Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle: Every Route Explained
The fastest way from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle is by train. From Victoria station (a 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace), take a South Western Railway service to Windsor & Eton Riverside via Clapham Junction — approximately 55–65 minutes total. Alternatively, walk or take the Tube to London Paddington and change at Slough to Windsor & Eton Central — approximately 45–55 minutes. The Green Line 702 bus from Victoria takes approximately 90–100 minutes but is considerably cheaper. By taxi or car, the drive takes approximately 35–40 minutes.
Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are both official residences of the King and both managed by the Royal Collection Trust, making them natural companions on a London-based royal itinerary. Getting between them takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on transport choice — manageable in a single day, but only if you plan the timing carefully. This guide covers every route and helps you decide whether to combine them or visit separately.
Route 1: Train from London Victoria (Most Convenient from BP)
From: London Victoria station (approximately 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace) Route: Victoria → Clapham Junction (5–7 minutes, South Western Railway) → change → Windsor & Eton Riverside (approximately 43–45 minutes from Clapham Junction) Total journey time: Approximately 55–65 minutes Frequency: Approximately hourly on the Windsor service from Clapham Junction Fare: Approximately £6–10 return Walk to castle: 10 minutes from Windsor & Eton Riverside station (includes a steep uphill section on Castle Hill)
London Victoria is the most convenient London terminus for visitors starting from Buckingham Palace — it is a 10-minute walk along Buckingham Palace Road, or a short bus ride. From Victoria, take any South Western Railway service towards Waterloo or Clapham Junction, then board the Windsor & Eton Riverside service.
Note on the walk from Riverside station: Windsor & Eton Riverside sits beside the River Thames on the opposite side of Windsor from the castle. The 10-minute walk through Windsor town centre and up Castle Hill involves a notable uphill section. If this is a concern, Route 2 (via Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central) offers a flatter approach.
Walk 10 minutes to London Victoria station and take a South Western Railway service via Clapham Junction to Windsor & Eton Riverside — approximately 55–65 minutes total. Alternatively, travel by Tube to Paddington and change at Slough to Windsor & Eton Central — approximately 45–55 minutes with a flatter walk to the castle.
Route 2: Train via London Paddington (Faster, Flatter Walk)
From: Paddington station (accessible by Tube from Green Park, the nearest station to Buckingham Palace) Route: Buckingham Palace → Green Park (5-min walk) → Jubilee Line to Bond Street → Elizabeth Line to Slough → GWR local to Windsor & Eton Central Total journey time: Approximately 45–55 minutes door to station, then 35–40 minutes to Windsor Walk to castle: 5 minutes, flat, from Windsor & Eton Central
Getting to Paddington from Buckingham Palace requires a Tube journey: walk to Green Park station (approximately 5 minutes), take the Jubilee Line to Bond Street (2 stops), then the Elizabeth Line to Slough (approximately 20 minutes), and change to the GWR local train to Windsor & Eton Central (7–10 minutes).
This route is slightly faster overall and arrives at Windsor & Eton Central station — which sits at the base of the castle on level ground, making it considerably easier for visitors with pushchairs or mobility concerns.
Route 3: Green Line 702 Bus from Victoria (Budget Option)
From: Green Line Coach Terminal near Victoria station (Stop 7, approximately 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace) Journey time: Approximately 90–100 minutes Frequency: Hourly Fare: Approximately £3 single under England’s national bus fare cap (subject to scheme continuation) Drop-off: Windsor town centre, close to the castle
The Green Line 702 is the cheapest way from Victoria — and therefore from Buckingham Palace — to Windsor. The longer journey time is the only downside. For visitors with plenty of time, a budget to protect, or a preference for a scenic coach ride through London’s suburbs and the English countryside, the bus is a perfectly viable option.
Route 4: Taxi or Car
Journey time: Approximately 35–40 minutes in normal traffic (longer during peak hours) Distance: Approximately 22 miles via A4/M4 Parking: No visitor parking at Windsor Castle. Use long-stay town centre car parks (Romney Lock, King Edward VII, or Alexandra Gardens — all within 10 minutes of the castle).
A taxi from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle takes approximately 35–40 minutes and costs approximately £50–70. This is the fastest door-to-door option and is worth considering for groups of three or more, where the per-person cost becomes more comparable to the train.
If driving, take Constitution Hill west from Buckingham Palace, merge onto the A4, and follow signs for the M4 towards Windsor. No parking is available at the castle — follow signs to Windsor town centre car parks on arrival.
All Routes at a Glance
| Route | Journey Time | Approx. Fare | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train: Victoria → Clapham Jcn → Windsor Riverside | ~55–65 min | ~£6–10 return | Convenience from Victoria |
| Train: Tube to Paddington → Slough → Windsor Central | ~45–55 min | ~£6–10 + tube fare | Speed + flat walk to castle |
| Green Line 702 bus from Victoria | ~90–100 min | ~£3 single | Budget travellers |
| Taxi / car | ~35–40 min | ~£50–70 (taxi) | Groups, families, luggage |
Can I Visit Both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in One Day?
Yes — but it requires careful planning and is only possible in summer, when Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open (9 July to 27 September 2026). Outside this window, Buckingham Palace is not open for standard public visits.
The practical challenge: Each palace deserves 2 to 2.5 hours for a satisfying visit. Travel between them takes 45–65 minutes each way. A combined day runs approximately 9 hours and involves a considerable amount of walking and transit.
The recommended order: Visit Windsor Castle in the morning (arrive at opening, 10:00). Return to London by early afternoon and visit Buckingham Palace in the afternoon (entry from approximately 13:00 onwards).
This order is preferable because Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel closes at 16:00 — visiting Windsor first ensures you have time for the full experience including the chapel. Buckingham Palace has a later closing time in summer.
For visitors who want both palaces in a single booking, the Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Full-Day Tour handles all transport and entry logistics in a single package. See that guide for a full review.
Yes, but only during the Buckingham Palace summer opening (9 July to 27 September 2026). Visit Windsor Castle in the morning, then return to London for Buckingham Palace in the afternoon. Allow approximately 9 hours total. Each palace deserves at least 2 hours — trying to rush either will feel unsatisfying.
Practical Tips
Book Windsor Castle tickets in advance. Windsor uses timed-entry ticketing and can sell out. Book at rct.uk or via a third-party platform before travelling. Advance booking also saves approximately £4 per adult. See our Windsor Castle Entry Ticket guide.
Windsor Castle is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If your visit to Buckingham Palace falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will not be able to visit Windsor on the same day.
Oyster and Travelcards do not cover Windsor. You need a separate rail ticket for the Windsor leg of any train journey. Buy it at the station or via the GWR app or Trainline.
Windsor & Eton Riverside involves an uphill walk. If you are travelling with a pushchair, wheelchair, or heavy luggage, the Windsor & Eton Central route (via Paddington) is considerably more accessible — the walk from that station to the castle entrance is largely flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle?
By train from Victoria via Clapham Junction: approximately 55–65 minutes. By train via Paddington and Slough: approximately 45–55 minutes. By bus (Green Line 702): approximately 90–100 minutes. By taxi: approximately 35–40 minutes.
Which train station is closest to Buckingham Palace for Windsor?
London Victoria is the most convenient departure point for visitors at Buckingham Palace. It is a 10-minute walk from the palace gates along Buckingham Palace Road.
Is it worth visiting both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle?
Yes, if Buckingham Palace is open (9 July to 27 September 2026). Both offer access to genuinely magnificent royal interiors and one of the world’s great art collections. For a detailed comparison, see our Windsor Castle vs Buckingham Palace guide.
Do I need separate tickets for Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle?
Yes. Each palace has its own separate admission ticket. Both are managed by the Royal Collection Trust but operate independently. See our Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace Full-Day Tour article for a combined booking option.
Can I walk from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle?
No. The two palaces are approximately 22 miles apart. Train, bus, or taxi are required.
Insider Tip
Book Windsor Castle tickets in advance. Windsor uses timed-entry ticketing and can sell out. Book at rct.uk or via a third-party platform before travelling. Advance booking also saves approximately £4 per adult. See our Windsor Castle Entry Ticket guide.
