Get to Windsor Castle From Belfast Easily
Key Points
- Windsor Castle is approximately 457 miles (736 km) from Belfast via the M40 or about 474 miles (763 km) via the M6.
- By car, the quickest and most direct route is via the M40, covering approximately 457 miles in about 9 hours and 17 minutes. This route includes a ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead, toll roads, and a scenic drive through Ireland and England.
- Alternatively, the M6 route, though longer at 474 miles and about 9 hours 52 minutes, includes a ferry from Larne to Cairnryan and offers a picturesque journey through Scotland and northern England.
- By train, the journey takes between 12 and 12 hours 45 minutes and begins with a coach to Glasgow, followed by train travel via London Euston, then Paddington and on to Windsor & Eton Central via Slough, or alternately through Vauxhall or even Edinburgh and King’s Cross. While all train routes require multiple changes, the Paddington–Slough–Windsor & Eton Central option is the fastest and most efficient among them.
- Overall, if speed and simplicity are the priority, the car journey via the M40 is the best choice, provided ferry schedules and road conditions are favourable.
🚗 Travelling by Car
| Route | Distance | Duration | Ferry & Toll Details | Scenic Value / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via M40 | 457 miles | 9h 17m | Ferry (Dublin–Holyhead); Toll roads | Fastest; passes through Republic of Ireland |
| Via M6 | 474 miles | 9h 52m | Ferry (Larne–Cairnryan); Toll roads | Scenic route via Scotland and North England |
🚆 Travelling by Train
| Route | Duration | Key Transfers | Notable Segments | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Euston → Paddington → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central | 12h 13m – 12h 23m | Coach to Glasgow; Train via Euston; GWR to Windsor | Fastest rail transfer; efficient station links | ~15 minutes total |
| Via Euston → Vauxhall → Windsor & Eton Riverside | ~12h 36m | Coach to Glasgow; SWR from Vauxhall | More stops on final train | ~18 minutes total |
| Via Edinburgh → King’s Cross → Paddington → Windsor | ~12h 42m | Extra leg via Edinburgh; More changes | Most complex; slower due to transfers | ~20 minutes total |
| Via Slough (Bus from Slough to Windsor) | 12h 23m – 12h 53m | Same as Route 1 but bus instead of train for final leg | Less predictable due to traffic | ~2 minutes from bus |
🚌 Travelling by Bus
| Stage | Duration (Est.) | Mode & Route | Ferry Segment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast → London Victoria | ~13h – 15h | Coach via Cairnryan, Dumfries, Birmingham | Belfast → Cairnryan | Overnight journey possible; coach-only option |
| London → Windsor | ~1h 35m | Green Line 702/703 or rail (optional) | N/A | Bus is direct; train option quicker but indirect |
| Total (Door-to-Door) | ~14.5h – 17h | Combination of coach, ferry, and local bus | 1 ferry crossing | Budget-friendly but longest travel duration |
Getting to Windsor Castle from Belfast by Car
Route 1: Via M40
If you’re planning to drive from Belfast to Windsor Castle, one of the most efficient and popular options is via the M40, covering approximately 457 miles and taking around 9 hours and 17 minutes under usual traffic conditions. This is considered the fastest route, but do note that it includes toll roads, and a ferry crossing and passes through Ireland before re-entering the UK.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions:
- Depart from Belfast:
- Begin your journey in central Belfast by heading east on Donegall Square North (A1) toward Donegall Place (190 ft).
- Continue onto Chichester Street (0.1 mi).
- Turn right onto Montgomery Street (482 ft).
- Turn right again onto May Street (466 ft).
- Continue onto Donegall Square South/A1, then follow the A1 (0.2 mi).
- Proceed straight onto Grosvenor Road/B38 (0.3 mi).
- Merge onto the A12 via the ramp signposted Dublin/M1 (0.3 mi).
- Follow the M1 to A1 in Lisburn and Castlereagh:
- Merge onto A12 (0.4 mi) and continue onto the M1 motorway (8.3 mi).
- At junction 7, exit the M1 onto the A1 toward Sprucefield (0.4 mi).
- Continue towards the Republic of Ireland:
- At Sprucefield Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A1 (0.3 mi).
- Keep left to stay on A1 (1.3 mi).
- Take the 2nd exit onto Hillsborough Road/A1 at Hillsborough Roundabout and continue south (31.0 mi), crossing into Ireland.
- Proceed through Ireland to Dublin:
- Continue onto the N1, then the M1 southbound (Toll road, 49.4 mi).
- Transition to the M50 ring road around Dublin (Toll road, 3.9 mi).
- Exit toward Promenade Road (0.2 mi).
- Head to the Dublin Ferry Terminal:
- Follow Promenade Road and then Terminal Road North (1.9 mi total).
- Navigate through roundabouts and terminal access roads to the ferry.
- Board the ferry to Holyhead, UK:
- Take the ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, which lasts approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes (68.2 mi). Note this is a toll service and marks your re-entry into the United Kingdom.
- Continue your journey in North Wales:
- Follow signs and slight turns to join the A55 from the port.
- Continue on the North Wales Expressway (A55), passing Conwy and Penmaenmawr (approx. 74.1 mi total).
- Merge onto the A494 towards Queensferry/Manchester/M56 (6.8 mi).
- Drive through England to Windsor via M40:
- Join the M56 eastbound toward Manchester (19.8 mi).
- At junction 9, merge onto the M6 southbound toward Birmingham (55.6 mi).
- Continue on the M6 Toll (Toll road, 23.2 mi).
- Merge onto the M42, then onto the M40 at junction 3A toward London (74.2 mi).
- Exit the M40 toward Windsor:
- At junction 4, take the A404 exit (0.3 mi).
- Continue via Handy Cross Roundabout and stay on A404, transitioning to A404(M) (9.9 mi).
- Take the M4 slip road and merge briefly (4.4 mi).
- Exit the M4 at the junction for A355 (0.3 mi).
- Final Approach to Windsor Castle:
- Take the A355, then continue on Royal Windsor Way (A332) (1.7 mi).
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, and continue onto Victoria Street (0.8 mi combined).
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) (0.2 mi).
- Turn right onto Castle Hill, where Windsor Castle is located just ahead.
This route offers a scenic and direct option from Northern Ireland to one of England’s most iconic landmarks. Be sure to check ferry schedules, road tolls, and traffic updates before departing to ensure a smooth journey.
Route 2: Via M6
This alternative route from Belfast to Windsor Castle takes approximately 9 hours and 52 minutes under usual traffic conditions, covering a total distance of 474 miles. It includes a ferry crossing from Larne to Cairnryan and provides a scenic drive through Scotland and northern England, eventually merging with key southern motorways. While not the fastest option, depending on ferry timings and departure locations, it can be a preferable alternative.
Step-by-Step Directions
Start: Belfast, UK
- Depart Belfast City Centre
- Head east on Donegall Square N/A1 towards Donegall Place (190 ft).
- Continue onto Chichester Street (0.2 mi).
- Turn left onto Victoria Street/A24 and follow it for 0.3 mi.
- Stay left to continue on Dunbar Link/A11/A2, then keep left on A11 for 0.3 mi.
- Use the right three lanes to turn right onto York Street, then take a slight right to join M2.
- On the M2 Motorway
- Continue on M2 for 2.3 mi.
- Use the left three lanes to stay on M2 for another 3.3 mi.
- At Junction 4, take the A8(M)/A6 exit towards Larne/Glengormley.
- At Sandyknowes Roundabout, take the fourth exit onto A8(M) (1.1 mi).
- Drive to Larne Port
- Follow A8 through various junctions and roundabouts for a total of 15.1 mi.
- Navigate a series of roundabouts until you reach Larne Harbour.
- Board the Larne – Cairnryan ferry (Duration: approx. 2 hr 2 min, covering 37.1 mi by sea).
Entering Scotland
- From Cairnryan to Dumfries and onto the M6
- From the ferry terminal, take the A77, then turn left onto A751, and then join A75.
- Stay on A75, passing several roundabouts and junctions through scenic Dumfries and Galloway, covering around 99.2 miles in just over 2 hours.
- Eventually, use the right lanes to join the M6 southbound via the ramp to England/Carlisle.
- Main Motorway Section: M6 to Slough
- Continue on M6 for a long stretch of 184 miles, passing Carlisle, Preston, and Birmingham.
- At Junction 11A, use the left two lanes to take the M6 exit to Birmingham/M5.
- Follow signs to stay on M6, then take the M5 exit at Junction 8.
- Merge onto M5 (14.8 mi), then take the M42 exit towards London/M40/N.E.C.
- Use the ramp to join M42 and continue for 10.9 mi.
- Merge onto M40, heading towards London/Warwick/Stratford (74.3 mi).
- At Junction 4, take the A404 exit to High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead.
- Final Stretch: Into Windsor
- Take the ramp to A404 and follow it through two major roundabouts.
- Keep right to continue on A404(M), then turn slightly left onto Holyport Interchange.
- Join M4, then take the exit towards A355.
- Arrival at Windsor Castle
- Take the third exit from the roundabout onto A355 (0.5 mi).
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way/A332 (1.2 mi).
- Slight left onto Clarence Road and go through one roundabout (0.5 mi).
- Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 mi), then take the first exit onto Sheet Street/B3022 at the roundabout.
- Turn right onto Castle Hill — your journey ends at Windsor Castle.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Belfast by Train
Travelling from Belfast to Windsor Castle by train is a lengthy yet scenic journey involving multiple changes across different modes of transport. The journey generally takes between 12 hours and 12 hours 45 minutes, depending on the route and transfer durations. All options begin with a coach journey from Belfast to Glasgow, followed by various combinations of trains, underground transfers, and local connections to Windsor.
Overview of the Journey Structure
The journey starts with a 5-hour 30-minute coach ride from Belfast’s Europa Bus Station to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station, regardless of the route chosen. This coach service includes two stops en route. From there, travellers proceed via a short walk to St Vincent Street, where a local bus ride of about 5 minutes leads to Glasgow Central Station.
The journey then branches into multiple train route options depending on the onward connections.
Route Variations and Duration Differences
Route 1: Via London Euston, Paddington, Slough, and Windsor & Eton Central
- Total time: Approximately 12 hours 13 minutes to 12 hours 23 minutes
- Main train: Glasgow Central to London Euston (4 hr 40 min, 10 stops)
- Underground: From Euston to Paddington via Hammersmith & City or Circle Line (8–10 minutes, 4–5 stops)
- GWR train from Paddington to Slough (15 minutes, non-stop)
- GWR local train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central (6 minutes, non-stop)
- Walking time: Around 15 minutes total (station changes + final walk to the castle)
Why this route might be quicker: Efficient transfers and fast, direct services from Paddington to Slough help streamline the final leg of the journey.
Route 2: Via London Euston, Vauxhall, and Windsor & Eton Riverside
- Total time: Approximately 12 hours 36 minutes
- Main train: Glasgow Central to London Euston (4 hr 40 min)
- Underground: Victoria Line from Euston to Vauxhall (9 minutes, 6 stops)
- South Western Railway: Vauxhall to Windsor & Eton Riverside (49 minutes, 12 stops)
- Walking time: About 18 minutes in total
Why it takes longer: The train from Vauxhall to Windsor & Eton Riverside has more stops, and the walk from the Riverside station to the castle is slightly longer (about 10 minutes).
Route 3: Via Edinburgh and King’s Cross
- Total time: Approximately 12 hours 42 minutes
- After arriving in Glasgow, passengers walk to Queen Street Station and take a 49-minute ScotRail service to Edinburgh, followed by an LNER train to London King’s Cross (4 hr 38 min).
- The underground connection continues via King’s Cross St. Pancras to Paddington, and from there, the journey mirrors Route 1 (Slough → Windsor & Eton Central).
- Walking time: About 20 minutes
Why it’s longest: This route includes an extra train leg from Glasgow to Edinburgh, more station transfers, and additional waiting time between connections.
Route 4: Bus to Slough, then onward to Windsor by local bus
- Total time: Roughly 12 hours 23 minutes to 12 hours 53 minutes
- Follows the same beginning route via Glasgow and London Paddington
- After arriving at Slough by train, passengers take a local bus service (701/703) for 15 minutes to central Windsor (Wellington Street to Parish Church)
- Final walk: 2 minutes
Why it’s comparable in time: While a bus leg replaces the train from Slough to Windsor, the difference in timing is marginal, though it may be less predictable due to potential traffic delays.
Final Thoughts
All train journeys from Belfast to Windsor Castle are multimodal and require careful timing and coordination across different services. The quickest options are those that minimise transfer time and use the Paddington–Slough–Windsor & Eton Central rail corridor, while longer routes often involve more changes, longer walking distances, or slower rail lines with additional stops.
No matter which option is chosen, travellers should prepare for a full day of travel, with varying degrees of walking, underground transfers, and regional train travel once reaching mainland Britain.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Belfast by Bus
Travelling from Belfast to Windsor Castle by bus involves a combination of coach and ferry services, as there is no direct land route connecting Northern Ireland to England. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey:
1. Departing Belfast
Begin your journey at Belfast Grand Central Station, the city’s primary transport hub since September 2024. From here, National Express operates coach services to London, with departures typically in the evenings.
2. Crossing to Mainland Britain
The coach route includes a ferry crossing from Belfast to Cairnryan in Scotland. Upon arrival in Cairnryan, the journey continues by coach through various cities, including Dumfries, Carlisle, Manchester, and Birmingham, before reaching London Victoria Coach Station.
3. Travelling from London to Windsor
You can catch the Green Line 702 or 703 bus services directly from London Victoria Coach Station to Windsor. These buses typically depart from Stop 7 and have a journey time of approximately 95 minutes. Alternatively, trains to Windsor are available from London Paddington or London Waterloo stations, with connections through Slough or direct services to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
4. Arriving at Windsor Castle
Upon arrival in Windsor, the castle is within walking distance from both the bus and train stations. From Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, it’s a short uphill walk to the castle. If arriving by bus, disembark near The Parish Church of St John the Baptist, which is also a brief walk to the castle entrance.
Note: While this journey is feasible, it is lengthy and involves multiple transfers. Travellers should plan accordingly and check the latest schedules for each trip segment.
Conclusion
Travelling from Belfast to Windsor Castle offers several viable options depending on your priorities. The fastest and most direct route is by car via the M40, combining scenic driving with a convenient ferry crossing from Dublin to Holyhead. Alternatively, the M6 route provides a longer but picturesque journey through Scotland. Multiple train and coach combinations are available for those preferring public transport, though all require transfers and careful planning. Whichever option you choose, the journey to Windsor Castle promises to be an engaging and memorable experience.
