One of the easiest ways to travel from London to Windsor is by taking the train. Take it from us, we've actually made the trip ourselves!
Our own professional guide Sinead has actually created a video walking tour traveling to Windsor from Paddington Station by train, revealing how long it takes and what to expect.
Much of this article is based on the personal experiences of our tour guides, and we will also provide helpful tips and tricks from members of our Facebook Group.
- Trains to Windsor
- Paddington Station
- Waterloo Station
- From London by Coach
- From London by Car
- Organized Day Trips
- Windsor Castle Tickets
Trains from London to Windsor
There are two trains that will take you to Windsor: one starting at London Waterloo station and another at London Paddington station.
Our guide Sinead chose to ride out from Paddington station herself, and it only took her about 45 minutes to reach Windsor.
Although the trip from Paddington station requires a transfer at Slough, we can attest to the fact that it's actually a bit faster than the direct train from Waterloo.
Both trains use the same transit system, so ticket prices are pretty comparable, and the only major difference is the amount of time it will take to get there.
Once you arrive at Windsor & Eton Riverside, the castle is an easy walk from the station.
Sinead will give you a better idea of where to go once you get there on her short virtual walking tour which reveals just how quickly you can get from the train station to Windsor Castle!
It is about 7-10 minutes by foot, and you can follow the signs directing you to the castle, which you can see for yourself in the virtual tour below.
You should be able to see the castle as you exit the station, so if you can't see it, you're probably going the wrong way.
London to Windsor Train Ticket Prices
- Off-peak return: £12.20/Adults | £6.10/Children (5-15)
- Peak return: £25
- Purchase train tickets.
Although the train ride lasts approximately 45 - 60 minutes, we can attest to the fact that it's actually faster than driving or taking a coach, especially during peak travel times.
There are typically 45-50 trains departing from London to Windsor each day, with a new train leaving every 20-25 minutes, making it easy to enjoy this day trip even without much planning!
The Windsor Central station actually houses its own major attraction, the Queen's Train. They also have a variety of shops, but prices can be expensive, so we recommend avoiding them if you're on a budget.
Tips From Tourists:
Our London Travel Tips Facebook Group is a great place to check for advice on traveling to and from the ancient city.
When it comes to visiting Windsor, we frequently see tourists planning a trip on either Tuesday or Wednesday, and as this member points out, the castle actually isn't open on those days.
This is an incredibly important detail to keep in mind that tourists often miss, and that could really put a damper on your plans!
It's also worth noting that you can usually get cheap train tickets when you travel outside of rush hour periods, specifically in the morning before 10 am.
London Paddington Station to Windsor Central Train Station
If you're interested in arriving at the station closest to Windsor Castle, this service will take you to Windsor Eton Central Station, just across the street from this landmark.
This is the same exact journey that our guide Sinead took on her virtual tour of Windsor Castle, so you can even use her tour as an additional guide.
The only drawback to this service is that you'll have to make a change of train at Slough, but it's not a big deal, because the entire journey is actually faster than the direct option.
Tips From Tourists:
Members of our Facebook Group note that since there are several trains offered between London Paddington station and Windsor each day, you really don't need to buy advance tickets, even if you can.
Seating is first come, first serve, so it will be important to arrive at Paddington station early.
London Waterloo Station to Windsor Riverside Train Station
If you prefer a direct train from London to Windsor, you'll need to use this service from South Western Railway Trains.
Despite offering direct services between the two locations, this train is actually a bit slower than those starting at London Paddington station.
The reason this train is a bit slower is that it approaches from the south.
Even so, the travel time is still typically between just 60-90 minutes.
The train from London Waterloo station travels to Windsor Riverside station, which is also pretty close to the castle.
One nice thing about this service is that it stops at Clapham Junction rail station, so you can also hop on board there.
Tips From Tourists:
A lot of members on our Facebook Group actually recommend this option, because it's much more simple to just take one train and avoid transfers.
If you're looking for the easiest way to get there, this train might not be as fast, but there's less potential to make any mistakes.
How to Get from London to Windsor by Coach
Green Line 702
This bus service operates several times daily from Victoria Station. The trip takes approximately one hour and 10 minutes.
Fares before midday are £19 (or £15 if the ticket is purchased via their app). Fares after midday are £10 (or £9 if the ticket is purchased via their app.)
Tips From Tourists:
Every now and then, the UK Government will actually offer special fares for this bus service.
Several members of our Facebook Group noted that there was recently a deal for just £2 per ticket, but that sadly ended in October.
This is why we really recommend checking our London Travel Tips group before heading out, because our fabulous members are always offering great advice to save money on tickets!
Surbiton Coaches
This is a shuttle bus service running from Hampton Court Palace to Windsor Castle. It runs 7 days a week (except 24, 25, & 26 December).
If you have an Oyster card, you can use this to get to Hampton Court station and take the shuttle bus from there.
Fares vary from £9-£19 depending on the time of day and whether you purchase tickets via their app.
Compared to the cost of driving, which includes fuel and possible parking fees, taking the coach may be a more economical choice.
The journey by bus takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes, which is slightly longer than the train. It provides a high degree of flexibility for your travel plans.
Importantly, bus transportation like Surbiton Coaches is often included in Organized Day Trips.
Learn more about how to use public transportation in London.
Tips From Tourists:
From time to time, there will be rail strikes in London which prevent you from using the train to get to Windsor.
Our Facebook Group members recommend using one of these bus services if there is a rail strike, and suggest getting tickets well ahead of time, as they can sell out during these periods.
How to Get from London to Windsor by Car
There is no visitor car parking at the Castle, so we recommend you use public car parks in the town centre.
You can use one of these long-term parking facilities available in the town:
- Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road
- Alma Road and Alexandra Gardens, next to the Coach Park
Parking costs start at around £1.90 an hour. If you plan to stay for 3-4 hours, you can expect to pay closer to £8.
Keep in mind that you might have to pay the Central London congestion fee depending on your route.
We recommend that you use Google Maps to plan your trip.
You may choose to take the M4 highway, which is a direct and relatively straightforward route.
The average travel time is around one hour but can vary with traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.
If you don't own a car, car rental services are widely available in London, but remember to factor in these additional costs to your travel budget.
Tips From Tourists:
While most of the members of our Facebook Group suggest taking the train to Windsor, those who have rented a car indicate it's a fairly easy and painless process.
That said, even those who have gotten a car rental for this activity recommend guided tours for other popular attractions such as Stonehenge.
Organized Day Trips From London to Windsor Castle
There are several companies offering organized tours to Windsor Castle from London.
Most of these outings include transportation via coach, tickets to Windsor Castle, and in some cases even additional activities.
Evan Evans Tours
This tour company provides an exciting exploration of British history and heritage. Here are a couple of their well-liked tours:
Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour from London
Evan Evans Tours will transport you back in time with their Royal Windsor Afternoon Tour from London.
You will be led by a knowledgeable guide through the history of the magnificent Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world as well as Queen Elizabeth II's favorite home.
You will take in the splendor of the State Apartments, stroll through St. George's Chapel, which is home to the tombs of ten monarchs, and see the renowned Changing of the Guard ceremony.
You'll gain a thorough understanding of British royal history on this informative, engaging, and guided tour.
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Operating Days: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Time to Begin: 01:00 PM
- £75/Adult | £69/Senior | £69/Student | £65/Child
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford Tour
This guided tour is a fantastic way to experience three of England's most famous locations in a single day.
It's a day trip out of London that includes stops at Windsor Castle, mysterious Stonehenge, and old Oxford.
You will start the day at Windsor Castle, marveling at its grandeur, before journeying to the iconic prehistoric monument, Stonehenge.
Your guide will share theories about its creation, use, and significance in ancient times.
The final destination is the city of Oxford, which is also commonly known as the "City of Dreaming Spires."
This tour provides a wonderful opportunity to spend a single day visiting three of England's most well-known destinations.
- Duration: 11.5 hours
- Constant Availability
- Time to Begin: 08:00 AM
- £79/Adult | £74/Senior | £74/Student | £69/Child
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
Anderson Tours
If you want to get a taste of royal British history but just have half a day, consider taking one of Anderson Tours' half-day tours to Windsor Castle.
Join a knowledgeable guide on this tour of the world's oldest and biggest continuously inhabited castle.
Visit the State Apartments, which house a number of priceless works of art.
You'll also see St. George's Chapel, the site of numerous royal ceremonies including marriages and burials.
You'll get to spend enough time at Windsor Castle to appreciate its splendor even on a rushed tour.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Operating Days: Monday, Thursday, and Friday
- Time to Begin: 09:50 AM
- £79/Adult | £69/Child
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
Premium Tours
Premium Tours presents two unique experiences for those keen on exploring some of Britain's most iconic landmarks.
Your adventure begins with a trip to Windsor Castle, a place brimming with history and grandeur.
Windsor Castle and The London Eye Tour
Take a trip with Premium Tours which offers a double dose of British charm, combining the royal allure of Windsor Castle with the breathtaking views from the London Eye.
You will be able to look around the luxurious State Apartments and the historic St. George's Chapel.
Afterward, you'll get a bird's-eye view of London from the famous London Eye, making for a day that is both culturally enriching and visually stunning.
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Operating Days: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday
- Time to Begin: 07:45 AM
- £109/Adult | £106/Senior | £106/Student | £99/Child
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace Tour
With the Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace Tour, you can get a taste of what it's like to be a British royal.
Begin your day in the grand rooms of Windsor Castle, exploring its rich history and majestic interiors.
Then, keep your royal journey going at Buckingham Palace in the heart of London.
From the royal State Rooms to the beautiful Buckingham Palace gardens, you'll get to explore areas usually off-limits to the public.
This tour is a royal enthusiast's dream come true, offering a deep dive into the life and residences of Britain's monarchy.
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Operating Days: Monday, Thursday and Saturday
- Time to Begin: 07:45 AM
- £117/Adult | £114/Senior | £107/Child
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
Amigo Tours
Amigo Tours presents a captivating tour, taking visitors on a rich journey through British history and academia, with their "Visit Oxford and Windsor Castle Guided Tour from London".
Start your tour at Windsor Castle, which is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.
Traverse through various notable buildings, view historic artifacts in Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and stand in awe at the site of both royal weddings and burials.
This tour is perfect for those looking to absorb the essence of British heritage and scholastic prowess within a day.
- Duration: 9 hours
- Operating Days: Thursday and Saturday
- Time to Begin: 08:30 AM
- £174/Adult | £157/Child
- Book Your Tour or Learn More
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