Get to Windsor Castle From Liverpool

March 16, 2025| April 21, 2025

J. Shaw 20 min read

Key Points

Windsor Castle is approximately 208 to 216 miles (335 to 348 km) from Liverpool, depending on the chosen route. The best way to travel from Liverpool to Windsor Castle depends on your priorities.
The fastest and most convenient option is by train, taking approximately 4 hours 28 minutes. This involves a direct train from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston (2 hr 46 min), a short underground transfer to Paddington, a train to Slough (35 min), and a final 6-minute train ride to Windsor & Eton Central, followed by a short walk to the castle.
By car, the quickest route (3 hr 38 min) follows the M6 and M40, though it includes tolls and potential congestion near Birmingham and London.
Cycling is an option for adventurers, covering 217–228 miles over roughly 19–20 hours via National Cycle Routes.
The train is the best option for speed and convenience while driving offers flexibility for those comfortable with traffic and tolls.

Getting to Windsor Castle From Liverpool by Car

Windsor Castle is one of the most famous royal residences in the UK and a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. Below is a detailed guide for your route, including directions, potential tolls, and important considerations.

Routes Comparison

Feature	Route 1: M6 & M40 (Fastest)	Route 2: M6, M5 & M40	Route 3: M6 & M1
Distance	208 miles	210 miles	216 miles
Estimated Time	3 hrs 38 mins	3 hrs 43 mins	3 hrs 53 mins
Major Roads	M6, M6 Toll, M42, M40, M4	M6, M5, M42, M40, M4	M6, M6 Toll, M1, M25, M4
Toll Roads	Yes (M6 Toll)	No	Yes (M6 Toll)
Traffic Considerations	Heavy near Birmingham & outskirts of London	Potential delays on M6 & M40	Possible congestion on M6, M1, and M25
Rest Stops Availability	Good along M6 & M40	Good along M6, M5 & M40	Good along M6, M1 & M25
Road Closures	Possible on Sheet Street/B3022	Possible in Windsor	Possible on Thames Street (Windsor)
Scenic Views	Moderate (mostly motorways)	Slightly better via M5	Limited views (motorways)
Parking Considerations	Limited near Windsor Castle, park-and-ride available	Same as Route 1	Same as Route 1

Route 1: M6 and M40 (Fastest Route)

If you’re travelling from Liverpool by car, the journey can take approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes under ideal conditions, covering a distance of 208 miles. This is the quickest route to Windsor Castle, passing through major motorways like the M6 and M40. However, be prepared for potential tolls along the way.

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit Liverpool and Get on the M62:
- Take A5047 and A5080 towards the M62 motorway.
- Follow A5046 from Tithebarn Street, merging onto Fontenoy Street and Byrom Street.
- Use the right lane onto Hunter Street/A57, then continue onto New Islington and Brunswick Road.
- Stay on A5047, continuing onto Edge Lane Drive/A5080, leading you to the M62.
Drive on M62 and Merge onto M6:
- Head onto the M62, following signs for M6/M57/Manchester.
- At Junction 10, take the left lanes to merge onto the M6 heading south.
- Drive 60.5 miles and keep right to continue onto the M6 Toll Road (note: this is a toll route).
Merge onto M42 and M40 Towards London:
- After the M6 Toll, take the M42 following signs for London (S&W)/M40.
- At Junction 3A, take the left lanes to merge onto the M40 towards London.
- Stay on the M40 for approximately 74.2 miles.
Exit M40 and Take A404 to Slough:
- At Junction 4, take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead.
- Follow the signs for A404(M), leading you to the M4 motorway.
- Merge onto the M4 heading east towards London.
- Take the exit toward A355.
Final Stretch to Windsor Castle:
- Follow A355 and merge onto Royal Windsor Way/A332.
- Continue on Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout.
- Proceed on Victoria Street and turn onto Sheet Street/B3022 (Note: parts of this road may be closed at times).
- Turn right onto Castle Hill to reach Windsor Castle.

Things to Keep in Mind

Tolls: This route includes toll roads, specifically the M6 Toll. Ensure you have a payment method ready for these tolls.
Traffic: While this is the fastest route, traffic congestion can occur, especially near Birmingham and the outskirts of London. Consider checking live traffic updates before your journey.
Road Closures: Some parts of Sheet Street/B3022 may be closed at certain times, so it’s advisable to have an alternative route in mind.
Rest Stops: The journey takes over 3 hours, so plan stops for fuel, food, or rest along the way, especially on the M6 or M40 corridors.

By following these detailed directions and keeping these factors in mind, you’ll have a smooth and efficient drive to Windsor Castle from Liverpool. Safe travels!

Route 2: Via M6, M5, and M40

For those travelling from Liverpool to Windsor Castle by car, one of the most efficient routes covers approximately 210 miles and takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes under ideal conditions. Below is a step-by-step guide to navigating this journey, including key roads, necessary turns, and essential cautions.

Starting Point: Liverpool, United Kingdom

Begin your journey in Liverpool and follow these directions to enter the motorway network:

Take A5047 and A5080 to merge onto M62.
Follow Tithebarn Street/A5046, then turn right toward Fontenoy Street.
Merge onto Fontenoy Street and continue left onto Byrom Street.
Use the right lane to turn slightly right onto Hunter Street/A57.
Follow New Islington, Brunswick Road, and Low Hill.
Continue onto Mount Vernon Road/A5047 and follow Edge Lane Drive/A5080 to M62.

Motorway Route to Windsor

Once on the M62, follow these steps:

Continue on M62 towards M6/M57/Manchester/Warrington/St Helens/Huyton.
At junction 10, take the M6 exit towards Birmingham.
Use the right lane to join M6 South.
At junction 11A, merge left to stay on M6 towards Birmingham/M5.
Continue past Birmingham, staying on M6, then take the M5 exit at junction 8.
Drive along M5 for 14.8 miles, then take the M42 exit towards London/M40.
Join M42, keeping right to continue onto M40 (follow signs for London/Warwick/Stratford).
At junction 4, take the A404 exit towards High Wycombe/Marlow/M4/Maidenhead.
Use the right lanes to take the A404 ramp, continuing for 7.4 miles.
Keep right to continue on A404(M) towards Reading/Slough/Windsor/M4.
Take the M4 exit, merge onto M4, and take the A355 exit towards Windsor.

Final Leg: Approaching Windsor Castle

After exiting the motorway:

At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A355.
Continue onto Royal Windsor Way/A332 for 1.2 miles.
Take a slight left onto Clarence Road, passing through one roundabout.
Follow Victoria Street, then take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto Sheet Street/B3022.
Note: Some parts of this road may be closed at certain times or on specific days.
Turn right onto Castle Hill, leading directly to Windsor Castle.

Essential Tips and Cautions

Traffic Considerations: Travel times may vary depending on congestion, especially on M6 and M40, which are prone to delays.
Weather Conditions: Check forecasts before departure, as rain or fog can impact visibility and road conditions.
Fuel Stops: Plan fuel stops in advance, as motorway service stations can be spaced out.
Road Closures: Certain sections, particularly in Windsor, may have temporary closures. Always check for updates before travel.
Parking Near Windsor Castle: Car parking is available in Windsor, but spaces fill up quickly. Consider using park-and-ride services if needed.

By following these directions and considering the listed cautions, your drive from Liverpool to Windsor Castle should be smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to arrive at one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks with ease.

Route 3: M6 and M1

For those travelling from Liverpool to Windsor Castle, the M6 and M1 route is a viable option. This journey covers approximately 216 miles and takes around 3 hours and 53 minutes under optimal driving conditions. However, it is important to note that this route includes toll roads.

Step-by-Step Driving Directions

Leaving Liverpool:
- Start your journey in Liverpool by taking A5047 and A5080 to M62 (18 minutes, 4.6 miles).
- Head northeast on Tithebarn Street (A5046) towards Hackins Hey, continuing on A5046.
- Turn right towards Fontenoy Street, then merge onto Fontenoy Street.
- Turn left onto Byrom Street, then use the right lane to turn slightly right onto Hunter Street (A57).
- Continue onto New Islington, then Brunswick Road.
- Use the second lane from the right to turn right to stay on Brunswick Road.
- Use the left lane to turn slightly right onto Low Hill.
- Use the left two lanes to turn left onto Mount Vernon Road (A5047) and continue following A5047.
- Continue onto Edge Lane Drive (A5080) and follow A5080 until merging onto M62.
Motorway Driving:
- Continue on M62, following signs for M6, M57, Manchester, Warrington, St Helens, and Huyton (13.8 miles).
- At Junction 10, use the left two lanes to take the M6 exit to Birmingham (1.6 miles).
- Use the right lane to merge onto M6 (60.5 miles).
- Keep right to continue on M6 Toll (23.2 miles) (Toll road).
- Use the right two lanes to take the M6 (South) exit towards London (North & East), M1, and Coventry (North & East).
- Merge onto M6 and continue for 21.3 miles.
- Take the exit toward M1, then merge onto M1 (61.2 miles).
- At Junction 6A, use the third lane from the left to take the M25 exit towards M40, M4, and Heathrow Airport (0.8 miles).
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto M25 (18.8 miles).
- At Junction 15, use the left two lanes to merge onto M4 towards Slough (2.2 miles).
- Take the A4 exit towards Colnbrook, B470, Datchet, and Langley (0.3 miles).
Final Approach to Windsor Castle:
- Follow B470 to Castle Hill in Windsor (10 minutes, 3.6 miles).
- At Langley Roundabout, take the second exit onto Major’s Farm Road (B470) (1.7 miles).
- At the roundabout, take the second exit onto London Road (B376/B470).
- At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto High Street (B470).
- Turn right onto Windsor Road (B470) and continue for 1.4 miles.
- Turn left onto Thames Street (B3022) (Be aware that some parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days).
- Turn left onto Castle Hill to arrive at Windsor Castle.

Important Considerations:

Tolls: This route includes the M6 Toll, so be prepared to pay toll charges.
Traffic: The M6 and M1 are major motorways and may experience congestion, especially during peak hours.
Road Closures: Certain roads near Windsor Castle, such as Thames Street, may be closed at specific times. It is advisable to check road conditions before departure.
Fuel Stops: Several service stations are available along M6, M1, and M25 if refuelling is required.

By following these steps and planning ahead, travellers can enjoy a smooth and efficient journey from Liverpool to Windsor Castle by car.

Getting to Windsor Castle From Liverpool by Train

Travelling from Liverpool to Windsor Castle by train involves multiple routes, varying travel durations, and different types of transfers. The journey generally takes between 4 hours 28 minutes and 4 hours 39 minutes, depending on the chosen route and the waiting times between connections.

Factors Affecting Travel Time:

Number of Transfers:

Some routes require a single transfer, whereas others require multiple changes, increasing total journey time.
Routes involving changes between different types of transport (trains, buses, and the underground) tend to take longer due to additional waiting and walking times.
Waiting Times Between Transfers:

Waiting times between connections vary, from a few minutes to over 10 minutes, impacting the overall journey duration.
Longer wait times, especially for bus connections, can extend the total travel time.
Route Efficiency:

The fastest routes (approximately 4 hours 28 minutes) involve direct train travel from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston, followed by an underground connection and further train journeys.
Some routes use a combination of rail and bus services, which can be less direct and result in a slightly longer journey.

Comparison of Routes:

Fastest Route (~4 hr 28 min):

Train from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston (2 hr 46 min)
Quick underground transfer to Tottenham Court Road (3 min)
Train from Tottenham Court Road to Slough (35 min)
Final train to Windsor & Eton Central (6 min)
Short walking distance (~7 min) to Windsor Castle
Alternative Routes (4 hr 38 min – 4 hr 39 min):
Routes involving travel via Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton take longer due to:
- A slower initial train leg (1 hr 23 min to Wolverhampton instead of 2 hr 46 min to Euston)
- A 2 hr 30 min bus journey, which introduces potential delays and increases total travel time
- Additional walking transfers, which, although short, add to the overall duration

In summary, the quickest routes are those that rely primarily on trains with minimal changes, whereas journeys that incorporate buses tend to take longer due to increased waiting times and less frequent departures. If speed and convenience are priorities, opting for a train-dominant route with well-timed connections is the best option.

Getting to Windsor Castle From Liverpool By Cycle

Embarking on a cycling journey from Liverpool to Windsor Castle offers an enriching experience, blending the charm of the English countryside with historical landmarks. Covering approximately 217 to 228 miles, depending on the chosen route, this expedition requires meticulous planning to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Route Options:

Via National Cycle Route 5:
- Distance: Approximately 228 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,726 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2,677 feet
- Elevation Range: 16 to 541 feet
- Estimated Duration: Approximately 20 hours and 1 minute
- Notes: This route includes sections with restricted usage or private roads.
Via National Cycle Routes 45 and 5:
- Distance: Approximately 219 miles
- Elevation Gain: 4,367 feet
- Elevation Loss: 4,318 feet
- Elevation Range: 7 to 633 feet
- Estimated Duration: Approximately 19 hours and 10 minutes
- Notes: This route includes a ferry crossing and sections with restricted usage or private roads.
Via National Cycle Routes 5 and 57:
- Distance: Approximately 217 miles
- Elevation Gain: 4,140 feet
- Elevation Loss: 4,091 feet
- Elevation Range: 16 to 741 feet
- Estimated Duration: Approximately 18 hours and 57 minutes
- Notes: This route includes sections with restricted usage or private roads.

Key Considerations:

Route Selection: Each route offers unique landscapes and challenges. The choice between them should be based on personal preferences, desired scenery, and comfort with potential ferry crossings or restricted road sections.
Elevation Profile: Routes incorporating National Cycle Routes 45 and 57 present more significant elevation changes, reaching up to 741 feet. Cyclists should prepare for these ascents and descents accordingly.
Restricted Usage: Several routes contain segments with restricted usage or private roads. It’s essential to research these areas beforehand to ensure accessibility or to plan alternative paths.
Ferry Crossings: The route via National Cycle Routes 45 and 5 includes a ferry crossing. Verify the ferry’s operational hours and any booking requirements in advance to avoid unexpected delays.

Notable Waypoints and Attractions:

While the specific route from Liverpool to Windsor Castle isn’t detailed in the provided sources, integrating sections of National Cycle Route 4 can enhance the journey. Route 4 is a 433.6-mile path connecting London to Fishguard in west Wales, passing through picturesque countryside, canals, and historic towns. Incorporating parts of this route can offer a scenic and enriching experience.

Cycling from Liverpool to Windsor Castle is a commendable endeavour that offers a blend of physical challenge and cultural enrichment. By selecting a suitable route, preparing adequately, and staying informed about potential obstacles, cyclists can embark on a memorable journey through some of England’s most captivating landscapes.

Conclusion

Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation—car, train, or bicycle—travelling from Liverpool to Windsor Castle offers a range of options to suit different preferences and priorities. The train is the fastest and most convenient choice while driving provides flexibility for those who prefer personal transport and are comfortable with potential traffic and tolls. For cycling enthusiasts, the journey presents an adventurous and scenic challenge through the English countryside. By planning ahead, considering route conditions, and factoring in travel time, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks.