Getting to Windsor Castle: Train, Bus, Car & Coach from London
The fastest way to get to Windsor Castle from central London is by train from London Paddington, changing at Slough, which takes approximately 22–28 minutes to Windsor & Eton Central — a short walk from the castle entrance. A direct train from London Waterloo takes approximately 55 minutes to Windsor & Eton Riverside. By bus, the Green Line 702 service from Victoria takes approximately 95 minutes. By car, the drive takes around 40–50 minutes from central London, but there is no visitor parking at the castle itself.
Windsor Castle sits just 22 miles from central London — close enough to reach by train in under 30 minutes from Paddington, yet far enough to feel genuinely removed from the city. Getting there is straightforward by all main transport modes, but each route has specific details worth knowing before you travel.
This guide covers every route in full, with journey times, fares, station information, and advice on which option best suits different types of visitors.
By Train from London Paddington (Fastest Route)
Route: London Paddington → Slough (Great Western Railway / Elizabeth Line) → change → Windsor & Eton Central (local service)
Journey time: Approximately 22–28 minutes total – Paddington to Slough: 15–18 minutes (GWR or Elizabeth Line, departing every 10–15 minutes) – Slough to Windsor & Eton Central: approximately 7–10 minutes (local service, every 30 minutes)
Fare: From approximately £6–10 return (advance booking). Check National Rail or the GWR app for current fares and timetables.
Station to castle: Windsor & Eton Central station sits in the heart of Windsor town centre, directly next to the castle. The walk from the station to the castle entrance is approximately 5 minutes on level ground.
Tip: The Elizabeth Line from central London (Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Bond Street, or Paddington) runs to Slough — making this route accessible from a wide range of central London starting points without needing to change at Paddington.
The fastest route is from London Paddington, changing at Slough, to Windsor & Eton Central. Total journey time is approximately 22–28 minutes. The station is a 5-minute walk from the castle entrance. Trains from Paddington depart every 10–15 minutes throughout the day.
By Train from London Waterloo (Direct, No Change)
Route: London Waterloo → Windsor & Eton Riverside (South Western Railway, direct service)
Journey time: Approximately 55 minutes (no change required)
Frequency: Every 30 minutes throughout the day
Fare: From approximately £6–10 return (similar to Paddington route)
Station to castle: Windsor & Eton Riverside station is on the opposite side of Windsor town from the castle — approximately a 10-minute walk through the town centre and up Castle Hill to the entrance. The approach from Riverside involves a steep uphill section.
When to choose Waterloo: If you are staying near Waterloo, Clapham Junction, Richmond, or Twickenham, the direct service avoids the need to cross London for a Paddington departure. The slightly longer journey time is offset by the simplicity of no change.
By Bus: Green Line 702
Route: London Victoria (Green Line Coach Terminal, Stop 7) → Windsor town centre
Journey time: Approximately 95 minutes
Fare: Approximately £3 single (under England’s national bus fare cap, subject to scheme continuation)
Frequency: Hourly throughout the day
Stop: The Green Line 702 stops near Windsor town centre, close to the Theatre Royal, a short walk from the castle.
The Green Line 702 is the cheapest way to travel between London and Windsor. It is also the most practical option for visitors travelling from Heathrow — the Green Line 703 service connects Heathrow Terminal 5 directly to Windsor in approximately 60 minutes. This makes Windsor an excellent choice for visitors who have a day between flights or whose hotel is near the airport.
By Car
Route from central London: A4 or M4 westbound, then follow signs for Windsor town centre. Total driving time from central London is approximately 40–50 minutes in normal traffic, longer during peak hours.
Parking: There is no visitor parking at Windsor Castle itself. Drivers must use public car parks in Windsor town centre: – Romney Lock Car Park, Datchet Road – King Edward VII Car Park, Datchet Road – Alexandra Gardens Car Park, Alma Road
All three are within a 10-minute walk of the castle entrance and are the most cost-effective options in Windsor (approximately £6 for the day maximum). Avoid short-stay town centre car parks, which are considerably more expensive.
Park and Ride: Windsor operates Park and Ride schemes with free bus transfers into the town centre. Follow signs on approach roads.
Important: No parking is available at the castle. Plan your route to one of the long-stay car parks listed above before arriving.
By Organised Coach Tour
For visitors who prefer not to navigate public transport, an organised coach tour from London is the most convenient option. Tours depart from Victoria and typically include Windsor Castle admission alongside round-trip transport. Many also combine Windsor with other destinations such as Stonehenge, Bath, or Oxford.
See our Windsor Castle Tours from London guide for a full comparison of all coach tour options.
Which Route Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Best Route |
|---|---|
| Fastest journey from central London | Train from Paddington (change at Slough) |
| Direct, no change required | Train from Waterloo |
| Budget-conscious | Green Line 702 bus from Victoria |
| Travelling from Heathrow | Green Line 703 bus from Terminal 5 |
| Driving from outside London | Car + long-stay car park in Windsor |
| Stress-free, all-in-one | Organised coach tour from Victoria |
| Combining Windsor with Stonehenge/Bath | Full-day coach tour |
Windsor Castle Address
Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ
The castle sits at the top of Castle Hill in the centre of Windsor town. Both railway stations are within walking distance — approximately 5 minutes from Windsor & Eton Central and 10 minutes from Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which train station is closest to Windsor Castle?
Windsor & Eton Central station (reached from London Paddington via Slough) is the closest — approximately a 5-minute walk on level ground. Windsor & Eton Riverside (reached from London Waterloo) is approximately a 10-minute walk, including a steep uphill section on Castle Hill.
How long does it take to get from London to Windsor Castle by train?
From London Paddington (changing at Slough): approximately 22–28 minutes to Windsor & Eton Central. From London Waterloo (direct, no change): approximately 55 minutes to Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Is there parking at Windsor Castle?
No. Windsor Castle has no visitor parking. Drivers must use public long-stay car parks in Windsor town centre. The nearest are Romney Lock, King Edward VII, and Alexandra Gardens car parks, all within a 10-minute walk of the castle.
Can I get to Windsor Castle from Heathrow?
Yes. The Green Line 703 bus runs directly from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Windsor in approximately 60 minutes. Windsor is an excellent day trip option for visitors with a layover at Heathrow.
How do I get to Windsor Castle using the Elizabeth Line?
Take the Elizabeth Line to Slough (approximately 30–35 minutes from central London), then change to the local GWR service to Windsor & Eton Central (approximately 7–10 minutes). This is part of the same Paddington route and is an easy connection.
Is it worth taking an organised tour rather than travelling independently?
For visitors comfortable with UK trains, the independent train route is faster and cheaper than a coach tour. An organised tour adds value primarily for visitors who want to combine Windsor with other destinations in a single day, or who prefer not to manage logistics independently.
