adds variability depending on traffic conditions and bus frequency.
- Direct train services from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central take only 6 minutes, making them a quicker option when available.

The fastest journeys take around 2 hours 19 minutes, typically involving efficient transfers and direct train connections. The longest journeys, at around 2 hours 42 minutes, result from additional transfers, longer waiting times, and alternative transport modes such as buses.

Planning ahead and selecting routes with minimal waiting times and direct train connections can help reduce travel duration when visiting Windsor Castle from Southend-on-Sea.

Getting to Windsor Castle from Southend-on-Sea by Cycle

Cycling from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle is a challenging yet rewarding journey covering approximately 72.2 miles (116.2 km). The estimated duration is around 6 hours and 24 minutes, depending on cycling speed and conditions. The route follows a mix of major roads, scenic pathways, and cycling routes, including the Grand Union Canal Walk. However, some roads have restricted usage and tolls or require dismounting in certain areas.

Key Considerations Before Departure

Elevation: The route involves a total ascent of 741 ft and a descent of 709 ft, with the highest point reaching 174 ft and the lowest at 3 ft.
Safety Precautions: Road conditions may not always reflect real-world cycling suitability. Some paths, such as pedestrian tunnels, canal pathways, and restricted roads, may require alternative navigation.
Restricted & Toll Roads: Some sections, like Castle Drive, require tolls or include staircases. Other areas, such as the Grand Union Canal Walk sections, may have restricted access.
Closures: Parts of Thames Street near Windsor Castle may be closed at certain times or days, so plan accordingly.

Route Breakdown

Southend-on-Sea to Pitsea
- Begin by heading northwest from Southend-on-Sea, following the B1015 and A13 roads.
- Navigate through Leigh-on-Sea and proceed towards Pitsea using minor roads and roundabouts.
Pitsea to Basildon
- Pass through local roads and residential streets, including Brackendale Avenue and Great Oaks.
- Use pedestrian tunnels where necessary and merge onto the A132 towards Basildon.
Basildon to Brentwood
- Take the Southend Arterial Road (A127) and exit towards Brentwood via the A128.
- Follow Tilbury Road, Station Road, and St. Mary’s Lane before continuing westward.
Brentwood to East London
- Pass through Upminster, Rainham Road, and New Road (A1306).
- Join Cycle Superhighway 3 (CS3) to navigate through East London, including Limehouse and Poplar.
Central London Passage
- Continue along the A13, taking crossings and using cycle lanes through Tower Hill, Westminster, and Hyde Park.
- Be aware that parts of this route enter and leave the congestion toll zone.
West London to Windsor Castle
- Exit central London via the Grand Union Canal Walk, following it for several miles.
- Join London Loop and Hillingdon Trail towards Slough.
- Follow roads such as Langley Road and Thames Street towards Windsor Castle.

Final Destination: Windsor Castle

Upon reaching Windsor, cycle onto Castle Hill, where Windsor Castle is located. Be mindful of potential road closures, particularly along Thames Street. With its historic charm and scenic views, Windsor Castle marks the perfect end to this long yet scenic cycling journey.

Conclusion

In summary, there are multiple ways to travel from Southend-on-Sea to Windsor Castle, each with its own advantages. Driving via the M25 is the fastest and most direct option, typically taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Train journeys range from approximately 2 hours 19 minutes to 2 hours 42 minutes, depending on transfers and routes, making them a stress-free alternative for those wishing to avoid traffic and parking. For the more adventurous, cycling the 72.2-mile route offers a scenic but demanding journey. Regardless of the mode of transport chosen, careful planning will ensure a smooth and efficient trip to one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.