Get to Windsor Castle From Chester

Key Points

• Windsor Castle is approximately 205 to 218 miles (330 to 351 kilometres) from Chester by car, depending on the chosen route.
• By car, the quickest and most efficient route is via the M6 and M40, covering approximately 205 miles in about 3 hours and 19 minutes under ideal conditions; it includes toll roads but offers a largely uninterrupted motorway journey.
• The two alternative car routes from Chester to Windsor Castle are via the M1, which takes about 3 hours and 42 minutes and avoids tolls by travelling through the A50 and south on the M1 and M25 before joining the M4; and via the M6 and M1, which takes approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes, combining the M6 Toll and M1 before merging onto the M25 and M4 for the final approach to Windsor.
• For those preferring public transport, multiple train routes exist, though none are direct—most involve travelling from Chester to Crewe, then a fast Avanti West Coast service to London Euston, followed by a cross-city transfer to Windsor via Paddington and Slough.
• The fastest train options, particularly those using the London Underground or Elizabeth Line to cross the capital, take around 3 hours and 20 minutes.
• While driving is typically faster door to door, especially via the M6 and M40, the train provides a stress-free alternative avoiding traffic and parking—ideal for those less keen on long-distance driving or navigating the final approach into Windsor.

Routes Comparison Tables

🚗 By Car from Chester to Windsor Castle

Route	Distance	Estimated Duration	Toll Roads	Motorways Used	Key Transfer Points	Remarks
M6 & M40	205 miles	3 hr 19 min	Yes (M6 Toll)	M53 → M56 → M6 → M6 Toll → M42 → M40 → M4	High Wycombe → Maidenhead → Windsor via A332	Fastest under ideal traffic, includes tolls
M1	218 miles	3 hr 42 min	No	M53 → M56 → M6 → A50 → M1 → M25 → M4	Stoke → Derby → Leicester → Slough → Windsor	Avoids tolls, longer mileage
M6 & M1	213 miles	3 hr 34 min	Yes (M6 Toll)	M53 → M56 → M6 → M6 Toll → M1 → M25 → M4	Coventry → M25 Orbital → Slough → Windsor	Direct blend of major routes, includes tolls

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🚆 By Train from Chester to Windsor Castle

Route	Estimated Duration	Transfers	Key Interchanges	Final Leg to Windsor	Remarks
Via Euston – Bus 18 – Paddington – Slough	4 hr 7 min	4+	Crewe → Euston → Paddington → Slough	Windsor & Eton Central → Walk	Surface bus causes delays
Via Euston – Underground – Paddington	4 hr 7 min	4+	Euston → Euston Sq → Paddington → Slough	Windsor & Eton Central → Walk	More consistent via Underground
Via Tottenham Court Rd – Elizabeth Line	4 hr 27 min	4+	Euston → Tottenham Ct Rd → Slough	Windsor & Eton Central → Walk	Slower due to more Elizabeth Line stops
Via Tottenham Ct Rd – Elizabeth Line + Bus	4 hr 37 min	5	Euston → TCR → Slough	Bus 703 → Walk to Castle	Longest route, less predictable
Afternoon (Bus to Paddington)	3 hr 20 min	4	Euston → Bus 18 → Paddington → Slough	Windsor & Eton Central → Walk	Fastest overall (afternoon only)
Afternoon (Elizabeth Line)	3 hr 20 min	4	Euston → TCR → Slough	Windsor & Eton Central → Walk	Fast, efficient transfers

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Getting to Windsor Castle From Chester By Car

Route 1: Via  M6 and M40

If you’re journeying from Chester to Windsor Castle, one of the fastest and most reliable routes is via the M6 and M40. This drive covers a distance of approximately 205 miles and takes around 3 hours and 19 minutes under ideal traffic conditions. Do note that this route includes toll roads, so it’s advisable to have a payment method ready.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Starting Point: Chester, UK

Begin your journey from the heart of Chester by navigating onto the M53 motorway:

1. Head south on Northgate Street towards King Street (approx. 299 feet).
2. Turn right onto Hunter Street (0.1 mi).
3. Turn right again onto St Martin’s Way (A5268) (0.3 mi).
4. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto St Oswalds Way (A5268) (0.3 mi).
5. Take the 1st exit onto Hoole Way (A56) (1.5 mi) at the next roundabout.
6. At Hoole Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Warrington Road (A56) (0.4 mi).
7. Take the 1st exit onto the M53 ramp at Hoole Island Junction, signposted for Ellesmere Port/Birkenhead/Liverpool/Runcorn/Warrington/Manchester/M56 (0.3 mi).

Motorway Travel (M53 to M4)

Now that you’re on the M53 continue along the major motorways heading south-east:

8. Merge onto M53 (1.8 mi).
9. At junction 11, exit onto M56 towards Runcorn/Airport/Warrington/M6/Manchester (17.4 mi).
10. At junction 9, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M6 southbound towards Birmingham (55.6 mi).
11. Keep right to continue onto M6 Toll (Toll road) (23.2 mi).
12. Keep left to join M42, following signs for The South West (S W)/M5/London (S&W)/M40/Coventry (S&W)/Birmingham (S)/N.E.C/Airport (12.1 mi).
13. At junction 3A, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M40 towards London/Warwick/Stratford (74.2 mi).
14. At junction 4, take the A404 exit for High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead (0.3 mi).
15. Use the right 2 lanes to take the ramp to A404 (approx. 230 ft).
16. Take the 2nd exit onto A404 (4.4 mi) at Handy Cross Roundabout.
17. At the next roundabout, take the 3rd exit and continue on A404 (3.0 mi).
18. Keep right to continue onto A404(M), following signs for Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4 (2.5 mi).
19. Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto Holyport Interchange (322 ft).
20. Take the M4 exit towards London (0.2 mi).
21. Slight right to merge onto M4 (4.4 mi).
22. Take the exit towards A355 (0.3 mi).

Final Leg: Entering Windsor

Once off the motorway, you’re only minutes away from Windsor Castle:

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

• Please note: Some parts of this road may be closed at certain times or on specific days (0.2 mi).

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

Destination: Windsor Castle

You’ve arrived! Windsor Castle will be directly ahead — one of the Queen’s official residences and a truly magnificent piece of British heritage.

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Route 2: M1

For those seeking an alternative route to Windsor Castle from Chester, travelling via the M1 motorway is feasible. This journey spans approximately 218 miles and takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes under ideal conditions. While slightly longer than the M6/M40 route, it avoids toll roads and offers a different path through central England.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Starting Point: Chester, UK

Begin by navigating out of Chester city centre and joining the M53 motorway:

1. Head south on Northgate Street toward King Street (approx. 299 ft).
2. Turn right onto Hunter Street (0.1 mi).
3. Turn right again onto St Martin’s Way (A5268) (0.3 mi).
4. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto St Oswalds Way (A5268) (0.3 mi).
5. Take the 1st exit onto Hoole Way (A56) (1.5 mi) at the next roundabout.
6. At Hoole Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Warrington Road (A56) (0.4 mi).
7. Take the 1st exit onto the M53 ramp at Hoole Island Junction, signposted for Ellesmere Port/Birkenhead/Liverpool/Runcorn/Warrington/Manchester/M56 (0.3 mi).

Motorway Travel to A50 and M1

From the M53, continue on through a series of major roads towards the M1:

8. Merge onto M53 (1.8 mi).
9. At junction 11, exit onto M56 toward Runcorn/Airport/Warrington/M6/Manchester (17.4 mi).
10. At junction 9, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M6 southbound (32.2 mi).
11. At junction 15, take the exit for A500 to Stoke-on-Trent/Stone/Derby/A50 (0.4 mi).

Travelling Along A50 to Join M1

Now transition from the M6 to the A50, making your way eastwards:

12. At Hanchurch Interchange, take the 2nd exit onto Queensway (A500) (1.7 mi).
13. Use the left 2 lanes to take the ramp to Campbell Rd/Derby/Uttoxeter/A50 (0.1 mi).
14. Use the right 2 lanes to take the A50 ramp (0.3 mi).
15. At Sideway, take the 2nd exit onto A50 (6.0 mi).
16. At Tean Roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on A50 (8.6 mi).
17. At McDonald’s Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Uttoxeter Bypass (A50) (0.9 mi).
18. At Derby Road Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Doveridge Bypass (A50) (4.7 mi).
19. At Sudbury Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Foston – Hatton – Hilton Bypass (A50) and continue to follow A50 (19.6 mi).
20. Use the right lane to take the M1 South/A50 ramp towards Leicester/Nottingham (South)/East Midlands Airport (0.6 mi).
21. Use the right lane to take the M1(S) ramp to London/Leicester/Loughborough (0.4 mi).

South on the M1 to Slough via M25

With the M1 now in sight, your journey turns southward toward the M25 and M4:

22. Merge onto M1 (18.8 mi).
23. Keep right to stay on the M1 (75.9 mi).
24. At junction 6A, use the 3rd lane from the left to take the M25 exit to M40/M4/Heathrow Airport (0.8 mi).
25. Use the right lane to join M25 (18.8 mi).
26. At junction 15, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M4 toward Slough (2.2 mi).
27. Take the A4 exit toward Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley (0.3 mi).

Final Stretch to Windsor Castle

The final section leads you through Slough and into the historic town of Windsor:

28. At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road (B470) (1.7 mi).
29. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road (B376/B470) (approx. 210 ft).
30. At the following roundabout, take the 1st exit onto High Street (B470) (0.2 mi).
31. Turn right onto Windsor Road (B470) (1.4 mi).
32. Turn left onto Thames Street (B3022)

• Note: Sections of this road may be closed at certain times or on specific days (0.2 mi).

33. Finally, turn left onto Castle Hill (266 ft).

Destination: Windsor Castle

You’ve successfully completed your journey! Nestled at the end of Castle Hill, Windsor Castle awaits — a royal residence steeped in centuries of history and one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom.

This M1 route is a scenic and direct alternative, particularly suitable for those preferring to avoid toll roads. Be sure to allow extra time for traffic, especially near the M25 and Windsor itself.

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Route 3: M6 and M1

Another practical option when driving from Chester to Windsor Castle is the combination of the M6 and M1 motorways, a journey which takes approximately 3 hours and 34 minutes under ideal conditions, covering a distance of 213 miles. This route is relatively direct but does include toll sections, notably along the M6 Toll.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Starting Point: Chester, UK

Begin your journey by exiting Chester via the A5268 and A56 to reach the M53 motorway:

1. Head south on Northgate Street towards King Street (approx. 299 ft).
2. Turn right onto Hunter Street (0.1 mi).
3. Turn right again onto St Martin’s Way (A5268) (0.3 mi).
4. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto St Oswalds Way (A5268) (0.3 mi).
5. Take the 1st exit onto Hoole Way (A56) (1.5 mi) at the next roundabout.
6. At Hoole Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Warrington Road (A56) (0.4 mi).
7. At Hoole Island Junction, take the 1st exit onto the M53 ramp signposted for Ellesmere Port/Birkenhead/Liverpool/Runcorn/Warrington/Manchester/M56 (0.3 mi).

Onwards via the M56, M6, and M6 Toll

The next stage takes you through several key motorway connections towards southern England:

8. Merge onto M53 (1.8 mi).
9. At junction 11, exit onto M56 toward Runcorn/Airport/Warrington/M6/Manchester (17.4 mi).
10. At junction 9, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto the M6 southbound toward Birmingham (55.6 mi).
11. Keep right to continue onto M6 Toll (23.2 mi) — note that this section includes a toll.
12. Use the right 2 lanes to take the M6 (S) exit toward London (North & East)/M1/Coventry (North & East) (0.2 mi).
13. Use the right 2 lanes again to take the ramp to M6 (3.1 mi).
14. Merge back onto the M6 (21.3 mi).
15. Take the exit toward M1 (1.0 mi).
16. Slight right to merge onto the M1 (61.2 mi).

Merge onto the M25 and Head to Slough via the M4

After progressing south on the M1, you’ll join the London orbital motorway and head west:

17. At junction 6A, use the 3rd lane from the left to take the M25 exit to M40/M4/Heathrow Airport (0.8 mi).
18. Use the right lane to merge onto M25 (18.8 mi).
19. At junction 15, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto the M4 toward Slough (2.2 mi).
20. Take the A4 exit signposted Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley (0.3 mi).

Final Segment: From Slough to Windsor Castle

Now on local roads, this final leg of the journey brings you into historic Windsor:

21. At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Road (B470) (1.7 mi).
22. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road (B376/B470) (approx. 210 ft).
23. At the following roundabout, take the 1st exit onto High Street (B470) (0.2 mi).
24. Turn right onto Windsor Road (B470) (1.4 mi).
25. Turn left onto Thames Street (B3022)
    • Please note: sections of this road may be closed at certain times or days (0.2 mi).
26. Turn left onto Castle Hill (266 ft).

Destination: Windsor Castle

You’ve arrived at the majestic Windsor Castle, situated at the top of Castle Hill. This route is a balanced mix of motorway efficiency and scenic local roads, and while it includes tolls, it can often provide a smooth journey, especially during less congested times.

This M6/M1 route is ideal for those comfortable with motorway driving and looking to avoid the more winding stretches of the A-roads while still reaching Windsor in under four hours.

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Getting to Windsor Castle from Chester by Train

Travelling from Chester to Windsor Castle by train typically takes between 3 hours 20 minutes and 4 hours 40 minutes, depending on the route, number of transfers, and the methods used to cross London. While there are no direct trains between Chester and Windsor, there are several viable multi-leg routes, each with its own timing variations based on transfer points, frequency of service, and local connections.

All journeys begin at Chester station, usually heading to Crewe first, followed by a long-distance train to London Euston and a cross-city connection to reach Windsor via Slough. Below are the main routes in detail:

Route 1: Via London Euston – Bus 18 – Paddington – Slough – Windsor

Approximate duration: 4 hr 7 min

• Chester to Crewe: A direct journey taking approximately 22 minutes.
• Crewe to London Euston (Avanti West Coast): A fast intercity service with 3 intermediate stops, lasting about 2 hours and 6 minutes.
• Walk from Euston to Euston Station (Stop E): A short 3-minute walk to the bus stop.
• Bus 18 to Paddington (Hermitage Street): Around 17 minutes, with 14 stops en route. Travel time can fluctuate due to traffic.
• Walk to Paddington Station: Roughly 6 minutes on foot.
• Train to Slough (GWR): A non-stop 15-minute train to Slough.
• Short walk at Slough: About 1 minute to change platforms.
• Train to Windsor & Eton Central (GWR): A 6-minute non-stop journey.
• Walk to Windsor Castle: Around 7 minutes on foot, covering 0.3 miles.

Why it’s longer: Though efficient, this route includes a surface bus journey across London, which introduces potential delays due to city traffic.

Route 2: Via Euston – London Underground – Paddington – Slough – Windsor

Approximate duration: 4 hr 7 min

• Identical start through Chester, Crewe, and London Euston.
• Walk to Euston Square station: Takes approximately 9 minutes.
• London Underground (Circle or Hammersmith & City line): Four stops from Euston Square to Paddington, lasting 8 minutes.
• Walk to the main Paddington rail platforms: Around 2 minutes.
• Continue as in Route 1: Train to Slough, quick platform change, then onward to Windsor & Eton Central, followed by a 7-minute walk to the Castle.

Why it’s efficient: Avoids surface transport, allowing a faster and more consistent cross-London connection via Underground.

Route 3: Via Tottenham Court Road – Elizabeth Line – Slough – Windsor

Approximate duration: 4 hr 27 min

• Start identical through Chester, Crewe, and London Euston.
• Walk to Euston Underground: About 5 minutes.
• Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road: A brief 3-minute ride (3 stops).
• Walk to Elizabeth line platforms: Roughly 1 minute.
• Elizabeth line to Slough: A longer ride, around 35 minutes, with 9 stops, though on a fast and comfortable service.
• Walk at Slough: 1-minute platform change.
• Train to Windsor & Eton Central: 6 minutes.
• Walk to Windsor Castle: 7 minutes.

Why it’s slower: This route has more stops on the Elizabeth line and added transfer time between the tube and Elizabeth line platforms.

Route 4: As above, but the final leg by Bus 703

Approximate duration: 4 hr 37 min

• Identical up to arrival in Slough via Elizabeth line.
• Walk to Wellington Street (Stop H): A 7-minute walk from Slough station.
• Bus 703 towards Bracknell: A 25-minute journey with 7 stops, alighting at Parish Church (Stop J).
• Final walk to Windsor Castle: A short 2-minute stroll.

Why it’s the longest: This route uses a bus instead of a train for the Slough–Windsor leg, which is less predictable due to traffic and adds walking time between stations and stops.

Route 5: Afternoon departure – via Paddington

Approximate duration: 3 hr 20 min (Fastest route)

• Departure at 1:32 PM from Chester, direct to London Euston, with 3 stops and a duration of about 2 hours 4 minutes.
• Short 3-minute walk to Bus 18 at Euston.
• Bus to Hermitage Street: Approx. 17 minutes with 14 stops.
• Walk to Paddington Station: About 6 minutes.
• Train to Slough: A 13-minute non-stop journey.
• Slough to Windsor: 6-minute train ride, followed by a 7-minute walk to the Castle.

Why it’s the fastest: Likely due to better coordination between transfers and fewer delays in the afternoon, plus a shorter train time to Slough.

Route 6: Afternoon departure – via Tottenham Court Road and Elizabeth Line

Approximate duration: 3 hr 20 min

• 2:32 PM departure from Chester on an Avanti West Coast train.
• Arrival at London Euston after around 2 hours 7 minutes.
• Quick 1-minute walk to Underground.
• Northern Line to Tottenham Court Road: 3 minutes.
• Walk to Elizabeth line platforms: 1 minute.
• Elizabeth line to Slough: 35 minutes (9 stops).
• Short platform walk and 6-minute train to Windsor & Eton Central, followed by a walk to the Castle.

Why it’s fast: This route benefits from minimal walking, efficient Elizabeth line timing, and a well-synchronised connection at Slough.

Summary of Differences

• Journey Duration: Varies from 3 hr 20 min to 4 hr 40 min, primarily influenced by:
  • Method of crossing London: Bus, Underground, or Elizabeth line.
  • Transfer timings and walking distances.
  • Traffic conditions, especially on surface buses.
  • Time of day and train availability.
• Faster routes tend to rely on Underground or Elizabeth line services through central London with minimal waiting.
• Slower routes involve bus connections, more walking, or greater transfer times between services.

Despite the journey’s complexity, each route is manageable and leads you directly to Windsor Castle, a mere 7-minute walk from the Windsor & Eton Central station.

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Conclusion

Travelling from Chester to Windsor Castle offers a variety of viable options, whether you prefer the speed and convenience of driving—particularly via the M6 and M40—or the comfort and scenic experience of train travel. Each route comes with its own advantages: the motorway offers the fastest door-to-door journey, while the train provides a stress-free alternative, especially for those less keen on navigating busy motorways or parking near the Castle. Whichever option you choose, your journey will bring you to one of Britain’s most treasured landmarks.

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