Get to Windsor Castle From Colchester
Key Points
- Windsor Castle is approximately 95.5 miles (153.7 kilometres) from Colchester via the A12 and M25 or about 88.6 miles (142.6 kilometres) via the A12 alternative route.
- By car, the quickest route is via the A12 and M25, taking about 2 hours over 95.5 miles, offering a direct and efficient journey using major motorways.
- A slightly shorter but slower 88.6-mile alternative via the A12 and London’s North Circular takes around 2 hours 31 minutes and may suit those wishing to avoid the M4.
- By train, the most efficient route takes roughly 2 hours and 16 minutes, involving a Greater Anglia service to Liverpool Street, the Elizabeth Line to Slough, and then a short GWR shuttle to Windsor & Eton Central—ideal for those seeking comfort with minimal changes.
- Cycling, while scenic and rewarding, is best for seasoned riders, with the shortest path via National Cycle Route 1 taking just under 8 hours.
- The train route via Liverpool Street and Slough is generally the best, balancing speed, reliability, and comfort without the stress of motorway traffic or extended physical exertion.
🚗 By Car – Comparison Table
| Route | Main Roads Used | Distance | Time (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | A12 → M25 → M4 | 95.5 miles | 2 hrs | Fastest route overall |
| Route 2 | A12 → M25 → M11 → A406 → A40 → A312 → M4 | 88.6 miles | 2 hrs 31 mins | Shorter distance, but longer due to complexity and urban traffic |
🚆 By Train – Comparison Table
| Route | Transfers | Time Range | Final Leg to Windsor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Stratford > Paddington > Slough > Bus | 3 changes | 2 hr 17–26 mins | Bus from Slough (16–20 mins) | Involves a street-level bus at end |
| 2. Liverpool Street > Slough > Train | 2 changes | 2 hr 16–43 mins | GWR train (6 mins) | Fastest rail-only option |
| 3. Liverpool Street > Slough > Bus | 2 changes | ~2 hr 47 mins | Bus from Slough | Slightly longer due to bus leg |
| 4. Later start variation | 2 changes | ~2 hr 31 mins | Train from Slough | Shorter train ride to London but longer walk to station |
🚴 By Cycle – Comparison Table
| Route | Distance | Time (approx.) | Key Stops | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1: Nat’l Cycle Route 1 | 89.0 miles | 7 hr 54 mins | Chelmsford, Brentwood, Richmond Park | Shortest and fastest, minor restricted access areas |
| Route 2: Nat’l Route 1 + Canal | 93.3 miles | 8 hr 6 mins | Hatfield Forest, Regent’s Park, Little Venice | Scenic canal route, may be slippery or crowded |
| Route 3: Route 61 | 94.7 miles | 8 hr 10 mins | Hertford, St Albans, Eton Wick | Longer, peaceful and historic, possible closures near Hatfield |
Getting to Windsor Castle From Colchester By Car
Route 1: Via A12 and M25
This route, taking approximately 2 hours under typical conditions, covers a distance of 95.5 miles and is considered the fastest option.
- Start in Colchester, UK
- Head south on Rotary Way (413 ft).
- Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout to stay on Rotary Way (299 ft).
- Turn left onto Westway/A134 (0.1 mi).
- Take the 5th exit at the roundabout to stay on Westway/A134 (0.4 mi).
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Colne Bank Ave/A133 and continue to follow A133 (1.2 mi).
- Merge onto A12
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A12 ramp to London/Chelmsford (0.6 mi).
- Merge onto A12 and continue for 35.9 miles.
- Join the M25
- Use the left 2 lanes to take the M25/A1023 ramp to Stansted Arpt/M11/Dartford Xing/Brentwood (0.2 mi).
- Take the 4th exit onto the M25 ramp at the roundabout to M11/M1/Stansted Arpt/Watford (1.1 mi).
- Continue on M25 for 49.8 miles.
- Merge onto M4
- At junction 15, use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M4 toward Slough (2.2 mi).
- Take the A4 exit toward Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley (0.3 mi).
- Follow B470 to Windsor
- Follow the B470 to Castle Hill in Windsor, which will take approximately 10 minutes over 3.6 miles.
- At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Rd/B470 (1.7 mi).
- Take the 2nd exit onto London Rd/B376/B470 (210 ft) at the roundabout.
- At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto High St/B470 (0.2 mi).
- Turn right onto Windsor Rd/B470 (1.4 mi).
- Turn left onto Thames St/B3022 (note: parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days) (0.2 mi).
- Turn left onto Castle Hill (266 ft).
Arrival at Windsor Castle
You will have arrived at Windsor Castle.
Route 2: Via A12
This alternative driving route from Colchester to Windsor Castle takes approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes in usual traffic conditions, covering a distance of 88.6 miles. While not the fastest, it offers a slightly shorter distance than Route 1 and may appeal to those wanting to bypass certain motorways.
- Start in Colchester, UK
- Head south on Rotary Way (413 ft).
- Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout to remain on Rotary Way (299 ft).
- Turn left onto Westway/A134 (0.1 mi).
- Take the 5th exit at the roundabout to stay on Westway/A134 (0.4 mi).
- Take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto Colne Bank Ave/A133, continuing along the A133 (1.2 mi).
- At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A12 ramp to London/Chelmsford (0.6 mi).
- Continue on A12, M25, and M11 toward London
- Merge onto A12 (35.9 mi).
- Use the left 2 lanes to take the M25/A1023 ramp to Stansted Airport/M11/Dartford Crossing/Brentwood (0.2 mi).
- Take the 4th exit onto the M25 ramp at the roundabout to M11/M1/Stansted Arpt/Watford (1.1 mi).
- Merge onto M25 (6.4 mi).
- Take the M11(N) exit toward Cambridge/Harlow/Stansted Airport (0.3 mi).
- Use the left 2 lanes to merge onto M11 via the ramp to London (NE) (7.0 mi).
- Keep right to stay on M11 (0.2 mi).
- At Junction 4, use the right lane to take the A406 S/A406 W exit to North Circular/A12/A13/A503/A10/A1 (0.5 mi).
- Get on the M4 in Harlington via A406, A40 (Western Ave) and A312
- Merge onto North Circular Rd/A406 (3.8 mi).
- Keep right to continue on Angel Rd/N Circular Rd/A406 and continue along A406 (3.6 mi).
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Telford Rd/N Circular Rd/A406 and continue following the A406 (3.9 mi).
- Slight left to stay on A406 (5.9 mi).
- At Hanger Lane Gyratory, take the 4th exit (0.5 mi).
- Merge onto Western Ave/A40 (3.2 mi).
- Use the left lane to take the ramp to Heathrow Airport/Hayes/Southall/Yeading/A312 (0.2 mi).
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Church Rd/A312 (0.7 mi).
- Take the 2nd exit onto The Parkway/A312 (0.7 mi) at the next roundabout.
- Continue through the next two roundabouts, each time taking the 2nd exit to stay on The Parkway/A312 (2.1 mi and 0.4 mi respectively).
- At Cranford Parkway Interchange, take the 5th exit onto the M4 ramp to Heathrow Airport/M25/Terminals 1, 2, 3/Slough (0.7 mi).
- Continue on M4 to Slough
- Merge onto M4 (4.9 mi).
- Take the A4 exit toward Colnbrook/B470/Datchet/Langley (0.3 mi).
- Follow B470 to Castle Hill in Windsor
- At Langley Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Major’s Farm Rd/B470 (1.7 mi).
- Take the 2nd exit onto London Rd/B376/B470 (210 ft) at the roundabout.
- At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto High St/B470 (0.2 mi).
- Turn right onto Windsor Rd/B470 (1.4 mi).
- Turn left onto Thames St/B3022 (note: parts of this road may be closed at specific times or days) (0.2 mi).
- Turn left onto Castle Hill (266 ft).
Arrival at Windsor Castle
You will reach Windsor Castle, a short walk from the end of Castle Hill.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Colchester by Train
Travelling from Colchester to Windsor Castle by train can take anywhere between 2 hours 16 minutes and 2 hours 47 minutes, depending on the specific route, waiting times between connections, and chosen departure time. Multiple train routes are available, involving a mix of walking, train changes, and occasionally a short bus ride.
Route Options and Differences
1. Via Stratford, Paddington, Slough and Bus to Windsor
Journey time: Approximately 2 hr 17 min to 2 hr 26 min
This route begins with a Greater Anglia train from Hythe or Colchester to Stratford, taking just under an hour. From there, you change to the Elizabeth Line towards Paddington, a short hop of around 22 minutes.
Once at Paddington, you take a Great Western Railway (GWR) service to Slough, which is a non-stop 16–17-minute ride. At Slough, you exit the station and walk about 6 minutes to a bus stop on Wellington Street. You then board a bus (either route 8 or route 103) towards Windsor. These buses take approximately 16 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of stops.
This route’s total journey time varies slightly due to bus frequency and minor waiting periods between transfers.
2. Via Liverpool Street, Slough and Train to Windsor & Eton Central
Journey time: Approximately 2 hr 16 min to 2 hr 43 min
In this variation, the train from Hythe or Colchester goes directly to Liverpool Street, typically taking 1 hr 10 minutes. After a 6-minute walk through the station, you board the Elizabeth Line westbound toward Reading, reaching Slough in about 40–41 minutes.
From Slough, a direct GWR shuttle train takes you to Windsor & Eton Central, a quick 6-minute ride. Finally, a short 7-minute walk leads to Windsor Castle.
This is generally a more seamless route compared to the bus-based alternative, as it avoids street-level transport changes. However, it can take a little longer overall if transfer times or walking segments are extended due to platform changes or crowd levels.
3. Slightly Longer Variation via Bus from Slough After Liverpool Street Route
Journey time: Approximately 2 hr 47 min
This version follows the same initial route through Liverpool Street and the Elizabeth Line to Slough. However, instead of taking the train from Slough to Windsor, you walk to Wellington Street and take Bus 8, which involves a 16-minute ride and then a short walk to the castle.
The extended journey time here stems from longer walking transfers (6 minutes at Liverpool Street and again at Slough), bus boarding, and occasional waiting time for the bus service.
4. Later Start, Shorter Rail Journey to Liverpool Street
Journey time: Approximately 2 hr 31 min
A variation with a later start from Colchester includes a longer walk to the station, followed by a quicker train ride to Liverpool Street (just 47 minutes), and then the standard Elizabeth Line and GWR combination via Slough to Windsor & Eton Central. The total time slightly increases due to the initial walk but is balanced by fewer train stops early in the journey.
Why Travel Times Differ
- Origin station matters: Departing from Hythe involves a slightly longer train ride than directly from Colchester station.
- Connection gaps: Small waiting periods between trains, especially at Paddington and Liverpool Street, add to overall time.
- Bus vs. train at Slough: Using a bus to Windsor is slower and more variable than taking the direct train to Windsor & Eton Central.
- Walking distance: Some routes involve longer walking transfers between platforms or to bus stops.
- Stop count: Trains with fewer intermediate stops or non-stop segments (such as Paddington to Slough) are generally quicker.
All routes from Colchester to Windsor Castle involve at least two changes, usually at Stratford or Liverpool Street and again at Slough. The journey duration changes slightly depending on whether you take a bus or a connecting train from Slough. The fastest journeys are around 2 hr 16 min, with longer options stretching to about 2 hr 47 min, typically when involving more walking or waiting time between legs of the trip.
Travellers prioritising speed and comfort should aim for a rail-only route via Liverpool Street and Slough, minimising both walking and bus transfers.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Colchester by Cycle
Cycling from Colchester to Windsor Castle is a scenic and ambitious journey best suited to experienced cyclists prepared for a full day on the road. The distance varies depending on the route chosen, ranging from approximately 89 to 95 miles, with the average ride time between 7 hours 54 minutes and 8 hours 10 minutes. Below are the key options for this journey:
Option 1: Via National Cycle Route 1 (Approx. 89.0 miles – 7 hr 54 min)
This is the shortest and fastest route, primarily following National Cycle Route 1, which offers a relatively direct path through East Anglia and into the outskirts of Greater London. While the route is generally well-signposted and largely traffic-free, certain sections are on restricted usage or private roads, so alternative local paths or detours may occasionally be necessary.
- Elevation gain: 1,736 ft · Descent: 1,634 ft
- Highest point: 331 ft · Lowest point: 16 ft
- Notable places along the way: Chelmsford, Brentwood, Romford, Richmond Park
- Cautions: Check for signage around private land near Epping Forest and areas south of Brentwood.
Option 2: Via National Cycle Route 1 and the Grand Union Canal Walk (Approx. 93.3 miles – 8 hr 6 min)
This scenic route combines National Cycle Route 1 with sections of the Grand Union Canal Walk, offering a more tranquil, picturesque experience, particularly ideal for those who appreciate canal-side cycling. The path is longer but tends to avoid busier roads once near London.
- Elevation gain: 1,804 ft · Descent: 1,706 ft
- Highest point: 377 ft · Lowest point: 23 ft
- Notable places: Hatfield Forest, Waltham Abbey, Regent’s Park, Little Venice, Slough
- Cautions: Some sections of the canal path may be narrow, uneven, or slippery in wet weather. Pedestrian traffic can be high, particularly in Central London.
Option 3: Via Route 61 (Approx. 94.7 miles – 8 hr 10 min)
This alternative uses Route 61, offering a more Western approach than the others. It passes through St Albans and several historic villages, making it a charming albeit slightly longer option.
- Elevation gain: 1,706 ft · Descent: 1,608 ft
- Highest point: 341 ft · Lowest point: 23 ft
- Notable places: Hertford, Hatfield, St Albans, Eton Wick
- Cautions: There are minor route closures near Hatfield at times for maintenance — always check Sustrans or local cycling forums for updates.
Each route offers its own balance of scenery, directness, and complexity. If you’re aiming for speed, Route 1 is the best bet, though be prepared for occasional restrictions. The canal path variation brings beauty and calm but at the cost of extra mileage and pedestrian traffic. Meanwhile, Route 61 makes for a peaceful ride with historical charm, perfect for a more leisurely pace. Whichever path you choose, plan ahead, bring supplies, and enjoy the journey through some of England’s most varied landscapes en route to the majestic Windsor Castle.
Conclusion
Travelling from Colchester to Windsor Castle offers several viable options, each catering to different preferences. For speed and simplicity, the A12 and M25 car route provides the quickest drive. Rail travellers will find the Liverpool Street–Slough–Windsor train combination the most efficient and comfortable, while adventurous cyclists can enjoy a rewarding full-day journey via scenic national cycle routes. Whether by road, rail, or bike, each route combines practical convenience with the promise of arriving at one of Britain’s most iconic royal landmarks.
