Get to Windsor Castle from Lancaster
Key Points
- Windsor Castle is between 238 and 255 miles (383 to 410 kilometres) from Lancaster by car, depending on the route taken. To get to Windsor Castle from Lancaster, you have several travel options, each with its own merits.
- By car, the fastest and most direct route is via the M6 and M40, covering around 238 miles (383 km) and taking approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, though this includes tolls.
- A slightly slower but more scenic alternative avoiding tolls goes via the M40 and rural Shropshire, taking about 4 hours and 31 minutes.
- Another efficient motorway-heavy route using the M6, M1, and M25 spans 246 miles (396 km) and takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes, also including tolls.
- For those preferring a more rural drive, a longer option via the A6, A50, and A5 lasts about 6 hours and 50 minutes, offering a more varied landscape.
- However, for overall convenience, the train is often the best choice. Though it typically involves at least one or two changes—usually via London Euston and then a connection from Paddington or Waterloo to Windsor & Eton—it avoids traffic, is comfortable, and generally takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
- Therefore, while driving offers flexibility and scenic possibilities, the train provides the most convenient and stress-free journey to Windsor Castle from Lancaster.
🛣️ Travel to Windsor Castle from Lancaster – By Car
| Route Name | Approx. Time | Distance (miles/km) | Toll Roads | Notes / Route Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via M6 and M40 | 3h 50m | 238 mi / 383 km | Yes | Fastest option, mostly motorways (M6, M40), light congestion risk |
| Via M40 (Alt Scenic) | 4h 31m | 255 mi / 410 km | No | More rural scenery via Shropshire; avoids M6 Toll |
| Via M6 with M1 & M25 | 4h 5m | 246 mi / 396 km | Yes | Efficient but toll-heavy route via M6, M1, and M25 |
| Via A6, A50 and A5 | 6h 50m | 244 mi / 393 km | Yes | Longest route; passes through numerous towns; scenic detours |
🛤️ Train Journey Options from Lancaster to Windsor Castle
| Route Option | Main Transfers | Journey Time | Changes | Key Features | Final Leg to Castle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Via Manchester, Stockport, Reading & Slough | Manchester Oxford Road → Stockport → Reading → Slough | 6h 7m – 6h 10m | 3 train changes | Flexible timings, frequent departures, variety of connections | GWR train to Windsor & Eton Central or local bus from Slough |
| 2. Via Preston & London (Euston & Elizabeth Line) | Preston → London Euston → Elizabeth line from Tottenham Court Road → Slough | ~6h 7m | 2 train changes + 1 Underground | Long direct Avanti West Coast leg, quick London transfer, more comfort | GWR train to Windsor & Eton Central |
| 3. Via London Euston, Vauxhall & Windsor Riverside | London Euston → Victoria line to Vauxhall → Windsor & Eton Riverside | 5h 44m (fastest) | 1 train change + 1 Underground | Fewer changes, efficient route, midday departure | 9-min walk from Windsor & Eton Riverside |
| 4. Afternoon via Manchester & Reading | Manchester Piccadilly → Reading → Slough | ~5h 52m | 2 train changes | Long CrossCountry segment, fewer connections, late departures | GWR train to Windsor & Eton Central |
🎯 Summary Notes
- Fastest: Option 3 (via Euston & Vauxhall) at 5h 44m.
- Fewest Changes: Option 3 also offers fewer transfers.
- Most Frequent Departures: Option 1, with several daily services.
- Most Comfortable: Option 2, due to long direct Avanti segment.
- Best for Simplicity: Option 3 or 2, depending on comfort with London Underground.
Getting to Windsor Castle From Lancaster By Car
Route 1: Via M6 and M40
This is the fastest driving route from Lancaster to Windsor Castle, covering a distance of approximately 238 miles (about 383 kilometres) and taking around 3 hours and 50 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Please note that this route includes tolls.
Directions:
Start in Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Get on M6 from A6 – approximately 14 minutes (5.4 miles / 8.7 km)
- Head northwest on Penny Street (A6) – 223 ft
- Slight right onto Penny Street – 328 ft
- Turn right onto Marton Street – 358 ft
- Turn right onto Thurnham Street (A6) and continue to follow A6 – 0.3 miles
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Greaves Road (A6) – 1.9 miles
- Continue onto Scotforth Road (A6) – 2.4 miles
- At Hampson Green Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the M6 ramp (toward Kirkby Lonsdale/Preston) – 0.1 miles
- Use any lane to take the M6(S) ramp toward Preston/Blackpool/M55 – 0.5 miles
- Continue on M6. Take M6 Toll and M40 to A355 in Slough. Exit from M4 – approximately 3 hours 41 minutes (229 miles / 368.5 km)
- Merge onto M6 – 43.5 miles
- Keep right to stay on M6 – 61.3 miles
(Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) - Keep right to continue on M6 Toll (Toll road) – 23.2 miles
- Keep left to continue on M42, following signs for The S W/M5/London (S&W)/M40/Coventry (S&W)/Birmingham (S)/N.E.C/Airport – 12.1 miles
(Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) - At junction 3A, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M40 towards London/Warwick/Stratford – 74.2 miles
(Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) - At junction 4, take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead – 0.3 miles
- Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp to A404 – 230 ft
- At Handy Cross Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A404 – 4.4 miles
- At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A404 – 3.0 miles
- Keep right to continue on A404(M), following signs for Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 – 2.5 miles
- Turn left onto Holyport Interchange – 390 ft
- Take the M4 exit toward London – 0.2 miles
- Slight right to merge onto M4 – 4.4 miles
- Take the exit toward A355 – 0.3 miles
- Continue on A355. Take Royal Windsor Way (A332) and Clarence Road to Castle Hill in Windsor – approximately 8 minutes (2.8 miles / 4.5 km)
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 – 0.5 miles
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) – 1.2 miles
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout – 0.5 miles
- Continue onto Victoria Street – 0.3 miles
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) and continue to follow B3022
(Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) – 0.2 miles - Turn right onto Castle Hill – 266 ft
You will arrive at Windsor Castle.
Route 2: Via M40 (Alternative Route)
This alternative driving route from Lancaster to Windsor Castle covers a distance of approximately 255 miles (about 410 kilometres) and typically takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes under standard traffic conditions. Although it is not the fastest option available, it avoids the M6 Toll and offers a scenic drive through parts of rural Shropshire and the West Midlands.
Directions:
- Start in Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Get on M6 from A6 – approximately 14 minutes (5.4 miles / 8.7 km)
- Head northwest on Penny Street (A6) – 223 ft
- Slight right onto Penny Street – 328 ft
- Turn right onto Marton Street – 358 ft
- Turn right onto Thurnham Street (A6) and continue to follow A6 – 0.3 miles
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Greaves Road (A6) – 1.9 miles
- Continue onto Scotforth Road (A6) – 2.4 miles
- At Hampson Green Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the M6 ramp (towards Kirkby Lonsdale/Preston) – 0.1 miles
- Use any lane to take the M6(S) ramp towards Preston/Blackpool/M55 – 0.5 miles
- Follow M6 to Tarporley Road/A49 in Warrington. Take exit 10 from M56 – approximately 51 minutes (53.3 miles / 85.8 km)
- Merge onto M6 – 43.5 miles
- Keep right to stay on M6 – 5.9 miles
- At junction 20A, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M56 towards North Wales/Chester/Runcorn – 3.6 miles
- At junction 10, take the A49 exit to Northwich/Warrington – 0.3 miles
- Get on M54 in Shropshire from A49 and A41 – approximately 1 hour 27 minutes (58.9 miles / 94.8 km)
- At Stretton Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Tarporley Road (A49) and continue – 5.9 miles
- Continue straight through two roundabouts on A49 – 9.3 miles
- Turn right to stay on A49 – 12.0 miles
- Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout onto Whitchurch Bypass (A49), then at the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A41 – 0.7 + 0.8 miles
- Continue straight through the next roundabout and take the 3rd exit at the following one onto Heath Road (A41) – 1.2 miles
- At Prees Heath, take the 1st exit onto A41 – 17.4 miles
- At the roundabouts approaching Newport, continue straight on A41 (Newport Bypass) – 1.0 + 0.6 + 5.0 miles
- At Pickmere Roundabout, take the 2nd exit to stay on A41 – 2.7 miles
- At Tong Interchange, take the 1st exit onto the M54 ramp towards Birmingham/M6 – 0.3 miles
- Continue on M54. Take M5, M42, M40, and A404 to A355 in Slough. Exit from M4 – approximately 2 hours 10 minutes (134 miles / 215.6 km)
- Merge onto M54 – 10.8 miles
- Use the right lane to merge onto M6 (Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) – 3.2 miles
- Keep right to stay on M6 – 3.1 miles
- At junction 8, take the M5 exit towards Birmingham (West)/Birmingham (South)/West Bromwich – 1.5 miles
- Continue onto M5 (Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) – 14.8 miles
- Take the M42 exit towards London/M40/N.E.C. & Airport – 0.6 miles
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto M42 – 10.9 miles
- Keep right to continue on M40, following signs for London/Warwick/Stratford (Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) – 74.3 miles
- At junction 4, take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead – 0.3 miles
- Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp to A404 – 230 ft
- At Handy Cross Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A404 – 4.4 miles
- At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit to stay on A404 – 3.0 miles
- Keep right to continue on A404(M), following signs for Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 – 2.5 miles
- Turn left onto Holyport Interchange – 390 ft
- Take the M4 exit towards London – 0.2 miles
- Slight right to merge onto M4 – 4.4 miles
- Take the exit towards A355 – 0.3 miles
- Continue on A355. Take Royal Windsor Way (A332) and Clarence Road to Castle Hill in Windsor – approximately 8 minutes (2.8 miles / 4.5 km)
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 – 0.5 miles
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) – 1.2 miles
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout – 0.5 miles
- Continue onto Victoria Street – 0.3 miles
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street (B3022) and continue to follow B3022 (Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) – 0.2 miles
- Turn right onto Castle Hill – 266 ft
- You will arrive at Windsor Castle.
Route 3: Via M6 (With Toll Sections)
This route is a slightly shorter and typically faster motorway-heavy option from Lancaster to Windsor Castle. It covers approximately 246 miles (about 396 kilometres) and takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes in normal traffic conditions. This route includes toll sections—notably, the M6 Toll Road—which may incur extra costs but can help avoid congestion around Birmingham.
Directions:
- Start in Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Get on M6 from A6 – approximately 14 minutes (5.4 miles / 8.7 km)
- Head northwest on Penny Street (A6) – 223 ft
- Slight right onto Penny Street – 328 ft
- Turn right onto Marton Street – 358 ft
- Turn right onto Thurnham Street (A6) and continue – 0.3 miles
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Greaves Road (A6) – 1.9 miles
- Continue onto Scotforth Road (A6) – 2.4 miles
- At Hampson Green Roundabout, take the 1st exit onto the M6 ramp toward Kirkby Lonsdale/Preston – 0.1 miles
- Use any lane to take the M6(S) ramp toward Preston/Blackpool/M55 – 0.5 miles
- Continue on M6. Drive via M6 Toll, M6, M1 and M25 to Slough. Take the A4 exit from M4 – approximately 3 hours 54 minutes (237 miles / 381.4 km)
- Merge onto M6 – 43.5 miles
- Keep right to stay on M6 (Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) – 61.3 miles
- Keep right to continue on M6 Toll (Toll road) – 23.2 miles
- Use the right 2 lanes to take the M6(S) exit toward London (N&E)/M1/Coventry (N&E) – 0.2 miles
- Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp to rejoin M6 – 3.1 miles
- Merge onto M6 – 21.3 miles
- Take the exit toward M1 – 1.0 mile
- Slight right to merge onto M1 (Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) – 61.2 miles
- At junction 6A, use the 3rd from the left lane to take the M25 exit to M40/M4/Heathrow Airport – 0.8 miles
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto M25 – 18.8 miles
- At junction 15, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M4 toward Slough – 2.2 miles
- Take the A4 exit toward Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley – 0.3 miles
- Follow B470 to Castle Hill in Windsor – approximately 10 minutes (3.6 miles / 5.8 km)
- At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road (B470) – 1.7 miles
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road (B376/B470) – 210 ft
- 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
- Turn left onto Castle Hill – 266 ft
- You will arrive at Windsor Castle.
Route 4: Via A6, A50 and A5
This alternative route takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes under typical driving conditions, covering a distance of 244 miles (approximately 393 kilometres). This route includes toll roads.
1. Depart from Lancaster
- Head northwest on Penny Street/A6.
- Slight right onto Penny Street.
- Turn right onto Marton Street.
- Turn right onto Thurnham Street/A6 and continue.
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Greaves Road/A6.
- Continue onto Scotforth Road/A6.
2. Continue on A6 through Garstang to Walton-le-Dale
- At Hampson Green Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Preston Lancaster Road/A6.
- Follow A6 through multiple roundabouts, joining James Towers Way in Preston.
- At Broughton Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Garstang Road/A6.
- Turn left onto Ring Way/A59/A6, and continue on A6.
3. Continue via A675 to Bolton
- Slight left onto Victoria Road/A675.
- Continue on Higher Walton Road, then Bolton Road/A675.
- At Brimmicroft Interchange, take the 3rd exit to stay on A675.
- Turn right onto Scout Road.
- Continue via Colliers Row Road, Walker Fold Road, Chorley Old Road/B6226, and Old Kiln Lane/B6402.
4. Pass through Atherton to Warrington
- Turn right onto Stapleton Avenue/A58.
- Continue on Wigan Road, Park Road, and Platt Lane.
- Join Gibfield Park Avenue, then Atherleigh Way/A579.
- Turn left onto E Lancashire Road/A580.
- At Greyhound Island, take Warrington Road/A574.
- Continue on Holcroft Lane/B5212 to Manchester Road/A57.
5. Join A50 via Warburton Bridge (Toll)
- Turn left onto Warburton Bridge Road (toll).
- Follow Townfield Lane, Mill Lane/A6144, and Burford Lane/B5159.
- Join A50, passing through King Edward Road, London Road, and Linley Lane/A5011.
6. Take A500 and A50 to A515 and B5017
- Continue onto Newcastle Road/A34.
- Take the A500 ramp to M6 South/Uttoxeter/A50.
- Merge onto A500, then onto A50 at Sideway.
- Proceed through Tean, Uttoxeter, and Doveridge Bypass/A50.
- Exit at Sudbury Roundabout onto A515, then B5017.
- Continue through Burton-on-Trent, Henhurst Hill, and Forest Road.
7. Follow A444 to A5
- Join Shobnall Road/A5189 and continue onto Orchard Street.
- At St Peter’s Street, take A444 through Appleby Magna.
- At Redgate Junction, take A5.
8. Continue on A5 through Hinckley, Towcester and beyond
- Stay on Watling Street/A5 through numerous roundabouts:
- Stretton Baskerville
- Higham on the Hill
- Hinckley
- Towcester
- Kelly’s Kitchen Roundabout
9. Turn onto A4146 through Leighton Buzzard
- At Kelly’s Kitchen Roundabout, take A4146.
- Follow Stoke Road, Soulbury, and Wing Hill Roundabout.
- Turn onto A418 through Aylesbury.
10. From Aylesbury, take A413 to Beaconsfield
- Continue on Park Street, Walton Road, and Wendover Road/A413.
- Follow A413 through Great Missenden to Amersham and Beaconsfield.
- At Gore Hill Roundabout, take A355.
11. Final stretch: A355 to Windsor
- Follow A355 through several roundabouts.
- Merge onto Royal Windsor Way/A332.
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, then Victoria Street.
- At the roundabout, take Sheet Street/B3022.
- Turn right onto Castle Hill.
You will arrive at Windsor Castle.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Lancaster by Train
Travelling by train from Lancaster to Windsor Castle involves multiple route options with varying travel durations and transfer points. The journey generally takes between 5 hours 44 minutes and 6 hours 10 minutes, depending on the combination of services and transfer efficiency. Although all routes ultimately lead to Windsor Castle, differences in journey times arise due to the number of stops, length of connections between services, and the type of final transfer (walk or local bus).
Route Overview and Variations
- Via Manchester, Stockport, Reading, and Slough (multiple departures)
These journeys typically take between 6 hours, 7 minutes, and 6 hours, 10 minutes. Travellers first head to Manchester Oxford Road and then transfer at Stockport and Reading before continuing via the Elizabeth line to Slough. From Slough, they either:- take a short GWR train to Windsor & Eton Central, followed by a walk, or
- use a local bus service from central Slough to a nearby stop, followed by a short walk to Windsor Castle.
The overall journey includes three train changes and multiple short walking transfers, and one option includes a bus leg instead of a final train. The waiting time between connections, especially at Reading and Slough, can vary slightly, contributing to minor time differences.
- Via Preston and London (Euston and Elizabeth line to Slough)
This route, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 7 minutes, involves taking a train from Lancaster to Preston and, from there, a long-distance Avanti West Coast service to London Euston. After a brief walk and a short ride on the Northern line on the London Underground, travellers switch to the Elizabeth line from Tottenham Court Road, continuing to Slough and then onto a short GWR train to Windsor.
This route is relatively straightforward and comfortable, with fewer changes, but includes a significant portion of the journey (nearly 4 hours) on a single long-distance train. Transfers within London are quicker but can be physically more demanding due to the station layouts.
- Via London Euston, Underground to Vauxhall, then to Windsor & Eton Riverside
The fastest journey listed—5 hours 44 minutes—departs midday and involves travelling directly from Lancaster to London Euston, followed by a Victoria line Underground ride to Vauxhall. From Vauxhall, a South Western Railway service runs directly to Windsor & Eton Riverside. A slightly longer walk (about 9 minutes) leads to Windsor Castle.
This route benefits from fewer changes and efficient Underground connections. The time savings mainly come from avoiding stops in Manchester and not passing through Reading or Slough. It’s an ideal route for those comfortable with navigating the London Underground and walking a bit more upon arrival.
- Afternoon Departures via Manchester and Reading
Two late afternoon services (departing at 1:49 PM and 2:49 PM, respectively) follow similar patterns to earlier Manchester-Reading-Slough combinations and take approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes. These options involve longer CrossCountry segments, with around 3 hours, 15 minutes of uninterrupted travel, and final transitions via the Elizabeth line and GWR trains. The slight difference in journey times can be attributed to waiting times at transfer stations, particularly at Manchester Piccadilly and Reading.
Why Travel Times Vary
The variation in journey times is mainly due to:
- Number and duration of stops on key legs (e.g. CrossCountry services from Stockport or Manchester).
- Transfer gaps, particularly when coordinating between national rail services and the Elizabeth line.
- Choice of the final segment: walking from Windsor & Eton Riverside can take longer than disembarking at Windsor & Eton Central, closer to the Castle.
- Different routing strategies (via London Euston or Manchester/Reading).
Each option offers a viable route, and the best choice may depend on personal preferences such as fewer changes, faster journey times, or ease of transfer.
