Get to Windsor Castle from Covent Garden

To travel from Covent Garden to Windsor Castle, take the Piccadilly Line from Covent Garden Underground Station to Hammersmith Station. At Hammersmith, transfer to the District Line and continue to Paddington Station. From Paddington, board a Great Western Railway train to Slough Station. At Slough, change to a train heading to Windsor & Eton Central Station. The total journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Piccadilly Line from Covent Garden to Green Park Station, then switch to the Jubilee Line to reach Waterloo Station. South Western Railway offers direct trains from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, with a journey time of about 55 minutes. Both Windsor stations are a short walk from Windsor Castle.

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Takeaways

Key Points
Travelling from Covent Garden in central London to Windsor Castle offers several convenient transport options, each suited to different preferences and schedules.
Windsor Castle, situated about 34 kilometres west of Covent Garden, can be reached in 1 to 1.5 hours via public transport or by car.
Train journeys via Paddington Station involve a combination of the Underground and Great Western Railway, while the route via Waterloo Station offers a direct South Western Railway service to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Alternatively, the Green Line 702 bus from Victoria Coach Station provides an economical option, though it is subject to traffic and takes approximately 2 hours.
For those driving, the journey involves travelling west via the A4 and M4, with parking available near the castle; however, congestion charges and London traffic should be considered.

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Travelling from Covent Garden in central London to Windsor Castle is a journey that can be accomplished through various modes of public transport. This guide provides detailed instructions on the most efficient and practical routes, including train options via Paddington and Waterloo stations and bus services.

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Introduction

Windsor Castle, located in the historic town of Windsor, is approximately 21 miles (34 kilometres) west of Covent Garden. The journey can be completed in about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the chosen mode of transport and traffic conditions. Public transport is often preferred due to London’s traffic and parking limitations, offering a convenient and efficient way to reach the castle.

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Public Transport Options

London’s public transport network provides several routes from Covent Garden to Windsor Castle. Below are the most commonly used methods:

Train via Paddington Station

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Walk to Covent Garden Underground Station:
   • Located on James Street, Covent Garden Underground Station is easily accessible from the central area.
2. Take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park Station:
   • Board a westbound Piccadilly Line train towards Heathrow.
   • The journey to Green Park takes approximately 4 minutes.
3. Transfer to the Jubilee Line:
   • At Green Park, follow signs to the Jubilee Line.
   • Board a southbound train towards Stratford.
   • Alight at Bond Street Station; this segment takes about 2 minutes.
4. Transfer to the Central Line:
   • At Bond Street, follow signs to the Central Line.
   • Board a westbound train towards Ealing Broadway.
   • Alight at Lancaster Gate Station; this segment takes about 4 minutes.
5. Walk to Paddington Station:
   • From Lancaster Gate Station, it’s a short 10-minute walk to Paddington Station.
6. Board a Great Western Railway (GWR) Train to Slough:
   • Trains to Slough depart regularly from Paddington.
   • The journey to Slough takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Transfer to a Train for Windsor & Eton Central:
   • At Slough, change to the branch line service to Windsor & Eton Central.
   • Trains run every 20-30 minutes, with a travel time of about 6 minutes.
8. Walk to Windsor Castle:
   • Windsor & Eton Central Station is a short 5-minute walk from the castle entrance.

Total Estimated Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Notes:

• Ensure to check the latest train schedules on the Great Western Railway website before departure.
• Consider purchasing an off-peak return ticket for cost savings.

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Train via Waterloo Station

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Walk to Covent Garden Underground Station:
   • Located on James Street, Covent Garden Underground Station is easily accessible from the central area.
2. Take the Piccadilly Line to Leicester Square Station:
   • Board an eastbound Piccadilly Line train.
   • The journey to Leicester Square takes approximately 1 minute.
3. Transfer to the Northern Line:
   • At Leicester Square, follow signs to the Northern Line.
   • Board a southbound train towards Morden.
   • Alight at Waterloo Station; this segment takes about 4 minutes.
4. Board a South Western Railway (SWR) Train to Windsor & Eton Riverside:
   • Direct trains to Windsor & Eton Riverside depart approximately every 30 minutes.
   • The journey takes about 53 minutes.
5. Walk to Windsor Castle:
   • Windsor & Eton Riverside Station is about a 10-minute walk from the castle.

Total Estimated Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Notes:

• Check the latest schedules on the South Western Railway website before travelling.
• This route offers a direct train from central London to Windsor.

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Bus Services

Green Line 702:

1. Travel to Victoria Coach Station:
   • From Covent Garden, take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park Station.
   • Transfer to the Victoria Line southbound to Victoria Station.
   • Victoria Coach Station is a short walk from the Underground station.
2. Board the Green Line 702 Bus:
   • The 702 bus runs daily from Victoria Coach Station to Windsor.
   • The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
3. Alight at Windsor Theatre Royal:
   • This stop is a short walk from Windsor Castle.

Total Estimated Time: Approximately 2 hours.

Notes:

• Bus schedules can vary, so it’s advisable to check the latest times on the Green Line website before travelling.
• This option may be more economical but is subject to London traffic conditions.

Each public transport option offers a convenient way to travel from Covent Garden to Windsor Castle.

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Driving to Windsor Castle

Travelling from Covent Garden to Windsor Castle is a straightforward journey for those who prefer the flexibility and convenience of driving. The distance is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres), and the drive typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Step-by-Step Driving Directions:

1. Departing Covent Garden:
   • Begin your journey in Covent Garden, located in central London.
2. Navigating to the A4:
   • Exit Covent Garden by heading west towards the Strand (A4).
   • Turn left onto the Strand and continue to follow the A4.
3. Joining the M4 Motorway:
   • Continue on the A4 until you reach the junction with the M4 motorway.
   • Merge onto the M4 westbound, following signs for Heathrow Airport and The West.
4. Proceeding on the M4:
   • Stay on the M4 for approximately 20 miles, passing junctions for Heathrow Airport.
5. Exiting at Junction 6:
   • Take the exit at Junction 6, signposted for Slough Central and Windsor.
6. Approaching Windsor:
   • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A355 towards Windsor.
   • Continue on the A355, which becomes the A332, following signs for Windsor Town Centre.
7. Arriving at Windsor Castle:
   • As you enter Windsor, follow local signage to parking facilities near Windsor Castle.

Parking Information:

Windsor offers several car parks within walking distance of the castle. Notable options include:

• Windsor & Eton Riverside Station Car Park: Located near the train station, this car park is a short walk from the castle.
• King Edward VII Car Park: Situated on King Edward VII Avenue, offering convenient access to the town centre and the castle.
• River Street Car Park: Located on River Street, this car park provides easy access to Windsor’s attractions.

Important Considerations:

• Congestion Charge: Covent Garden is within London’s Congestion Charge zone. Ensure you pay the charge if travelling during applicable hours.
• Traffic Conditions: London traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Plan your departure to avoid rush hours for a smoother journey.
• Navigation Aids: Utilise GPS navigation systems or mapping applications for real-time traffic updates and directions.

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Tips for a Smooth Journey

To ensure a pleasant and hassle-free trip from Covent Garden to Windsor Castle, consider the following tips:

• Check Schedules: If opting for public transport, verify the latest train and bus schedules on official websites before departure.
• Purchase Tickets in Advance: Buying tickets ahead of time can save money and guarantee seating, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Weather Preparedness: Be aware of the weather forecast for both London and Windsor. For instance, Windsor is expected to be partly sunny on Friday, January 24, 2025, with a high of 10°C. Dress appropriately and carry an umbrella if necessary.
• Allow Extra Time: Allocate additional time for transfers, potential delays, and security checks at Windsor Castle.
• Accessibility Needs: If you have mobility requirements, check the accessibility options for your chosen mode of transport at Windsor Castle.
• Local Events: Be mindful of local events in Windsor that might affect opening hours or crowd levels at the castle.

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Conclusion

Travelling from Covent Garden to Windsor Castle offers a variety of transportation options to suit different preferences. Whether you choose the efficiency of the train, the directness of bus services, or the flexibility of driving, each method provides a unique experience. By planning ahead and considering the tips provided, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to one of England’s most iconic landmarks.

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FAQ

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