Get to Windsor Castle from Downtown London

Takeaways

Key Points
To reach Windsor Castle from downtown London, you can take a direct South Western Railway train from London Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, with a journey time of approximately 54 minutes.
Alternatively, board a Great Western Railway train from London Paddington Station to Slough Station (about 16 minutes), then transfer to a train for Windsor & Eton Central Station (approximately 6 minutes), totaling 42 minutes.
For a bus option, the Green Line 702 departs from London Victoria and arrives near Windsor Castle in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Driving via the M4 motorway is also possible, covering approximately 22.5 miles in around 34 minutes, depending on traffic.
The most efficient way to reach Windsor Castle from central London is by taking a direct train from London Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, with a journey time of approximately 55 minutes.

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Introduction

Traveling from downtown London to Windsor Castle is a journey that offers several transportation options, each catering to different preferences and schedules. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the various methods to reach this historic landmark.

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Train and Coach Services

Travelling by train from downtown London to Windsor is a convenient and efficient option, with two primary routes connecting the two locations:

1. London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central

• Route Details:
  • Departure: Begin your journey at London Paddington Station, a major railway hub in downtown London.
  • First Leg: Board a Great Western Railway (GWR) train to Slough Station.
  • Transfer: At Slough, transfer to a GWR service heading towards Windsor & Eton Central Station.
• Journey Duration:
  • Paddington to Slough: Approximately 16 minutes.
  • Slough to Windsor & Eton Central: Around 6 minutes.
  • Total Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes, including transfer time.
• Frequency:
  • Trains operate regularly throughout the day, with multiple services per hour.
• Tickets and Pricing:
  • Tickets can be purchased at stations or online via the GWR website.
  • Prices vary depending on the time of travel and ticket type.
• Station Proximity:
  • Windsor & Eton Central Station is conveniently located within Windsor Castle, making it ideal for visitors.

3. London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside

• Route Details:
  • Departure: Depart from London Waterloo Station, another major railway station in downtown London.
  • Direct Service: Board a South Western Railway (SWR) train directly to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station.
• Journey Duration:
  • Approximately 55 minutes.
• Frequency:
  • Services operate regularly, with trains typically departing every 30 minutes.
• Tickets and Pricing:
  • Tickets are available at stations or through the SWR website.
  • Fares depend on travel times and ticket selections.
• Station Proximity:
  • Windsor & Eton Riverside Station is about a 10-minute walk to Windsor Castle.
  • The walk involves a slight uphill incline, which may be a consideration for some visitors.

4. Coach Services

For those who prefer road travel, coach services offer a comfortable alternative:

Green Line 702

• Route Details:
  • The Green Line 702 bus service operates from London Victoria Coach Station to Windsor.
• Journey Duration:
  • It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
• Frequency:
  • Buses run regularly throughout the day.
• Tickets and Pricing:
  • Tickets can be purchased at the coach station or online.
  • Prices vary based on the time of booking and ticket type.
• Drop-off Point:
  • The bus stops near Windsor Theatre Royal, a short walk to Windsor Castle.

Additional Considerations

• Advance Booking: For both train and coach services, booking tickets in advance can often result in lower fares and guaranteed seating.
• Peak Travel Times: Services may be busier during peak travel times, such as weekends and holidays. It’s advisable to check timetables and book tickets ahead of time.
• Accessibility: Both train stations and coach services are equipped to accommodate passengers with reduced mobility. It’s recommended that specific accessibility information be checked on the respective service providers’ websites.
• Luggage: When traveling by train or coach, be mindful of luggage restrictions and ensure you have the necessary tickets for any additional baggage.
• Weather Conditions: Weather can impact travel times, especially for coach services. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
• Local Transport in Windsor: Upon arrival in Windsor, local buses and taxis are available for further travel within the town.

By considering these options and planning accordingly, visitors can choose the most suitable mode of transport to reach Windsor Castle from downtown London.

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Guided Tours

For those seeking a structured and informative experience, several companies offer guided tours from London to Windsor Castle. These tours typically include transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide to enhance your visit.

1. Tourist England

• Services Offered:
  • Shuttle Bus Services: Tourist England provides shuttle bus services, including entrance tickets to Windsor Castle. This option offers a convenient way to travel from downtown London to the Castle without additional arrangements.
  • Combination Tours: They also offer combination tours that visit Windsor and other attractions like Stonehenge and Bath. These tours are ideal for visitors exploring multiple historic sites in a single day.
• Booking and Pricing:
  • Online Booking: Tours can be booked online through the Tourist England website. This platform allows you to select your preferred tour and date and make secure payments.
  • Pricing: Prices vary based on the inclusions and duration of the tour. Combination tours that include multiple attractions may be priced higher than single-destination tours. It’s advisable to check the website for the most current pricing and availability.

2. Viator

• Services Offered:
  • Day Tours: Viator offers full-day tours from London to Windsor Castle, often combined with visits to other notable sites such as Stonehenge and Bath. These tours provide a comprehensive experience of England’s rich history and landmarks.
• Booking and Pricing:
  • Online Booking: Tours can be booked through the Viator website, which provides detailed itineraries, customer reviews, and secure payment options.
  • Pricing: Prices for these tours start at approximately $101, with variations depending on the specific tour package and inclusions. Reviewing the tour details on the website for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing is recommended.

3. Golden Tours

• Services Offered:
  • Guided Tours: Golden Tours offers guided tours from London to Windsor Castle, including visits to the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. These tours provide in-depth insights into the history and significance of the Castle.
  • Combination Tours: They also offer combination tours with other attractions, such as Stonehenge or Buckingham Palace, allowing visitors to maximize their time and experience multiple sites.
• Booking and Pricing:
  • Online Booking: Tours can be booked through the Golden Tours website, which offers detailed itineraries, customer reviews, and secure payment options.
  • Pricing: Prices vary based on the tour package and inclusions. For example, a Windsor Castle and Stonehenge tour may be priced higher than a single-destination tour. It’s advisable to check the website for the most current pricing and availability.

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Driving to Windsor

For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, reaching Windsor Castle from downtown London is straightforward.

• Route Details:
  • Starting Point: From downtown London, take the A4 road westbound.
  • Motorway Access: Join the M4 motorway at Junction 1.
  • Exit and Signage: Exit at Junction 6 and follow signs to Windsor.
• Distance and Duration:
  • Distance: The driving distance is approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers).
  • Travel Time: The journey takes around 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours, travel time may increase due to congestion.
• Parking:
  • Availability: Windsor offers several car parks within walking distance of the Castle. These include both short-term and long-term parking options.
  • Fees: Parking fees vary depending on the location and duration of stay. It’s advisable to check parking availability and fees in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

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Cycling to Windsor

For the environmentally conscious or fitness enthusiasts, cycling to Windsor offers a scenic and active way to reach the Castle.

• Route Details:
  • National Cycle Route 4: This route connects London to Windsor, passing through picturesque areas, including sections along the River Thames.
  • Route Highlights: Cyclists can enjoy views of the countryside, historic towns, and the river, making the journey enjoyable and enriching.
• Distance and Duration:
  • Distance: The cycling distance is approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers).
  • Duration: Depending on cycling speed and rest breaks, the journey can take between 2 to 3 hours.
• Considerations:
  • Bicycle Condition: Ensure your bicycle is in good condition for the journey, with properly inflated tires and functioning brakes.
  • Safety Equipment: Carry necessary safety equipment, including a helmet, reflective gear, and lights if cycling during low-light conditions.
  • Traffic Regulations: Be aware of traffic regulations and cycle-friendly paths along the route. Some areas may have dedicated cycle lanes, while others require road sharing with vehicles.

By considering these options and planning accordingly, visitors can choose the most suitable mode of transport to reach Windsor Castle from downtown London.

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Accessibility Considerations

Windsor Castle is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. The Castle’s historic architecture presents certain challenges; however, several provisions are in place to ensure accessibility.

1. Wheelchair Access

• Visitor Route: The main visitor route is accessible for wheelchair users. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge from the Castle’s visitor downtown.
• St George’s Chapel: There are three stone steps into St George’s Chapel. An alternative entrance without steps is available; please ring the bell at the main Chapel entrance. Inside the Chapel are six steps (minimum one step, maximum three steps), all with access ramps.
• Floors and Surfaces: Most rooms have thick pile carpet or polished wooden floors. St George’s Chapel has stone floors. In some outside areas, the ground is cobbled and uneven. As Windsor Castle is a historic building, the floors may be uneven, and visitors should take care of them.

2. Mobility Equipment Rental

Visitors can hire mobility equipment through the Shopmobility scheme based at the Alma Road Coach Park, just a 5-10 minute walk from the castle entrance. Scooter hire comes with free parking in the Alma Road Car Park. Please be aware that you may be asked to transfer from a mobility scooter into a Castle wheelchair to access some areas of the Castle.

3. Assistance Animals

Assistance animals are welcome. It is recommended that animals wear a jacket or lead slip to identify them as working. Staff reserves the right to ask visitors to remove their animal if it is deemed not to be behaving appropriately.

4. Toilets and Facilities

Accessible lavatories are located after the security search and on the North Terrace and are locked with a RADAR key. Please ask a warden to unlock them if you do not have your key. The Changing Places facility is in Engine Court.

5. Parking

There is no visitor car parking at Windsor Castle. It is recommended that people use public car parks in the town center or travel by public transport.

6. Security and Prohibited Items

• Security Screening: On arrival, visitors and their belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks. It is advisable to bring as little as possible to expedite the process.
• Prohibited Items: Certain items are not permitted within the Castle grounds, including bicycles and large bags that cannot fit through airport-style security scanners and drones.

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Additional Considerations

• Visitor Route: A one-way system operates along the visitor route inside the Castle for safety and security reasons. As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, security, and opening arrangements may be subject to change at short notice.
• Luggage: All bags and pushchairs must be taken with you on Windsor Castle grounds. Very large suitcases and heavy luggage may only be permitted at the staff’s discretion, provided the items can pass through the security scanner.
• Animals: Animals other than guidance, hearing, or assistance will not be admitted.
• Restricted and Prohibited Items: Certain items must be checked in and reclaimed at the end of the visit, including pen knives and knives with blades under 7.7cm, scissors, and alcoholic drinks in sealed containers. Some items may not be brought into the Castle, such as bicycles, folding bikes, roller-skates, skateboards, large bags that cannot fit through airport-style security scanners, and drones.

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Conclusion

Windsor Castle strives to provide an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors. By considering the above information and planning accordingly, visitors with mobility challenges can make the most of their visit to this historic landmark.

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