Get to Windsor Castle From Oxford

Key Points

• Windsor Castle is approximately 46.5 to 51.1 miles (74.8 to 82.2 kilometres) from Oxford, depending on the chosen route.
• The fastest and most direct driving route is via the M40, covering around 46.5 miles in just over an hour, making it the best choice for speed and convenience.
• Alternatively, the A40–M40–M25 route offers a steadier, scenic drive through the countryside, albeit slightly longer at 51.1 miles, while the A4130 route, though quieter and more picturesque, is a touch slower.
• For those opting for public transport, the train via Reading and Slough is typically the swiftest, taking around 1 hour and 10 minutes, with smooth transfers and a short walk to the castle.
• Cycling enthusiasts can choose from three scenic routes, the shortest being via the A4130 at 42.2 miles, passing through charming towns like Henley-on-Thames and Eton.
• However, for most travellers prioritising time and simplicity, driving via the M40 remains the best overall route, balancing speed, directness, and reliability.

Routes Comparison Tables

🛣️ By Car

Route Name	Main Roads	Distance	Approx. Time	Key Features	Notes
Route 1: Via M40 – Fastest Option	A40, M40, A404(M), M4, A355, A332	46.5 miles	~1 hr 11 min	Quickest route using major motorways	May encounter traffic; some roads near Windsor may close occasionally
Route 2: Via A40 and M40 – Scenic & Steady	A40, M40, M25, M4, B470	51.1 miles	~1 hr 17 min	Slightly longer but steady, with scenic rural stretches	Includes more motorway interchanges
Route 3: Via A4130 – Quiet & Picturesque	A4074, A4130, A404(M), M4	40.1 miles	~1 hr 16 min	Shortest in the distance; less traffic, more countryside views	May have slower stretches due to A-roads; scenic over speed

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🚆 By Train

Route Name	Stops/Changes	Approx. Time	Key Features	Notes
Route 1: Via Reading & Slough	Oxford → Reading → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central	1 hr 10 – 1 hr 27 min	Fastest rail option with 2 easy transfers	Walking distance from the final station to Castle is ~7 mins
Route 2: Via Reading, Slough & Bus	Oxford → Reading → Slough → Bus to Windsor	1 hr 33 min	Alternative if branch line to Windsor has issues	Includes a 23-min bus ride from Slough; less efficient

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🚴 By Cycle

Route Name	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain/Loss	Key Stops	Route Highlights
Route 1: Via National Cycle Route 57	44.5 miles	~3 hr 49 min	Gain: 869 ft / Loss: 965 ft	Thame, Princes Risborough, Chesham	Phoenix Trail & Chiltern Hills – scenic & peaceful
Route 2: Via A4130	42.2 miles	~3 hr 41 min	Gain: 1,243 ft / Loss: 1,342 ft	Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead, Eton	River Thames views, market towns, historic sites
Route 3: Via National Cycle Route 5	47.6 miles	~4 hr 8 min	Gain: 1,096 ft / Loss: 1,191 ft	Reading, Sonning, Maidenhead, Eton	Mix of riverside paths and urban cycling through Reading

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📝 Summary of Travel Options

Mode	Fastest Option	Scenic Route	Best for Reliability	Notes
Car	M40 route (~1 hr 11 min)	A4130 route	M40 or A40+M40 both reliable	Consider traffic and closures near Windsor
Train	Reading → Slough route (~1 hr 10 min)	–	Highly reliable	Check connection times; no direct train
Cycle	A4130 (~3 hr 41 min)	National Route 57 or Route 5	Route 57 offers peace and countryside	Prepare for elevation and route planning

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Oxford By Car

Route 1: Via M40 – The Fastest Option

This is the fastest route from Oxford to Windsor Castle, covering approximately 46.5 miles. Under ideal traffic conditions, the journey takes around 1 hour and 11 minutes. While traffic can be expected, this remains the quickest option available.

Step-by-Step Driving Directions:

Starting Point: Oxford, UK

1. Head south on St Aldate’s (A420) towards New Inn Yard (0.3 miles).
2. Continue onto Abingdon Road (A4144) via Folly Bridge and keep following A4144 (1.4 miles).
3. Use the left lane to merge onto Kennington Roundabout (85 ft).
4. Continue straight (223 ft).
5. Use the left lane to merge onto Southern By-Pass Road (A423) and continue (0.6 miles).
6. Slight left toward Eastern By-Pass Road (A4142) (449 ft).
7. Slight left onto Eastern By-Pass Road (A4142) (0.4 miles).
8. At Littlemore Roundabout, take the 2nd exit to stay on A4142 (3.5 miles).
9. Use the right two lanes to turn right onto Headington Roundabout (125 ft).
10. Remain in the right two lanes to stay on Headington Roundabout (82 ft).
11. Use the left two lanes to turn left onto London Road (A40) (6.0 miles).

Joining the M40 Motorway:

12. Merge onto the M40 (16.2 miles).
13. At Junction 4, take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead (0.3 miles).
14. Use the right two lanes to take the ramp to A404 (230 ft).

Continue into Berkshire:

15. Take the 2nd exit onto A404 (4.4 miles) at Handy Cross Roundabout.
16. At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A404 (3.0 miles).

Joining the M4 Motorway:

17. Keep right to continue on A404(M), following signs for Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 (2.5 miles).
18. Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto Holyport Interchange (322 ft).
19. Take the M4 exit toward London using the middle lane (0.2 miles).
20. Slight right to merge onto M4 (4.4 miles).
21. Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 miles).

Final Approach into Windsor:

22. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 miles).
23. Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) (1.2 miles).
24. Slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout (0.5 miles).
25. Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 miles).
26. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) and continue (0.2 miles).

Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days.

27. Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft).

Destination: Windsor Castle

You’ve arrived at Windsor Castle, one of the most iconic royal residences in the United Kingdom.

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Route 2: Via A40 and M40 – A Scenic and Steady Alternative

This alternative route from Oxford to Windsor Castle covers approximately 51.1 miles and takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes under ideal driving conditions. Though slightly longer in distance and duration than the fastest route, it offers a reliable and straightforward drive with a scenic blend of countryside and motorway.

Step-by-Step Driving Directions:

Starting Point: Oxford, UK

1. Head south on St Aldate’s (A420) towards New Inn Yard (0.3 miles).
2. Continue onto Abingdon Road (Folly Bridge/A4144) and keep following A4144 (1.4 miles).
3. Use the left lane to merge onto Kennington Roundabout (85 ft).
4. Continue straight (223 ft).
5. Merge left onto Southern By-Pass Road (A423) and continue (0.6 miles).
6. Slight left toward Eastern By-Pass Road (A4142) (449 ft).
7. Slight left onto Eastern By-Pass Road (A4142) (0.4 miles).
8. At Littlemore Roundabout, take the 2nd exit to remain on A4142 (3.5 miles).
9. Use the right two lanes to turn right onto Headington Roundabout (125 ft).
10. Again, use the right two lanes to stay on Headington Roundabout (82 ft).
11. Use the left two lanes to turn left onto London Road (A40) (6.0 miles).

Joining the M40 and Continuing to Slough:

12. Merge onto the M40 (27.0 miles).
13. At Junction 1A, use the left two lanes to exit toward M4/M23/Heathrow Airport (1.4 miles).
14. Use the right lane to take the ramp onto the M25 (4.3 miles).
15. At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto the M4 heading toward Slough (2.2 miles).
16. Take the A4 exit toward Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley (0.3 miles).

Final Stretch to Windsor Castle:

17. At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road (B470) (1.7 miles).
18. Take the 2nd exit onto London Road (B376/B470) (210 ft) at the next roundabout.
19. At the following roundabout, take the 1st exit onto High Street (B470) (0.2 miles).
20. Turn right onto Windsor Road (B470) (1.4 miles).
21. Turn left onto Thames Street (B3022)

Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or on certain days. (0.2 miles)

22. Turn left onto Castle Hill (266 ft).

Destination: Windsor Castle

You have arrived at Windsor Castle, a treasured symbol of British heritage and a working royal residence.

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Route 3: Via A4130 – A Quieter and More Scenic Drive

This alternative route from Oxford to Windsor Castle spans approximately 40.1 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes in optimal conditions. It is slightly shorter in distance than the motorway-heavy alternatives and provides a more scenic journey through parts of Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Step-by-Step Driving Directions:

Starting Point: Oxford, UK

1. Head south on St Aldate’s (A420) towards New Inn Yard (0.3 miles).
2. Continue onto Abingdon Road (Folly Bridge/A4144) and keep following A4144 (1.4 miles).
3. Use the middle lane to merge onto Kennington Roundabout (85 ft).
4. Continue straight (223 ft).
5. Merge onto Southern By-Pass Road (A423) using the right lane and continue (0.6 miles).
6. Use the right lane to continue on Eastern By-Pass Road (A423) (184 ft).
7. Turn left at the first cross street onto Heyford Hill Roundabout using the right lane (85 ft).
8. Stay on Heyford Hill Roundabout using the middle lane (174 ft).
9. Turn slightly right to remain on the roundabout (105 ft).
10. Keep left to continue on A4074 (3.7 miles).
11. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout to stay on A4074 (4.9 miles).
12. At Elm Bridge Roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A4074 (2.0 miles).
13. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Crowmarsh Hill (A4130) (9.8 miles).
14. At the following roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Northfield End (A4130) (0.2 miles), going through one additional roundabout.
15. Turn left onto New Street (A4130) and continue (0.2 miles).
16. Turn left onto White Hill (A4130) and follow A4130 (5.3 miles).
17. Take the 3rd exit onto Henley Road (0.3 miles) at the roundabout.
18. Merge onto A404 via the ramp signposted for M4/Reading/A4/Maidenhead (1.0 mile).
19. Keep right to continue on A404(M), following signs for Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 (2.5 miles).
20. Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto Holyport Interchange (322 ft).
21. Use the middle lane to take the M4 exit toward London (0.2 miles).
22. Slight right to merge onto M4 (4.4 miles).
23. Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 miles).

Final Leg to Windsor Castle:

24. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 miles).
25. Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) (1.2 miles).
26. Slight left onto Clarence Road, going through one roundabout (0.5 miles).
27. Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 miles).
28. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) and follow it (0.2 miles).

Note: Certain parts of this road may be closed at specific times or on certain days.

29. Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft).

Destination: Windsor Castle

You’ve arrived at the world-renowned Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle and an official residence of His Majesty The King.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Oxford by Train

Travelling from Oxford to Windsor Castle by train involves at least one or two changes, with the majority of routes requiring transfers at Reading and Slough. The journey is still relatively straightforward while there is no direct train to Windsor from Oxford. Depending on your chosen route and the connection times between services, the total travel time can range approximately between 1 hour 10 minutes and 1 hour 33 minutes.

Below is an overview of the main routes, including stopovers and why journey times may differ:

Route 1: Via Reading and Slough (Shortest Travel Time)

Estimated journey time: 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 23 min

This is typically the fastest and most efficient option.

• Oxford to Reading: Direct train (approx. 21–32 minutes, depending on the service).
• Short transfer time: A brief walk (1 minute) to transfer to the next platform at Reading.
• Reading to Slough: Elizabeth Line train with 4–5 intermediate stops, taking approximately 20–25 minutes.
• Slough to Windsor & Eton Central: A final short 6-minute train (non-stop).
• Walking to Windsor Castle: Approximately 7 minutes on foot (0.3 miles) from Windsor & Eton Central station.

Variations in total time depend on:

• The wait between trains at Reading and Slough (can range from 1 minute to around 20 minutes).
• The number of stops on the Elizabeth Line between Reading and Slough.
• How well the connections align between each leg of the journey.

Route 2: Via Reading, Slough, and Local Bus from Slough

Estimated journey time: 1 hr 33 min

This alternative involves a bus journey from Slough to Windsor instead of the direct train to Windsor & Eton Central.

• Oxford to Reading: Direct train (approx. 21 minutes).
• Reading to Slough: Elizabeth Line train (approx. 20 minutes, 4 stops).
• Slough to Windsor (via bus): After walking to Wellington Street Stop H, you can board the 702 bus toward Legoland.
  • The bus journey includes 7 stops and takes roughly 23 minutes.
• Walking from the bus stop to the Castle: Around 2 minutes (0.1 miles) from Parish Church stop.

This route is less time-efficient due to:

• Longer transfer time between train and bus at Slough.
• A longer duration by bus compared to the direct Windsor train.
• Additional waiting time for the bus service to depart.

Despite the longer time, this option might be useful if the Windsor branch line has delays or limited service at the time of travel.

Summary of Journey Differences

Route	Method	Stops	Approx. Time	Notes
Via Reading + Slough (Train only)	Train + walk	4–5 (Elizabeth Line), 0 (Windsor branch)	1 hr 10 min – 1 hr 27 min	Fastest and most direct
Via Reading + Slough + Bus	Train + bus + walk	4 (Elizabeth Line), 7 (bus)	1 hr 33 min	Less efficient, involves bus
Travel time variations	–	–	1 hr 10 min – 1 hr 33 min	Depends on wait times and train frequency

Travelling from Oxford to Windsor Castle by train is entirely feasible and offers a range of options. For the quickest journey, opt for the route with rail transfers at Reading and Slough, followed by a short train ride to Windsor & Eton Central. If connections are poorly timed or the Windsor branch is experiencing service issues, the bus from Slough offers a reasonable, though slightly longer, alternative.

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Oxford By Cycle

Cycling from Oxford to Windsor Castle offers several routes, each with unique landmarks and scenic highlights. Here are three notable options:​

1. Via National Cycle Route 57

• Distance: Approximately 44.5 miles (71.6 km)​
• Estimated Time: Around 3 hours and 49 minutes​
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 869 feet (265 m)​
• Elevation Loss: Approximately 965 feet (294 m)​
• Highest Point: 528 feet (161 m)​
• Lowest Point: 36 feet (11 m)​

Notable Places Along the Route:

• Oxford to Thame: This section is largely on country lanes, offering a peaceful ride through the Oxfordshire countryside.
• Thame to Princes Risborough: The route follows the Phoenix Trail, a flat, well-surfaced, and traffic-free path along a disused railway line, providing magnificent views of the Chiltern Hills.
• Princes Risborough to Chesham: This segment takes you through the Chiltern Hills, an Outstanding Natural Beauty area characterised by rolling green landscapes and beech woodlands.

2. Via A4130

• Distance: Approximately 42.2 miles (67.9 km)​
• Estimated Time: Around 3 hours and 41 minutes​
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,243 feet (379 m)​
• Elevation Loss: Approximately 1,342 feet (409 m)​
• Highest Point: 669 feet (204 m)​
• Lowest Point: 36 feet (11 m)​

Notable Places Along the Route:

• Henley-on-Thames: A charming market town known for its historic architecture and the annual Henley Royal Regatta.​
• Maidenhead: A riverside town offering scenic views of the Thames and the iconic Maidenhead Railway Bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.​
• Eton: Home to the prestigious Eton College, this town offers picturesque streets and historic buildings leading into Windsor.​

3. Via National Cycle Route 5

• Distance: Approximately 47.6 miles (76.6 km)​
• Estimated Time: Around 4 hours and 8 minutes​
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,096 feet (334 m)
• Elevation Loss: Approximately 1,191 feet (363 m)​
• Highest Point: 620 feet (189 m)​
• Lowest Point: 56 feet (17 m)

Notable Places Along the Route:

• Reading: A vibrant town where the route intersects with the Thames Path, offering riverside cycling opportunities.​
• Sonning: A picturesque village with traditional English charm, making it a pleasant stop along the way.​
• Maidenhead and Eton: Similar to the A4130 route, this path also passes through these towns, each offering unique attractions and scenic spots.​

Considerations for Your Journey:

• Route Selection: Choose a route that aligns with your fitness level and time constraints. Routes vary in distance and elevation, impacting the overall difficulty.​
• Road Conditions: Be aware that some paths may include sections with restricted access or private roads, especially on National Cycle Route 5. Planning can help avoid unexpected detours.​
• Elevation Changes: Each route has varying elevation gains and losses. Consider the routes with lower elevation changes if you prefer a flatter ride.​
• Safety and Navigation: Ensure your bicycle is in good condition, carry the necessary repair kits, and have a reliable navigation tool or map. Familiarise yourself with the route beforehand to enhance your cycling experience.​

By considering these factors and selecting the route that best suits your preferences, you can enjoy a pleasant and rewarding cycling trip from Oxford to Windsor Castle.

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Conclusion

Travelling from Oxford to Windsor Castle offers a variety of options to suit different preferences, whether prioritising speed, scenery, or sustainability. Driving via the M40 is the most efficient for time-conscious visitors, while scenic alternatives like the A4130 route provide a quieter, picturesque journey. Train travel via Reading and Slough is straightforward and reliable, and for the more adventurous, several cycle routes offer a rewarding way to explore the English countryside. Whichever method you choose, Windsor Castle remains an accessible and memorable destination.

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