Get to Windsor Castle From St Albans
Key Points
- Windsor Castle is approximately 26.9 miles (43.3 kilometres) from St Albans via the A412, or about 32.4 miles (52.1 kilometres) via the A355.
- By car, the best route is via the A412, taking around 57 minutes (26.9 miles), offering the most direct and efficient journey while avoiding known road closures; alternatively, you can travel via the A355, though it takes slightly longer at about 1 hour 2 minutes (32.4 miles).
- By train, you can expect a journey of between 1 hour 39 minutes and 1 hour 55 minutes, depending on your route, with the fastest and simplest options involving a Thameslink train from St Albans City to either Farringdon or St Pancras, connecting onto the Elizabeth Line or Underground to Paddington, followed by a GWR service to Slough and then a short train ride to Windsor & Eton Central — the route via West Hampstead and Richmond to Windsor & Eton Riverside offers an alternative that avoids Central London.
- If you prefer cycling, there are three main routes: the quickest (around 2 hours 27 minutes) follows Route 61 via the Grand Union Canal, offering a scenic and relatively flat ride; alternative cycling paths through Bedmond and Potterscrouch are also available but involve steeper hills.
- Overall, travelling by car via the A412 is the best option for speed and convenience, while the Farringdon-Paddington train route is the best public transport choice for a comfortable and efficient journey.
🚗 Getting to Windsor Castle from St Albans by Car
| Route | Approx. Time | Distance | Main Roads | Notable Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via A412 | 57 minutes | 26.9 miles (43.3 km) | A5183, A405, A412 | Avoids closures on A5183; smooth flow through Watford and Denham |
| Via A355 | 1 hour 2 minutes | 32.4 miles (52.1 km) | A5183, A414, A416, A355 | More scenic via Chesham and Amersham; busier in Chesham and Beaconsfield |
🚆 Getting to Windsor Castle from St Albans by Train
| Route | Approx. Time | Changes | Key Transfer Points | Notable Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Farringdon, Paddington, Slough | ~1 hour 40 min | 3 | Farringdon, Paddington, Slough | Quickest; minimal walking |
| Via St Pancras, King’s Cross, Paddington, Slough | ~1 hour 40 min | 4 | St Pancras, King’s Cross St Pancras Underground, Paddington, Slough | Adds Underground change |
| Via Farringdon, Elizabeth Line to Slough | ~1 hour 46 min | 2 | Farringdon, Slough | Longer Elizabeth Line segment (10 stops) |
| Via West Hampstead, Richmond | ~1 hour 39 min | 2 | West Hampstead, Richmond | Avoids Central London; more Overground travel |
| Via Farringdon, Elizabeth Line, Bus from Slough | ~1 hour 55 min | 2 + Bus | Farringdon, Slough | Cheapest option; longer journey with bus ride |
🚴♂️ Getting to Windsor Castle from St Albans by Cycle
| Route | Approx. Time | Distance | Elevation | Notable Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Route 61 | ~2 hr 27 min | 28.2 miles | 194 ft gain, 430 ft loss | Along Grand Union Canal; moderate elevation |
| Via London Loop + Route 61 | ~2 hr 36 min | 29.1 miles | 469 ft gain, 702 ft loss | More countryside lanes; steeper hills early on |
| Via Grand Union Canal Walk + Route 61 | ~2 hr 58 min | 33.4 miles | 387 ft gain, 623 ft loss | Longer but flatter; extended canal paths |
Getting to Windsor Castle From St Albans By Car
Route 1: Via A412
Travelling from St Albans to Windsor Castle by car via the A412 is a convenient and efficient route, taking approximately 57 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The distance is around 26.9 miles (approximately 43.3 kilometres). This is considered the best route, particularly as it avoids road closures on the A5183.
Departing From St Albans
- Head south on Holywell Hill (A5183) toward Holywell Mews (0.5 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Griffiths Way.
(Pass through one roundabout; 0.1 miles)
Continuing Through St Albans
- Turn right onto Wilshere Avenue (0.3 miles).
- Continue onto Vesta Avenue (423 feet).
- Turn right to stay on Vesta Avenue (pass through one roundabout; 0.2 miles).
- Turn left onto Watling Street (A5183) (0.3 miles).
Joining the A405
- At Park Street Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto North Orbital Road (A405) (1.3 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit to stay on A405 (0.5 miles).
- At Bricket Wood Junction, take the 2nd exit to continue on A405 (1.7 miles).
Joining the A412
- Turn left onto St Albans Road (A412) (0.9 miles).
- At The Dome roundabout, take the 2nd exit to stay on St Albans Road (A412) (1.4 miles).
- Keep right to remain on A412 (1.4 miles).
Through Watford and Beyond
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Rickmansworth Road (A412) (0.2 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Watford Road (A412) (1.3 miles).
- At the following roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Scots Hill (A412) (0.6 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Park Road (A412) (0.3 miles).
- Then, take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto Rectory Road (A412) (0.3 miles).
- Continue by taking the 3rd exit onto Uxbridge Road (A412) (1.4 miles).
Towards Denham
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Denham Way/North Orbital Road (A412) (4.4 miles).
- Slight left toward Oxford Road (A40) (207 feet).
- Use the right lane to turn slightly left onto Oxford Road (A40) (0.5 miles).
- Keep right to stay on Oxford Road (A40) (141 feet).
Navigating Denham Roundabout
- At Denham Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Denham Roundabout (0.3 miles).
- Then at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Denham Road (A412) (0.5 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Southlands Road (A412) (1.1 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Church Road (A412) (0.7 miles; pass through one roundabout).
Approaching Windsor
- At Five Points Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Uxbridge Road (A412) (1.8 miles).
- Continue straight to stay on Uxbridge Road (A412) (1.3 miles).
- Use the middle lane to turn slightly left toward Uxbridge Road (A412) (253 feet).
- Continue on Uxbridge Road (A412) (0.5 miles).
Entering Windsor
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Datchet Road (B376) (1.5 miles).
- Slight right onto Mays Crossing (82 feet).
- Turn right onto Queen’s Road (0.1 miles).
- Turn right onto Windsor Road (B470) (1.3 miles).
- Turn left onto Thames Street (B3022) (0.2 miles).
- Note: Parts of Thames Street may be closed at certain times or on certain days.
- Turn left onto Castle Hill (266 feet).
Destination: Windsor Castle
You have now arrived at the majestic Windsor Castle, ready to explore one of the most iconic royal residences in the world!
Route 2: Via A355
This alternative route from St Albans to Windsor Castle by car takes approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes under typical traffic conditions. The total distance is around 32.4 miles (approximately 52.1 kilometres).
Follow these detailed directions:
Departing From St Albans
- Head northwest on High Street (A5183) toward Market Place (0.6 miles).
- Continue to follow A5183.
Heading Towards Hemel Hempstead
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Verulam Road (A5183) (0.2 miles).
- At Batchwood Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Bluehouse Hill/Hemel Hempstead Road (A4147) (0.7 miles).
- At Bluehouse Hill Roundabout, take the 2nd exit to stay on Hemel Hempstead Road (A4147) (3.6 miles).
Joining St Albans Road (A414)
- Slight left toward St Albans Road (A414) (469 feet).
- Merge onto St Albans Road (A414) (0.7 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on St Albans Road (A414) (0.2 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on St Albans Road (A414) (0.8 miles).
Through Apsley and Boxmoor
- At The Plough Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Station Road (A4146) (0.6 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road (A4251) (0.6 miles).
- Turn left onto Box Lane (B4505) (2.1 miles).
Towards Chesham
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit (43 feet).
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chesham Road (B4505) (3.5 miles).
- At the roundabout, continue straight onto White Hill (0.6 miles).
Navigating Through Chesham
- At The Elgiva Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto St Mary’s Way (A416) (0.2 miles).
- At Lowndes Park Roundabout, take the 2nd exit to stay on St Mary’s Way (A416) (0.2 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Red Lion Street (A416) (0.2 miles).
- At the following roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Amersham Road (A416) (1.6 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Chesham Road (A416) (0.2 miles).
Heading Towards Amersham
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Sycamore Road (A416) (0.1 miles).
- Pass through one roundabout.
- At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Station Road (A416) (489 feet).
- At the following roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Station Road (A416) (0.7 miles).
Transition to A355
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road West (A355) (0.2 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Gore Hill (A355) (0.1 miles).
Through Beaconsfield and Farnham
- At Gore Hill Roundabout, continue straight to stay on Gore Hill (A355) (3.9 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Beaconsfield Eastern Relief Road/Bowl Barrow Way (A355) (0.5 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Bowl Barrow Way (A355) (0.2 miles).
- Continue through one roundabout.
- At the following roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A355 (0.5 miles).
- At Beaconsfield Interchange, take the 2nd exit to stay on A355 (4.2 miles).
- Continue straight at the next roundabout (2nd exit) (167 feet).
Approaching Slough
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Farnham Road (A355) (0.5 miles).
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit to stay on Farnham Road (A355) (1.9 miles).
- Continue through another roundabout, taking the 2nd exit to stay on A355 (0.5 miles).
Nearing Windsor
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) (1.2 miles).
- Slight left onto Clarence Road (0.5 miles; pass through one roundabout).
- Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 miles).
Final Approach to Windsor Castle
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) (0.2 miles).
- Note: Parts of Sheet Street may be closed at certain times or days.
- Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 feet).
Destination: Windsor Castle
Congratulations — you have now arrived at the historic and magnificent Windsor Castle!
Additional Tips for Your Journey
- Check Traffic and Road Closures: Always check live traffic updates and be aware that Thames Street near Windsor Castle may sometimes close for events or maintenance.
- Busy Sections: Expect heavier traffic around Chesham and Beaconsfield; stay alert.
- Navigation: A sat-nav or updated maps app is highly recommended to help with multiple roundabouts and route changes.
- Parking: Windsor offers several public car parks near the castle, but they can fill quickly, especially on weekends and during holidays — plan ahead.
Getting to Windsor Castle from St Albans by Train
Travelling from St Albans to Windsor Castle by train can take approximately between 1 hour 39 minutes and 1 hour 55 minutes, depending on the route chosen, the number of connections, waiting times between trains, and the use of either additional walking or bus services. Below is a thorough explanation of the different travel options available:
Route 1: Via Farringdon, Paddington, Slough, and Windsor & Eton Central
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
This route begins with a Thameslink service from St Albans City to Farringdon, taking about 26 minutes with two stops along the way. A brief walk (around 1 minute) leads to the Elizabeth Line at Farringdon, from where a short 8-minute ride (three stops) reaches Paddington Station. After a 2-minute walk within the station, a GWR service offers a fast, non-stop journey of about 20 minutes to Slough. After another very short walk (approximately 1 minute) at Slough, a final GWR service provides a quick 6-minute non-stop ride to Windsor & Eton Central. From there, it’s a 7-minute walk to Windsor Castle.
Route 2: Via St Pancras, King’s Cross St Pancras Underground, Paddington, Slough, and Windsor & Eton Central
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
This option also starts with a Thameslink train from St Albans City but heads to St Pancras International non-stop in about 21 minutes. After a 3-minute walk to King’s Cross St Pancras Underground Station, the journey continues via the Hammersmith & City or Circle Line, taking approximately 10 minutes across five stops to reach Paddington. A 2-minute walk leads to the GWR service to Slough (20 minutes non-stop), and then the same onward connection to Windsor & Eton Central as in Route 1, followed by a short walk to the Castle.
Route 3: Via Farringdon, Elizabeth Line to Slough, and Windsor & Eton Central
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 46 minutes
Departing from St Albans City on a Thameslink service, this journey takes about 27 minutes with three stops before reaching Farringdon. After a short 1-minute transfer walk, the Elizabeth Line is taken to Slough, but this segment is longer, taking about 38 minutes across ten stops. A brief walk at Slough precedes a 6-minute train ride to Windsor & Eton Central, and then a 7-minute walk to the Castle.
Route 4: Via West Hampstead, Richmond, and Windsor & Eton Riverside
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 39 minutes
This alternative starts with a Thameslink train to West Hampstead in about 12 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to the adjacent Overground station. From there, a commuter train to Richmond takes about 28 minutes, passing through nine stops. After a short walk at Richmond, the journey continues via South Western Railway for 33 minutes (nine stops) to Windsor & Eton Riverside. The Castle is then about a 10-minute walk away. This route, although slightly longer in walking and in number of stops, avoids central London congestion.
Route 5: Via Farringdon, Elizabeth Line, and Bus
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes
Following the same initial steps as Route 3, this option involves reaching Slough by Elizabeth Line in about 38 minutes after the Farringdon transfer. Instead of taking a train from Slough, a 6-minute walk leads to a nearby bus stop (Wellington Street Stop G), from where Bus 8 to Windsor is boarded. This bus journey covers seven stops in about 14 minutes. A final 2-minute walk from the Parish Church bus stop completes the journey to Windsor Castle. While this route has the longest overall time, it may be preferable if train services are disrupted or if a less expensive option is desired.
Why the Journey Times Differ
The variation in journey times is largely due to several factors:
- Number of connections: Routes involving additional transfers (especially between train and Underground) can lengthen the overall journey.
- Waiting times between services: Minor delays between changing trains or modes of transport can add minutes.
- Number of stops: Direct trains or non-stop services (e.g., Paddington to Slough) are quicker compared to services with multiple intermediate stops (e.g., Farringdon to Slough via the Elizabeth Line).
- Walking distances: Some transfers require longer walks between stations (such as at West Hampstead and Richmond), which slightly extend travel times.
- Alternative modes: The route involving a bus from Slough, although a useful alternative, naturally takes longer due to road traffic and multiple stops.
Each route offers a slightly different balance between speed, convenience, and number of changes, allowing travellers to select the one best suited to their preference for comfort, simplicity, or minimal transfers.
Getting to Windsor Castle from St Albans by Cycle
Cycling from St Albans to Windsor Castle is an adventurous journey offering a choice of routes, each filled with charming towns, serene canal paths, and pockets of countryside. Below are three main routes you can follow, each with its own features, elevations, and notable places to look out for.
Route 1: Via Route 61 (Approx. 2 hr 27 min, 28.2 miles)
Elevation: 194 ft gain · 430 ft loss | Highest point: 358 ft, Lowest point: 62 ft
Use caution: Cycling directions may not always reflect real-world conditions.
Starting from High Street (A5183) in the heart of St Albans, head towards the historic George Street and the lovely Romeland, before continuing onto Abbey Mill Lane near the famous St Albans Cathedral.
From there:
- Follow King Harry Lane, going through one roundabout.
- Continue onto Watford Road (B4630), then join N Orbital Road (A405).
- A series of small roads such as Oakwood Road and Old Watford Road bring you back to the A405.
- Merge onto St Albans Road (A412), passing through Watford, a lively urban centre.
- Keep on the A412 through Rickmansworth, eventually joining the beautiful London Loop.
The ride includes parts of Route 61, a key National Cycle Network route winding along the Grand Union Canal — a scenic section offering flat terrain but occasional busy foot traffic.
Passing through Iver Lane (B470), the route follows the Grand Union Canal Walk, leading to Uxbridge Road (A412).
Final approach:
- Continue via Datchet Road (B376) and the quaint village of Datchet.
- Proceed through The Myrke, a peaceful residential area.
- Join back onto Route 61 towards Thames Street — be aware, parts of Thames Street may be closed at times for events.
- Finally, turn onto Castle Hill and arrive majestically at Windsor Castle.
Route 2: Via London Loop and Route 61 (Approx. 2 hr 36 min, 29.1 miles)
Elevation: 469 ft gain · 702 ft loss | Highest point: 446 ft, Lowest point: 62 ft
Use caution: Cycling directions may not always reflect real-world conditions.
Starting similarly through High Street and Abbey Mill Lane, this route:
- Takes a slightly different path early on, using Bedmond Lane, a rural and less trafficked lane offering beautiful Hertfordshire countryside views.
- Passes through Potterscrouch Lane, Sergehill Lane, and the charming village centre of Bedmond.
- Crosses Gallows Hill Lane and Hazelwood Lane into Upper Highway, offering undulating lanes with a few steep sections (notable spikes in elevation).
- Continuing towards Grove Mill Lane and London Loop, you will traverse woodland paths and open fields — especially scenic in spring and autumn.
After joining Route 61 again:
- Follow a similar journey along the Grand Union Canal Walk.
- Navigate around Uxbridge Road (A412).
- Enter Datchet, and from there, pass along The Myrke, Thames Street, and finally reach Windsor Castle.
Special Note: Thames Street occasionally closes for ceremonies and castle events. Check ahead if cycling during weekends or holidays.
Route 3: Via Grand Union Canal Walk and Route 61 (Approx. 2 hr 58 min, 33.4 miles)
Elevation: 387 ft gain · 623 ft loss | Highest point: 358 ft, Lowest point: 62 ft
Use caution: Cycling directions may not always reflect real-world conditions.
This slightly longer and canal-heavy route begins southward along Holywell Hill (A5183):
- Pass through Cottonmill Lane into a residential area and pick up Route 61 at Leyland Avenue.
- Pedal across Berners Drive and Gorham Drive, then onto Butterfield Lane, merging into the Ver-Colne Valley Walk — a gorgeous green space linking parks and woodlands.
Key highlights:
- A pedestrian tunnel crossing.
- A picturesque journey along Park Street Lane and School Lane, reconnecting with Route 61.
- Areas such as Garston Lane, York Way, Meriden Way, and Westlea Avenue.
This route meanders through:
- Watford (passing Lower High Street and Watford Fields).
- Pinner Road (A4008) and through Oxhey Lane, with occasional elevation spikes and urban congestion.
- Crossing into Eastcote and Church Road, threading through residential areas and small parks.
Final scenic stretch:
- After linking up again with the Grand Union Canal Walk, enjoy nearly 4 miles of peaceful canal path.
- Transition through London Loop, Uxbridge Road (A412), and Datchet as per the previous routes.
- Conclude via The Myrke, Thames Street, and the short final climb up Castle Hill to Windsor Castle.
Be Aware: Along the Grand Union Canal Walk, paths can be narrow and muddy after rain. Thames Street near Windsor may have closures during certain times of the week.
