Get to Windsor Castle From Reading
Key Points
- Windsor Castle is approximately 20.1 to 23.7 miles (32.4 to 38.1 kilometres) from Reading by car, depending on the chosen route.
- By car, the fastest and most efficient route is via the M4 motorway, taking around 35 minutes and covering 21.5 miles—this route follows the A329(M) to the M4, then through Slough on the A355 and Royal Windsor Way (A332) to reach Castle Hill.
- Alternatively, you can use the A33 to join the M4 (23.7 miles, 37 mins) or take a more scenic route via the A308 through Maidenhead (20.1 miles, 40 mins), though the latter is slower.
- By train, the best route is to travel to Slough and change for a direct train to Windsor & Eton Central, followed by a brief 7-minute walk—this takes just 40 minutes in total and is both straightforward and dependable. Other slower rail or bus options exist, such as connecting via Egham or Staines, but these are longer and less convenient.
- Cycling is also viable, with two main flat routes of just over 21 miles, each taking around 1 hour 49 minutes—either via National Cycle Route 61 for a scenic riverside journey or suburban roads for a smoother but busier ride.
- Overall, the fastest and most reliable method is by train via Slough and Windsor Central, combining speed with ease of access to the castle’s entrance.
🚗 By Car – Comparison Table
| Route | Duration | Distance | Key Roads Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 (via A329 & A3290) | 35 mins | 21.5 mi | A329, A3290, M4, A355, A332 | Fastest route; may have closures near Castle Hill |
| A33 to M4 (via Southern Reading) | 37 mins | 23.7 mi | A33, M4, A355, A332 | Slightly longer; easier for those starting south of Reading |
| M4 & Windsor Rd (A308 – Scenic) | 40 mins | 20.1 mi | A329, A3290, M4, A308, Clarence Rd | Most scenic; avoids Slough, more relaxing but slower |
🚆 By Train – Comparison Table
| Route | Duration | Transfers | Final Walk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading → Slough → Windsor Central | 40 mins | 2 (Train → Train) | 7 min | Fastest & most direct; frequent service |
| Reading → Slough → Bus 8 → Windsor | 56 mins | Train → Bus | 2 min | Slower due to bus, but good backup option |
| Reading → Slough → Bus 702/703 | 1 hr 2 mins | Train → Long-Distance Bus | 2 min | Slightly longer, suitable for long-distance travellers |
| Reading → Egham → Bus 8 → Windsor | 1 hr 25 mins | Train → Local Bus | 1 min | Least efficient; more stops and complex transfer |
| Reading → Staines → Windsor Riverside | 1 hr 30 mins | 2 (Train → Train) | 10 min | Longest; more walking, useful during disruption on Slough line |
🚴 By Cycle – Comparison Table
| Route | Duration | Distance | Terrain Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via National Cycle Route 61 | 1 hr 49 mins | 21.4 mi | Mixed: roads & paths | Scenic, quiet; bridleways & unpaved stretches; suitable for hybrid/gravel bikes |
| Via A329 & Suburban Roads | 1 hr 49 mins | 21.2 mi | Mainly urban roads | Smoother, more traffic; best for confident road cyclists |
Getting to Windsor Castle from Reading by Car
Route 1: Via M4 – Fastest Route
This route is typically the quickest option, with an approximate travel time of 35 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The total distance covered is around 21.5 miles.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions:
Starting Point: Reading, UK
- Take A329 and A3290 to A329(M) in Woodley – Approx. 11 minutes (4.5 miles)
- Begin by heading south on the A329 (0.4 mi)
- Continue straight to remain on the A329 (0.7 mi)
- Use the right two lanes to turn right onto Watlington Street (A329) and continue following the A329 (0.6 mi)
- Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto London Road (A4) (0.5 mi)
- At the Sutton Seeds Roundabout, take the third exit onto the A3290 ramp, signposted for M4/Wokingham/A329(M)/Bracknell (0.3 mi)
- Merge onto A3290 and continue (2.1 mi)
- Take the M4 to A355 in Slough and Exit – Approx. 14 minutes (14.2 miles)
- Continue on A329(M) following signs for the M4 (1.6 mi)
- Take the M4 exit toward London (0.5 mi)
- Keep right and merge onto the M4 motorway (11.9 mi)
- Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 mi)
- Continue on A355, then take Royal Windsor Way (A332) and Clarence Road to Castle Hill in Windsor – Approx. 8 minutes (2.8 miles)
- At the roundabout, take the third exit onto A355 (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) (1.2 mi)
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 mi)
- At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Sheet Street (B3022)
Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or on specific days (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft)
Destination: Windsor Castle
Route 2: Via A33 and M4 – Alternative Route
This alternative option takes approximately 37 minutes in usual traffic conditions and covers a distance of 23.7 miles. While slightly longer than Route 1, depending on your starting location within Reading or traffic conditions on the A329, it may be preferable.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions:
Starting Point: Reading, UK
- Get on the M4 from A33 – Approx. 10 minutes (3.5 miles)
- Begin by heading south on A329 (0.4 mi)
- Merge onto A33 (1.6 mi)
- At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on the A33 (0.3 mi)
- At the next roundabout, take the first exit to continue on A33 (0.3 mi)
- Keep right to stay on A33 (190 ft)
- At the following roundabout, take the second exit to remain on A33 (0.3 mi)
- At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto the M4 ramp heading towards London (0.3 mi)
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto the M4 motorway (0.2 mi)
- Follow the M4 to A355 in Slough and Exit – Approx. 18 minutes (17.4 miles)
- Merge onto the M4 (17.1 mi)
- Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 mi)
- Continue on A355, then take Royal Windsor Way (A332) and Clarence Road to Castle Hill in Windsor – Approx. 8 minutes (2.8 miles)
- At the roundabout, take the third exit onto A355 (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way (A332) (1.2 mi)
- Slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout (0.5 mi)
- Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 mi)
- At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Sheet Street (B3022)
Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or on specific days (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft)
Destination: Windsor Castle
Route 3: Via M4 and Windsor Road (A308) – Scenic Alternative
This route offers a slightly more scenic alternative, taking around 40 minutes under normal conditions and covering a distance of approximately 20.1 miles. Although it is the slowest of the three routes, it is only marginally longer and may be preferred for those wanting to avoid the busier parts of Slough.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions:
Starting Point: Reading, UK
- Take A329, A3290 and A329(M) to join the M4 – Approx. 11 minutes
- Begin by heading south on A329 (0.4 mi)
- Continue straight to stay on A329 (0.7 mi)
- Use the right two lanes to turn right onto Watlington Street (A329) and continue following the A329 (0.6 mi)
- Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto London Road (A4) (0.5 mi)
- At the Sutton Seeds Roundabout, take the third exit onto the A3290 ramp, signposted for M4/Wokingham/A329(M)/Bracknell (0.3 mi)
- Merge onto A3290 (2.1 mi)
- Continue onto A329(M), following signs for the M4 (1.6 mi)
- Join the M4 and take the Holyport Interchange exit – Approx. 9 minutes
- Take the M4 exit toward London (0.5 mi)
- Keep right and merge onto the M4 motorway (7.0 mi)
- Use the left two lanes to take the Holyport Interchange exit (0.2 mi)
- Continue straight onto Holyport Interchange (276 ft)
- Slight left onto A308(M), signposted for Maidenhead Central (0.6 mi)
- Follow Windsor Road (A308) and Maidenhead Road to Castle Hill – Approx. 16 minutes (8.7 miles)
- At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Windsor Road (A308) (4.3 mi)
- At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto Maidenhead Road (0.2 mi)
- Continue onto Arthur Road (0.3 mi)
- At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Charles Street (0.2 mi)
- At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Clarence Road (144 ft)
- Continue onto Victoria Street (0.3 mi)
- At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Sheet Street (B3022)
Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or on specific days (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Castle Hill (266 ft)
Destination: Windsor Castle
Getting to Windsor Castle From Reading by Train
Travelling from Reading to Windsor Castle by train offers a range of journey options, with durations varying between approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. The total time depends on the combination of train services, the number of transfers required, and whether a bus is involved in the journey’s final stretch.
Below is a breakdown of the various available routes and why travel times differ:
Fastest Option – Around 40 Minutes
- Journey Time: Approx. 40 minutes
- Connections: Train from Reading to Slough → Short walk → Train to Windsor & Eton Central → Walk to the castle
- Transfers: 1 train change and 1 short walk
This is the quickest and most direct option, involving:
- A train from Reading to Slough (20 min, 4 stops)
- A very brief walk at Slough station (about 1 min)
- A connecting train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central (6 min, non-stop)
- A final walk of around 7 minutes (0.3 miles) to Windsor Castle
The journey is efficient because of the minimal waiting time between connections and a short transfer distance.
Alternative Option – Around 56 Minutes
- Journey Time: Approx. 56 minutes
- Connections: Train to Slough → Walk → Bus to Windsor → Walk to the castle
- Transfers: 1 train, 1 bus, and 2 short walks
This route begins in the same way as the fastest option:
- Train to Slough (20 min)
- Walk of about 6 minutes to the bus stop
However, instead of a train transfer, this journey uses Bus 8 from Slough to Windsor (20 min, 7 stops). From the final bus stop at Parish Church, there is a short 2-minute walk (0.1 miles) to the castle.
This route typically takes longer due to:
- Additional waiting time for the bus
- Slower bus journey compared to the train
It may, however, be a convenient alternative if there are delays or closures on the train line between Slough and Windsor.
Longer Bus Transfer Option – Around 1 Hour 2 Minutes
- Journey Time: Approx. 1 hour 2 minutes
- Connections: Train to Slough → Walk → Bus 702 or 703 → Walk to the castle
- Transfers: 1 train, 1 long-distance bus, 2 short walks
This option follows a similar structure to the previous route but uses Bus 702 (London line) or 703 (Flightline) instead:
- After a short walk from Slough station to Wellington Street (Stop H), the bus takes 23 minutes (7 stops) to reach Windsor
- A 2-minute walk (0.1 miles) brings you to the castle
This route can take longer because the bus service may be slower through local traffic and involve slightly longer walking or waiting times.
Via Egham with Bus Transfer – Around 1 Hour 25 Minutes
- Journey Time: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes
- Connections: Train from Reading to Egham → Walk → Bus to Windsor → Walk to the castle
- Transfers: 1 train, 1 local bus, and 2 short walks
This journey involves:
- A 43-minute train from Reading to Egham (11 stops)
- A 4-minute walk to the bus stop
- A 28-minute ride on Bus 8 (24 stops), arriving near WH Smith in Windsor
- A final 1-minute walk to the castle
This is the most complex route so far, involving more stops and longer waiting times, making it the least time-efficient unless preferred for other personal or logistical reasons.
Via Staines with Train Transfer – Around 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- Journey Time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Connections: Train from Reading to Staines → Walk → Train to Windsor & Eton Riverside → Walk to the castle
- Transfers: 2 trains and a longer final walk
The route includes:
- A 49-minute train ride from Reading to Staines (12 stops)
- A brief 1-minute walk to the connecting platform
- A 17-minute train to Windsor & Eton Riverside (4 stops)
- A final 10-minute walk (0.4 miles) to Windsor Castle
This option takes longer due to:
- Increased number of train stops
- A longer final walking distance
- Longer overall travel distance
Though slower, this may be useful when trains on the Slough–Windsor line are unavailable or delayed.
Summary
| Route Option | Approx. Duration | Transfers | Final Leg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest via Slough & Windsor Central Train | 40 minutes | Train → Train → Walk | 7-min walk |
| Via Slough & Bus 8 | 56 minutes | Train → Bus → Walk | 2-min walk |
| Via Slough & Bus 702/703 | 1 hr 2 mins | Train → Bus → Walk | 2-min walk |
| Via Egham & Bus 8 | 1 hr 25 mins | Train → Bus → Walk | 1-min walk |
| Via Staines & Windsor Riverside Train | 1 hr 30 mins | Train → Train → Walk | 10-min walk |
Each route offers a viable way to reach Windsor Castle from Reading, and the best option may depend on personal preference, available connections, and live service conditions on the day of travel. The route via Slough and direct train to Windsor & Eton Central remains the fastest and most straightforward under normal conditions.
Getting to Windsor Castle From Reading by Cycle
Cycling from Reading to Windsor Castle can be a scenic and enjoyable way to travel, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour 49 minutes. The total distance covered is just over 21 miles, and the terrain is described as mostly flat, making it a fairly manageable ride for regular cyclists.
There are two primary route options, both similar in distance and duration but differing slightly in terms of road type, traffic levels, and surface conditions. Both routes include sections of restricted usage roads or bridleways, so caution and local awareness are advised.
Route 1: Via National Cycle Route 61 (Approx. 21.4 miles, 1 hr 49 min)
This route takes you southeast from Reading, incorporating Cycle Route 52 and parts of National Cycle Route 61, meandering through bridleways, quiet lanes, and stretches alongside the Thames.
Key Features:
- Begins on local roads through the centre of Reading, moving through St Mary’s Butts, Bridge Street, and London Street before joining the Thames Path.
- Several riverside segments make for a pleasant and largely traffic-free experience early on.
- The route then follows bristleway circuits through Knowl Hill and Maidenhead, eventually connecting to Monkey Island Lane and Old Mill Lane, leading into Bray and Eton.
- The final stretch crosses through Eton Court and High Street into Thames Street, which leads directly up to Windsor Castle via Castle Hill.
Considerations:
- Although largely flat, this route includes sections with restricted or private access, particularly through Knowl Hill and parts of Route 61, which may not always be suitable for all cyclists or bikes.
- Some surfaces may be unpaved or variable, so hybrid or gravel bikes may be better suited than road bikes.
- Certain segments near the end of the route, such as Thames Street and Castle Hill, may have time-based access restrictions or be busy with pedestrian traffic.
This route is ideal for those preferring green corridors, quieter roads, and scenic riverside stretches, though some segments may require careful navigation or dismounting where public access is limited.
Route 2: Via A329 and Suburban Roads (Approx. 21.2 miles, 1 hr 49 min)
This alternative route follows a more urban and suburban pattern, with more time spent on A-roads and residential streets.
Key Features:
- The route begins similarly through Oxford Road and Bridge Street in Reading but diverges earlier, heading onto London Road (A329).
- It continues eastwards via Toutley Road and Queens Road, moving through Wokingham, Bracknell, and Warfield, with numerous roundabouts and suburban junctions.
- After crossing Harvest Ride and Warfield Street, the route takes you along Winkfield Lane and finally into Windsor via North Street, Imperial Road, and Clarence Road.
- The final section winds through Victoria Street and Sheet Street, joining the High Street just before reaching Castle Hill and Windsor Castle.
Considerations:
- While this route avoids bridleways and is generally smoother under the tyre, it includes more vehicular traffic and multiple roundabouts, particularly through Bracknell and surrounding suburbs.
- Certain road segments, especially Sheet Street and High Street, may be closed or partially restricted at specific times (e.g. market days or during public events).
- Traffic density may vary by time of day, so off-peak cycling is advisable for a more relaxed ride.
This route may be better suited for road cyclists or those preferring more consistent tarmac, but it sacrifices some of the tranquillity and charm of the bridleway-based alternative.
Both cycling routes from Reading to Windsor Castle are of similar length and time, so your choice may come down to your comfort level with road traffic versus trail conditions and your type of bicycle.
Whichever you choose, always be mindful of local signage, and note that some paths may not reflect current conditions or temporary restrictions. Consider planning your ride during daylight hours and carrying a repair kit and hydration, especially if travelling through rural areas with fewer services.
Conclusion
Travelling from Reading to Windsor Castle offers a range of efficient and scenic options. For speed and ease, the train route via Slough and Windsor & Eton Central is the most straightforward and reliable, while driving via the M4 provides a quick and flexible alternative for motorists. Cyclists can enjoy a pleasant journey on mostly flat terrain, choosing between quieter bridleways or more direct suburban roads. Ultimately, the best route depends on your preferred mode of travel, time constraints, and the experience you’re after.
