Get to Windsor Castle From King’s Cross Station

January 23, 2025| April 21, 2025

J. Shaw 17 min read

To travel from King’s Cross Station to Windsor Castle, take the Circle Line on the London Underground to Paddington Station. From there, board a Great Western Railway train to Slough Station. Transfer to a train bound for Windsor & Eton Central Station at Slough. The total journey time is approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes, and the fare is around £15.60. Upon arrival at Windsor & Eton Central, it’s a short walk to Windsor Castle.

Takeaways

Key Points
To travel from King’s Cross to Windsor Castle, take the Circle Line from King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station to Paddington Station, a journey of about 11 minutes with frequent trains.
At Paddington, transfer to a Great Western Railway train heading to Slough, which takes approximately 18 minutes, and then switch to a connecting train to Windsor & Eton Central, a short 6-minute ride.
The entire journey typically takes around 50 minutes, with clear signage and step-free access at all stations, making it accessible for passengers with luggage or mobility needs.
Tickets cost approximately £15.60, and an Oyster card or contactless payment is valid up to Slough, while a separate ticket is required for the Windsor leg.
Alternatively, for fewer changes, take the Victoria Line to Vauxhall and board a direct train to Windsor & Eton Riverside, though this route is slightly slower, taking about 64 minutes.

Travelling from King’s Cross Station in London to Windsor Castle is a journey that combines the use of the London Underground and National Rail services. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate this route efficiently and enjoy a smooth journey.

1. Starting at King’s Cross Station

King’s Cross Station is one of London’s most iconic railway and Underground hubs in central London. The station is well-equipped with facilities such as ticket offices, self-service machines, and staff available to assist with queries.

Key Tips Before Starting Your Journey:

Payment Options: Make sure you have an Oyster card, a contactless payment card, or a valid Travel Card. These are essential for seamless travel across the Underground and National Rail services.
Facilities: King’s Cross features amenities such as restrooms, shops, and cafes, making it a comfortable starting point for your journey.
Navigation: Look out for clear signage directing you to the Underground platforms. The Circle Line, which you will use, is well-indicated.

2. Taking the London Underground to Paddington Station

Route:

From King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground Station, board the Circle Line heading towards Hammersmith. The Circle Line is part of London’s extensive Underground network, connecting key transport hubs.

Duration:

The journey to Paddington Station takes approximately 11 minutes, depending on service frequency and potential minor delays.

Frequency:

Circle Line trains run frequently throughout the day, with an average waiting time of around 3-5 minutes during peak hours and slightly longer during off-peak times.

Travel Tips:

Seating: During peak hours, trains may be crowded, so be prepared to stand for short journeys.
Accessibility: King’s Cross St. Pancras and Paddington both have step-free access, ensuring the route is suitable for passengers with mobility needs or luggage.

3. Transition from Underground to National Rail at Paddington

Upon arrival at Paddington Station, you must transition from the Underground to the National Rail services. Paddington is a major railway terminus with clear signage and helpful staff to guide passengers.

Navigation:

Follow the signs marked “National Rail” to locate the main train platforms.
Allow approximately 5-10 minutes to navigate through the station, depending on how busy it is.
Consult the information boards or ask a station attendant for directions if in doubt.

Facilities at Paddington:

Shops and Cafes: Paddington offers a range of shops and food outlets, allowing you to grab a drink or snack before continuing your journey.
Restrooms: Facilities are available, including accessible options.

4. Boarding the Train to Slough

Once at Paddington, the next step is to board a train heading towards Slough. These services are operated by Great Western Railway (GWR).

Duration:

The journey from Paddington to Slough takes approximately 18 minutes.

Frequency:

Trains to Slough run regularly throughout the day, departing every 10-15 minutes during most hours.

Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased at Paddington’s ticket offices or self-service machines. Alternatively, you can use a contactless payment method.
If you plan to return the same day, consider purchasing a return ticket to save time later.

Travel Tips:

Luggage: There is ample space for luggage on GWR trains, but try to store your bags securely to avoid inconvenience to other passengers.
Seating: During peak hours, finding a seat may be challenging, so board promptly.

5. Transferring at Slough Station

At Slough Station, you must change trains for the final leg of your journey to Windsor & Eton Central Station.

Navigation:

Upon arrival, check the departure boards for the train platform heading to Windsor & Eton Central.
The transfer is straightforward, as Slough is a relatively small station with clearly marked platforms.

Duration:

The journey from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central takes approximately 6 minutes.

Frequency:

Trains between Slough and Windsor & Eton Central run frequently, with minimal waiting times, usually every 20 minutes or less.

Travel Tips:

Platform Information: Double-check the platform number on the departure boards to avoid confusion.
Tickets: If using a paper ticket, ensure it covers the journey to Windsor.

6. Arriving at Windsor & Eton Central Station

Windsor & Eton Central is the final stop on this route. The station is small and conveniently located close to Windsor Castle.

Proximity to Windsor Castle:

The station is approximately 140 metres from Windsor Castle, making it a brief 2-minute walk.
Follow the clear pedestrian signs directing you towards the castle entrance.

Facilities at the Station:

Shops and Cafes: A few small outlets are available for refreshments.
Accessibility: The station has step-free access for those with mobility needs.

Alternative Route via Vauxhall Station

For travellers preferring fewer changes, there is an alternative route to Windsor Castle via Vauxhall Station.

Steps for This Route:

Victoria Line to Vauxhall: Take the Victoria Line to Vauxhall Station from King’s Cross St. Pancras. This journey takes approximately 12 minutes.
South Western Railway to Windsor & Eton Riverside: At Vauxhall, board a South Western Railway train heading directly to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station. The train journey takes around 52 minutes.
Walking to Windsor Castle: From Windsor & Eton Riverside, it is a short 5-minute walk (approximately 330 metres) to the castle.

Advantages of This Route:

Fewer changes, making it more straightforward for passengers with heavy luggage or limited mobility.

Disadvantages:

Slightly longer overall journey time compared to the Paddington route.

Ticketing and Fare Information

Cost:

The fare for the journey via Paddington and Slough is approximately £15.60.
The fare for the alternative route via Vauxhall may vary slightly but is typically within the same range.

Where to Buy Tickets:

Online: Tickets can be purchased in advance through train operators’ websites or apps, such as National Rail or Trainline.
At the Station: Use ticket offices or self-service machines on the route at King’s Cross, Paddington, or any other station.
Contactless Payment: Contactless and Oyster cards are accepted on the Underground and most National Rail services.

Types of Tickets:

Single: Suitable for one-way travel.
Return: Ideal if you plan to return the same day.
Off-Peak: Cheaper tickets available for travel during non-peak hours.

Travel Tips

Peak Hours:

To avoid crowded trains, consider travelling during off-peak hours, typically after 9:30 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Accessibility:

All stations mentioned have step-free access and other facilities to assist passengers with mobility needs.
If you require additional help, contact station staff in advance or upon arrival.

Real-Time Updates:

Check the National Rail Enquiries website or app for live departure times and service updates.
London Underground also provides real-time updates via its website and apps.

Luggage:

Ensure your luggage is manageable and stored securely during the journey.

Conclusion

By following this guide, your journey from King’s Cross to Windsor Castle should be straightforward and enjoyable. Both routes outlined offer convenient options to reach one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you choose the faster route via Paddington and Slough or the simpler route via Vauxhall, you will find the journey well-supported by London’s excellent transport network.

FAQ

What is the fastest route from King’s Cross to Windsor Castle?

The quickest way is to take the Circle Line from King’s Cross St. Pancras to Paddington Station, then a Great Western Railway train to Slough, and finally transfer to the Windsor & Eton Central service. This journey typically takes around 50 minutes.

Are there direct trains from King’s Cross to Windsor?

No, there are no direct trains. You must make at least one change, commonly at Paddington and Slough stations.

How frequently do trains run from Paddington to Slough?

Trains from Paddington to Slough operate approximately every 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

Is the journey from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central short?

Yes, the train from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central takes about 6 minutes.

Can I use an Oyster card for the entire journey?

Oyster cards are valid up to Slough. Beyond that, a separate ticket is required, including the leg to Windsor.

What is the cost of a single journey from King’s Cross to Windsor Castle?

A single fare costs approximately £15.60, depending on the travel time and ticket type.

Are there alternative routes to Windsor from King’s Cross?

Yes, you can take the Victoria Line to Vauxhall Station and then a South Western Railway train to Windsor & Eton Riverside. This route takes about 64 minutes.

How far is Windsor & Eton Central Station from Windsor Castle?

It’s approximately 140 metres, a brief 2-minute walk to the castle entrance.

Is there a direct bus service from King’s Cross to Windsor Castle?

No direct bus exists. Bus travel would require multiple transfers and take significantly longer than the train.

Are there guided tours from London to Windsor Castle?

Yes, several operators offer day tours from London to Windsor Castle, often including transportation and entry fees.

What are the peak travel times to avoid crowds?

Peak hours are typically 7:00-9:30 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM on weekdays. Travelling outside these times can result in a more comfortable journey.

Is the route accessible for passengers with mobility issues?

Yes, stations like King’s Cross, Paddington, and Windsor & Eton Central have step-free access and facilities to assist passengers with mobility needs.

Can I purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, tickets can be bought online through train operators’ websites or at station ticket offices and machines.

Are there restrooms available at the stations?

Facilities are available at major stations like King’s Cross and Paddington. However, smaller stations like Windsor & Eton Central may have limited amenities.