Get to Windsor Castle From Salisbury
Key Points
- Windsor Castle is approximately 68 miles (109.4 kilometres) from Salisbury via the M3 or around 82.7 miles (133.1 kilometres) via the M4.
- By car, the fastest and most direct route is via the M3 motorway, taking around 1 hour and 24 minutes over 68.2 miles, making it the most efficient choice for those seeking speed and convenience.
- An alternative route via the M4 motorway takes about 1 hour 32 minutes and is slightly longer at 82.7 miles but may be preferable if the M3 is congested.
- For train travellers, the fastest rail route is via Clapham Junction, involving only one change and taking as little as 2 hours 19 minutes. Other train options, such as via Basingstoke, Reading, and Slough, are well-connected but take slightly longer, at around 2 hours and 35 minutes.
- More complex routes via Woking and Heathrow or Bath Spa and Reading are also available but can take over 3 hours depending on connections and bus timings.
- For cycling enthusiasts, three scenic long-distance rides are available via the National Cycle Network, the shortest being 78.9 miles (Route 24), taking over 7 hours and showcasing historic countryside landmarks, though all include stretches with restricted access.
- Overall, driving via the M3 stands out as the best option for most travellers due to its directness and efficiency, while the Clapham Junction train route offers the quickest public transport journey with minimal changes.
🚗 By Car: Salisbury to Windsor Castle
| Route | Distance (miles) | Duration (approx.) | Main Roads Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via M3 (Fastest) | 68.2 | 1 hr 24 min | A36, A30, A343, A303, M3, A332 | Efficient motorway route, minimal traffic |
| Via M4 (Alternative) | 82.7 | 1 hr 32 min | A36, A30, A343, A303, A34, M4 | Longer but good back-up in M3 congestion |
🚆 By Train: Salisbury to Windsor Castle
| Route | Journey Time | Changes | Final Leg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Basingstoke–Reading–Slough | 2 hr 35 – 2 hr 41 min | 3–4 | Train or local bus | Balanced, efficient route |
| Via Woking–Heathrow | 2 hr 50 – 3 hr 15 min | 4 | Local bus | Variable depending on bus taken |
| Via Bath Spa–Reading | 3 hr – 3 hr 5 min | 4 | Short train + walk | Scenic but slower, more transitions |
| Via Clapham Junction | 2 hr 19 – 2 hr 25 min | 1 | Train + 9-min walk | Fastest with minimal changes |
🚴 By Cycle: Salisbury to Windsor Castle
| Route | Distance (miles) | Time (approx.) | Elevation Gain (ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Cycle Route 24 | 78.9 | 7 hr 3 min | 2,408 | Scenic via Wylye Valley, includes aqueduct and tunnel |
| National Cycle Route 45 | 88.3 | 7 hr 34 min | 1,509 | Historic towns, Magna Carta sites, gentle elevation |
| Route 24 + Test Way Combo | 80.4 | 7 hr | 1,529 | Combines riverside views and heritage stops |
Getting to Windsor Castle from Salisbury by Car
Route 1: Via M3 (Fastest Route)
If you’re travelling by car from Salisbury to Windsor Castle, the quickest and most efficient option is via the M3 motorway. This journey typically takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes under normal traffic conditions and covers a distance of approximately 68.2 miles.
Below is a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the route:
1. Departing from Salisbury
- Start your journey in Salisbury, UK.
- Head west on New Canal for 0.2 miles.
- Turn right onto Silver Street, then continue for 223 feet.
- Silver Street curves left and becomes Minster Street, continuing for 381 feet.
- Continue onto Castle Street and go through one roundabout, covering 0.4 miles.
2. Follow Churchill Way N/A36 and London Road to A30 in Laverstock
- At Castle Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Churchill Way N/A36 (0.5 miles).
- At St Mark’s Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road/A30 (1.0 mile).
- At Bishopdown Farm Roundabout, take the 1st exit (108 feet), then shortly after, take the 2nd exit to remain on London Road/A30 (0.2 miles).
- At Hampton Park Roundabout, take the 3rd exit, staying on London Road/A30 for another 0.3 miles.
3. Continue to Andover and Join the A303
- At St Thomas’ Bridge Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A30 (5.7 miles).
- Continue straight onto the A343 for 8.1 miles.
- Take the 1st exit onto Salisbury Road/A343 (0.3 miles) at the next roundabout.
- Use the right lane to merge onto Andover Bypass/A303 via the ramp signposted London/Basingstoke/Newbury/A34 (0.5 miles).
4. Follow A303 and M3 Towards Windsor
- Merge onto Andover Bypass/A303 and continue for 15.3 miles.
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto the M3 motorway (24.3 miles).
- At junction 3, use the left 2 lanes to take the A322 exit toward Woking/Bracknell (0.2 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto A322 (1.7 miles).
- Keep right to continue on Bracknell Road/A322 (0.1 miles).
5. Final Stretch via A332 to Windsor Castle
- Take the 2nd exit onto Swinley Road/A332 at the roundabout and continue for 2.7 miles.
- At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Kings Ride/A332 (0.1 mile).
- Proceed through another roundabout, taking the 2nd exit onto Windsor Road/A332 (2.3 miles).
- At the following roundabout, take the 4th exit to stay on A332 (3.3 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Kings Road (0.5 miles).
- Continue onto Sheet Street/B3022 (0.3 miles), going through one more roundabout.
- Please note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days.
- Finally, turn right onto Castle Hill (266 feet) to reach Windsor Castle.
This route offers a smooth blend of city roads and major motorways, ensuring an efficient drive from Salisbury straight to the historic grounds of Windsor Castle.
Route 2: Via M4 (Alternative Route)
An alternative option for driving from Salisbury to Windsor Castle is the M4 motorway. This route is slightly longer both in time and distance, taking around 1 hour and 32 minutes and covering approximately 82.7 miles under typical traffic conditions. Depending on roadworks or congestion along the M3, it may be a useful choice.
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for this route:
1. Departing from Salisbury
- Begin your journey in Salisbury, UK.
- Head west on New Canal for 0.2 miles.
- Turn right onto Silver Street, continuing for 223 feet.
- Silver Street curves left and becomes Minster Street; continue for 381 feet.
- Continue onto Castle Street and go through one roundabout (0.4 miles).
- At Castle Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Churchill Way N/A36 (0.5 miles).
- At St Mark’s Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road/A30 (1.0 mile).
- At Bishopdown Farm Roundabout, take the 1st exit (108 feet), then immediately take the 2nd exit onto London Road/A30 (0.2 miles).
- At Hampton Park Roundabout, take the 3rd exit, staying on London Road/A30 for another 0.3 miles.
2. Join the A34 via A30, A343 and A303
- At St Thomas’ Bridge Roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto the A30 (5.7 miles).
- Continue straight onto A343 for 8.1 miles.
- Take the 1st exit onto Salisbury Road/A343 (0.3 miles) at the next roundabout.
- Use the right lane to merge onto Andover Bypass/A303 via the ramp signposted London/Basingstoke/Newbury/A34 (8.2 miles).
- Take the A34 exit toward S. Wonston/S. Scotney/Bullington/Newbury/Winchester (0.1 mile).
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the A34 ramp to Newbury (0.1 mile).
3. Follow A34 and M4 to Slough
- Merge onto the A34 and drive for 20.2 miles.
- Take the exit toward Chieveley (0.5 miles).
- Take the 3rd exit onto the M4 ramp at the roundabout, signposted London/Reading (0.5 miles).
- Merge onto the M4 and continue for 33.2 miles.
- Take the exit toward A355 (0.3 miles).
4. Final Approach to Windsor Castle via A355 and A332
- At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355 (0.5 miles).
- Continue onto Royal Windsor Way/A332 (1.2 miles).
- Take a slight left onto Clarence Road, going through one roundabout (0.5 miles).
- Continue onto Victoria Street for 0.3 miles.
- Take the 1st exit onto Sheet Street/B3022 at the roundabout and continue for 0.2 miles.
- Note: Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days.
- Finally, turn right onto Castle Hill (266 feet) to reach Windsor Castle.
This M4 route offers a smooth, mostly motorway-based journey, ideal for those who avoid the M3 corridor or travel via Newbury and Slough. It may also serve as a good backup in the event of congestion on the faster route.
Getting to Windsor Castle from Salisbury by Train
Travelling from Salisbury to Windsor Castle by train involves multiple route options, each varying in terms of journey time, number of connections, walking distances, and overall convenience. Travel times can range approximately between 2 hours 20 minutes and 3 hours 15 minutes, depending on the route selected and connection efficiency. Below is a detailed overview of the various options, highlighting what causes differences in journey durations.
1. Route via Basingstoke, Reading and Slough
Approximate journey time: 2 hr 35 min – 2 hr 40 min
This is a commonly used route involving a combination of the South Western Railway, Great Western Railway, and the Elizabeth Line, with a short local connection at the end.
- Key stops include Basingstoke, Reading, and Slough before reaching Windsor & Eton Central Station.
- There are usually five-minute to ten-minute waiting periods at each interchange.
- Final access to Windsor Castle requires a short walk of around 7 minutes from Windsor & Eton Central.
- In some variants of this route, instead of continuing the entire way by rail, passengers may switch at Slough to a local bus (Route 103) for the final leg, extending total travel time slightly.
Why journey times vary:
Slight delays at interchange points (such as Slough or Reading), and whether one completes the final segment by rail or bus, can make this route between 2 hours 36 minutes and 2 hours 41 minutes.
2. Route via Woking and Heathrow
Approximate journey time: 2 hr 50 min – 3 hr 15 min
This more complex route involves:
- Taking a train from Salisbury to Woking, followed by the RailAir coach service to Heathrow Airport.
- From Heathrow, travellers then switch to local buses (e.g. Route 5 or Route 8) to reach Windsor Town Centre.
- The Woking leg typically takes just over an hour, followed by a 30-minute coach to Heathrow, and finally a 17 to 60-minute bus journey to Windsor, depending on the route and number of stops.
- There are also brief walking transfers at Woking, Heathrow, and Windsor.
- The journey ends with a short 1–2 minute walk from the town centre bus stop to Windsor Castle.
Why journey times vary:
Differences in this route arise from bus frequency and number of stops. For instance, Route 8 from Heathrow to Windsor is particularly lengthy (over an hour, with 40 stops), while Route 5 and 10 combinations are more direct. Depending on the bus taken, the total journey time ranges from 2 hours 50 minutes to over 3 hours.
3. Route via Bath Spa and Reading
Approximate journey time: 3 hr – 3 hr 5 min
This option takes a Great Western Railway train from Salisbury to Bath Spa, followed by another train to Reading, where passengers transfer to the Elizabeth Line, then onto a short train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central.
- Each leg includes minimal walking (1 minute at most between platforms).
- Waiting times between trains are typically brief, though they can add up slightly across four changes.
- As with the Basingstoke route, the final approach includes a 7-minute walk from Windsor station.
Why journey times vary:
Though scenic, this route involves a larger geographic loop, slightly longer travel legs, and more transitions, making it one of the slowest options at around 3 hours.
4. Direct route via Clapham Junction
Approximate journey time: 2 hr 20 min – 2 hr 25 min
This is one of the fastest available train routes to Windsor.
- It includes a South Western Railway service from Salisbury to Clapham Junction, then a direct train to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
- The journey involves only one train change, a 3-minute walk at Clapham, and a final 9-minute walk to the Castle.
Why journey times vary:
Although the journey is longer in terms of distance travelled, the direct Riverside line avoids multiple train and bus transitions, making it efficient and consistent, with total travel time as low as 2 hours 19 minutes.
Each route has its advantages depending on what the traveller values most — speed, scenery, or simplicity. The route via Clapham Junction is usually the most time-efficient, while the Woking–Heathrow option might appeal to those who need flexibility or are travelling from the airport area.
Getting to Windsor Castle From Salisbury By Cycle
Cycling from Salisbury to Windsor Castle offers a delightful journey through the English countryside, with several route options available via the National Cycle Network. Below are three recommended routes, each with its unique features:
Route 1: National Cycle Route 24
- Distance: 78.9 miles (127 km)
- Estimated Time: 7 hours 3 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 2,408 ft (734 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2,444 ft (745 m)
- Highest Point: 551 ft (168 m)
- Lowest Point: 62 ft (19 m)
This route guides you through the picturesque Wylye Valley, offering serene views of the English countryside. Notable landmarks along the way include the historic Dundas Aqueduct, a Scheduled Ancient Monument that carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon. Additionally, you’ll pass near the Combe Down Tunnel, the UK’s longest cycling and walking tunnel, stretching 1,672 metres. Please note that this route includes sections with restricted usage or private roads.
Route 2: National Cycle Route 45
- Distance: 88.3 miles (142 km)
- Estimated Time: 7 hours 34 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 1,509 ft (460 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1,545 ft (471 m)
- Highest Point: 518 ft (158 m)
- Lowest Point: 56 ft (17 m)
Starting in the shadow of Salisbury Cathedral, renowned for having the tallest spire in Britain and housing original Magna Carta manuscripts, this route, also known as the Mercian Way, takes you through charming towns and scenic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll encounter the historic Hampton Loade Ferry and the impressive Daniel’s Mill, still powered by its massive iron water wheel. This route also includes sections with restricted usage or private roads.
Route 3: National Cycle Route 24 and Test Way
- Distance: 80.4 miles (129 km)
- Estimated Time: 7 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,529 ft (466 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1,565 ft (477 m)
- Highest Point: 682 ft (208 m)
- Lowest Point: 56 ft (17 m)
This route combines the scenic beauty of National Cycle Route 24 with the historic Test Way. Along the journey, you’ll pass near Mottisfont Abbey, a romantic house and gallery set in beautiful riverside gardens. As with the other routes, there are sections with restricted usage or private roads.
Note: All routes include sections with restricted usage or private roads. It’s advisable to check local access rights and any potential closures before embarking on your journey.
Conclusion
Travelling from Salisbury to Windsor Castle offers a range of options to suit different preferences. Driving via the M3 is the most efficient route for those prioritising speed and convenience. Train travellers will find the Clapham Junction connection the quickest and simplest public transport choice. Meanwhile, cycling enthusiasts can enjoy scenic countryside journeys via National Cycle Network routes, though they should be mindful of restricted access sections. Ultimately, the best route depends on individual priorities—time, comfort, or the journey experience itself.
