Get to Windsor Castle From Gloucester
Key Points
- Windsor Castle is approximately 93.2 miles (150 kilometres) from Gloucester via the M4 and about 89.7 miles (144 kilometres) via the A40.
- The fastest and most direct driving route is via the M4, covering approximately 93.2 miles in about 1 hour and 34 minutes. This route takes you through the scenic Cotswolds and Swindon’s outskirts, offering a smooth motorway journey into Windsor.
- Alternatively, a slightly longer but more rural drive via the A40 (around 89.7 miles, 1 hour 52 minutes) passes through Oxfordshire, providing picturesque countryside views before linking to the M40 and M4.
- By train, the quickest and most efficient option is typically via Bristol Parkway and Slough, taking as little as 2 hours 19 minutes with minimal changes, concluding with a short walk from Windsor & Eton Central.
- Other train routes via Swindon, Reading, and Maidenhead or Slough are viable but often longer, especially when incorporating bus segments.
- For the adventurous, cycling is a scenic and rewarding alternative: the National Cycle Route 57 (94.6 miles, approx. 8 hrs 22 mins) offers a blend of traffic-free paths and rural lanes through the Windrush Valley and Chiltern Hills, while the longer Route 5 via Oxford adds cultural landmarks like Blenheim Palace.
- Overall, driving via the M4 is the best option for speed and convenience, but rail via Bristol Parkway offers a strong alternative for those preferring public transport.
🚗 Driving from Gloucester to Windsor Castle (By Car)
| Route | Distance (miles) | Duration | Key Roads | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via M4 | 93.2 | ~1h 34m | A417, A419, M4, A355, A332 | Fastest and most direct route; includes motorway driving via M4 |
| Via A40 | 89.7 | ~1h 52m | A417, A436, A40, M40, M4 | More scenic; travels through the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire |
🚆 Travelling by Train from Gloucester to Windsor Castle
| Route Description | Duration | Changes | Final Leg Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Swindon > Reading > Slough (Train) | ~2h 29m | 3 | Train to Windsor | Rail-only journey; consistent transfer times, minimal walking |
| Via Swindon > Reading > Slough (Bus) | ~2h 37m | 3 + bus | Bus from Slough | Slightly slower; bus adds variability due to road traffic |
| Via Bristol Parkway > Slough (All Train) | ~2h 19m–2h 23m | 2 | Train to Windsor | Often fastest; fewer interchanges and longer train segments |
| Via Swindon > Reading > Maidenhead (Bus) | ~2h 48m | 3 + bus | Bus from Maidenhead | Longest; local bus has many stops and slower final segment |
🚴 Cycling from Gloucester to Windsor Castle
| Route | Distance (miles) | Duration | Elevation Gain (ft) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via NCN Route 57 | 94.6 | ~8h 22m | 2,513 | Windrush Valley, Cotswold villages, Phoenix Trail, Chiltern Hills |
| Via B4192 | 102 | ~8h 51m | 2,090 | North Wessex Downs, Vale of Pewsey, Kennet & Avon Canal |
| Via NCN Route 5 | 116 | ~10h 12m | 2,956 | Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Chiltern Hills, Eton College |
Getting to Windsor Castle From Gloucester By Car
Route 1: Via M4 (Fastest Route)
If you’re planning to drive from Gloucester to Windsor Castle, one of the most straightforward and time-efficient options is to take the M4 route. This journey spans approximately 93.2 miles and, under typical traffic conditions, takes around 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Starting Point: Gloucester, UK
- Begin in Gloucester:
Head south on Bruton Way (A430) towards Metz Way (A4302) for about 0.2 miles. - Onto Barton Street:
Turn left onto Barton Street (B4073) and continue for 1.0 mile. - Eastern Avenue and A38:
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Eastern Avenue (A38) and continue straight for 0.5 miles.
Stay on Eastern Avenue/A38 for another 0.5 miles. - Corinium Avenue and A417:
Take the 2nd exit onto Corinium Avenue (0.8 miles) at Wall’s Roundabout.
Take the 2nd exit onto the A417 (0.7 miles) at the following roundabout.
Continue on A417 through Zoons Court Roundabout (1st exit) for 4.3 miles. - The Air Balloon Roundabout:
Take the 2nd exit to stay on the A417 for a further 14.4 miles. - A419 and Blunsdon Bypass:
Continue onto the A419 for 7.4 miles, then proceed straight onto Blunsdon Bypass/A419, continuing for another 7.1 miles. - Onto the M4:
At Badbury Roundabout, take the 1st exit to merge onto the M4 ramp toward London (0.4 miles).
Merge onto the M4 motorway and follow it for 52.9 miles. - Exit at Slough:
Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 miles).
Final Stretch: From Slough to Windsor Castle (via A355 and A332)
- Through Slough and into Windsor:
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 miles).
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) for 1.2 miles.
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, going through one roundabout (0.5 miles).
- Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) (0.2 miles).
(Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days.) - Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft).
Destination: Windsor Castle
This route is considered the fastest and most direct, taking you through scenic stretches of the Cotswolds and the outskirts of Swindon before connecting you to the M4, offering a comfortable and efficient drive straight into the heart of Windsor.
Route 2: Via A40
Another scenic and viable option for those seeking an alternative to the M4 route is to travel via the A40. This route spans approximately 89.7 miles and typically takes around 1 hour and 52 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Though slightly longer in duration, it offers a picturesque drive through parts of the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire before connecting with the M40 and M4 motorways.
Starting Point: Gloucester, UK
- Initial Directions Within Gloucester:
Begin by heading south on Bruton Way (A430) towards Metz Way (A4302) (0.2 miles).
Turn left onto Barton Street (B4073) and follow it for 1.0 mile. - Join Eastern Avenue and A417:
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Eastern Avenue (A38) (0.5 miles).
Continue straight along Eastern Avenue (A38) for another 0.5 miles.
Take the 2nd exit onto Corinium Avenue (0.8 miles) at Wall’s Roundabout.
Take the 2nd exit onto A417 (0.7 miles) at the next roundabout.
Continue on A417 via Zoons Court Roundabout (1st exit) for 4.3 miles. - Transition to A436 and A40:
At The Air Balloon Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A436.
At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit to remain on A436 (2.2 miles).
Continue through another roundabout (1st exit onto A435/A436), then at the next, take the 3rd exit onto A436 (4.2 miles).
Turn right onto A40 and follow it for 15.0 miles. - Follow the A40 Through Oxfordshire:
- At Burford Roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A40 (2.6 miles).
- Continue through Asthall Barrow Roundabout (2nd exit, 2.6 miles) and another roundabout (2nd exit, 7.1 miles).
- At Eynsham Roundabout, take the 2nd exit (3.8 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto North Way/Sunderland Avenue (A40) (0.4 miles), followed by the 2nd exit onto Elsfield Way/North Way (A40) (3.7 miles).
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn slightly left at Headington Roundabout, then the left 2 lanes again to turn onto London Road/A40 (6.0 miles).
- Join the M40 and Connect to M4:
Merge onto the M40 motorway and continue for 16.2 miles.
At Junction 4, take the A404 exit to High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead (0.3 miles), then take the ramp to A404 (230 ft).
At Handy Cross Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A404 (4.4 miles), then continue straight through the next roundabout (3rd exit, 3.0 miles).
Keep right to continue on A404(M) towards Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 (2.5 miles).
Use the middle lane to take the M4 exit toward London (0.2 miles) and merge onto M4 (4.4 miles).
Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 miles).
Final Segment: From Slough to Windsor Castle
- Continue Into Windsor:
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 miles).
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) for 1.2 miles.
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, going through one roundabout (0.5 miles).
- Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) (0.2 miles).
(Note: Some sections of this road may be restricted at certain times.)
- Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft).
Destination: Windsor Castle
This A40 route provides a more rural journey compared to the M4 alternative, with a chance to experience the charming countryside of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire before rejoining the major road networks closer to Windsor.
How to Get to Windsor Castle From Gloucester by Train
Travelling from Gloucester to Windsor Castle by train involves multiple changes and journey durations can vary depending on the route taken, interchange times, and the mode of travel used for the final leg into Windsor. Based on the data, travel times typically range from approximately 2 hours 19 minutes to 2 hours 48 minutes. The variation arises from differences in connection times between trains, whether a bus is involved, and which route is taken—either via Swindon and Reading or via Bristol Parkway.
Route Options and Analysis:
1. Via Swindon, Reading, Slough – Final Leg by Train
Journey Time: ~2 hr 29 min
This route includes:
- A train from Gloucester to Swindon (approx. 46 min),
- A short interchange followed by a train from Swindon to Reading (30 min),
- Then, the Elizabeth Line from Reading to Slough (22 min),
- And finally, a direct train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central (6 min),
- Followed by a short walk (~7 minutes) to Windsor Castle.
Why this route varies: It offers a relatively straightforward rail-based journey with short walking distances between platforms. However, minor delays during train transfers or on the Elizabeth Line could affect total time slightly.
2. Via Swindon, Reading, Slough – Final Leg by Bus
Journey Time: ~2 hr 37 min
Similar to the first route until Slough, but instead of taking the train to Windsor:
- A short walk is made to Wellington Street (Stop G),
- Followed by a bus journey (Bus 8) into Windsor (approx. 15 min),
- Then, a brief walk to the castle.
Why this route is slower: Although it uses the same trains up to Slough, the bus leg can be subject to traffic delays, and walking to the bus stop adds additional time. It’s a practical alternative if the train to Windsor is unavailable or crowded.
3. Via Bristol Parkway and Slough – All by Train
Journey Time: Between ~2 hr 19 min and 2 hr 23 min
This route includes:
- A train from Gloucester to Bristol Parkway (approx. 33–35 min),
- A longer leg from Bristol Parkway to Slough (approx. 1 hr 16 min to 1 hr 24 min),
- Then a direct train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central (6 min),
- Concluding with a walk to Windsor Castle (around 7 minutes).
Why this route may be faster: Though it involves longer individual train legs, the fewer interchanges mean less waiting between services, making it a smoother journey. It’s typically quicker, especially during off-peak hours when connections are efficient.
4. Via Swindon, Reading, Maidenhead – Final Leg by Bus
Journey Time: ~2 hr 48 min
This version takes:
- A train from Gloucester to Swindon (46 min),
- Then, from Swindon to Reading (30 min),
- From Reading, a shorter Elizabeth Line train to Maidenhead (12 min),
- Followed by a bus (Route 37B) from Maidenhead to Windsor (36 min),
- Ending with a brief walk.
Why this route is the longest: The key factor is the bus from Maidenhead, which involves many stops (35 in total), increasing overall journey time. It’s less efficient but might be preferred when Slough connections are less frequent.
Summary of Factors Influencing Journey Time:
- Number of Interchanges: Routes via Bristol Parkway tend to be faster due to fewer transfers.
- Mode of Final Leg: Routes that rely on a bus rather than a train for the last segment tend to take longer.
- Transfer Times: Slight delays between platforms or awaiting the next services can add variability.
- Line Types: Use of the Elizabeth Line allows for consistent service but includes more frequent stops than express trains.
When planning, travellers should consider whether they prefer fewer changes, all-rail travel, or routes with bus segments. The fastest rail-only options are typically via Bristol Parkway, while those using the Elizabeth Line offer flexibility with slightly longer total durations.
Getting to Windsor Castle From Gloucester By Cycle
Cycling from Gloucester to Windsor Castle offers a delightful journey through the English countryside, with several route options catering to different preferences. Below are three notable routes, each with its unique features and points of interest:
🚴 Route 1: Via National Cycle Route 57
- Distance & Duration: Approximately 94.6 miles; around 8 hours and 22 minutes of cycling.
- Elevation: Ascend 2,513 ft; descend 2,461 ft.
- Terrain: A mix of traffic-free paths and quiet country lanes; some sections may have restricted access or private roads.
Highlights:
- Cotswolds Villages: Begin your journey through the charming villages of the Cotswolds, such as Northleach and Burford, known for their honey-coloured stone cottages and historic churches.
- Windrush Valley: Cycle along the picturesque Windrush Valley, enjoying serene landscapes and the tranquil flow of the River Windrush.
- Witney: A bustling market town offering a glimpse into traditional English life.
- Phoenix Trail: Between Thame and Princes Risborough, this trail follows a disused railway line, providing a flat and scenic ride.
- Chiltern Hills: Experience a more challenging terrain as you ascend into the Chiltern Hills, with notable climbs like Kop Hill leading to Whiteleaf Cross, offering panoramic views.
🚴 Route 2: Via B4192
- Distance & Duration: Approximately 102 miles; around 8 hours and 51 minutes of cycling.
- Elevation: Ascend 2,090 ft; descend 2,041 ft.
- Terrain: Primarily on-road cycling; some sections may have restricted access or private roads.
Highlights:
- North Wessex Downs: Traverse this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterized by rolling chalk hills and expansive vistas.
- Vale of Pewsey: A scenic valley offering picturesque countryside and traditional English villages.
- Kennet and Avon Canal: Cycle alongside this historic canal, enjoying the peaceful waterways and the occasional narrowboat.
- Newbury and Reading: Pass through these vibrant towns, each rich in history and offering various amenities for cyclists.
🚴 Route 3: Via National Cycle Route 5
- Distance & Duration: Approximately 116 miles; around 10 hours and 12 minutes of cycling.
- Elevation: Ascend 2,956 ft; descend 2,904 ft.
- Terrain: A combination of traffic-free paths and on-road sections; some areas may have restricted access or private roads.
Highlights:
- Oxford: Explore the historic city known for its prestigious university, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
- Blenheim Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, offering magnificent gardens and baroque architecture.
- Chiltern Hills: Experience the natural beauty of this area, with its rolling hills, woodlands, and diverse wildlife.
- Eton College: Pass by this renowned educational institution, steeped in history and tradition.
🏰 Final Destination: Windsor Castle
Upon arrival in Windsor, take the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Explore its rich history, state apartments, and the beautiful St George’s Chapel. Additionally, Windsor offers various attractions, such as the Windsor & Eton Bridge, the scenic Jubilee River, and the expansive Windsor Great Park, perfect for a leisurely post-ride stroll.
Note: Before embarking on your journey, check for any route restrictions or closures and plan accordingly. Always carry a detailed map or GPS device, and consider local weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Conclusion
Travelling from Gloucester to Windsor Castle offers a variety of routes to suit different preferences and priorities. Driving via the M4 is the most efficient option for speed and simplicity, combining motorway ease with scenic stretches. Rail travel, particularly via Bristol Parkway, presents a reliable public transport alternative with minimal changes. For those seeking a more leisurely or adventurous experience, cycling provides a rewarding journey through some of England’s most picturesque countryside. Whatever your chosen mode of transport, each route to Windsor Castle offers its own unique charm and experience.
