How to Reach Windsor Castle – Directions, Transport & Tips (2025)
All the easy ways to reach Windsor Castle: direct trains from London, bus routes, driving & parking, airport connections, walking times, and practical travel tips—everything in one place.
See Tickets & ToursQuick Overview
Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ (short walk from Windsor town centre).
Closest Rail Stations: Windsor & Eton Central (via Slough) and Windsor & Eton Riverside (from London Waterloo).
Good to know: The Castle sits on a hill. Surfaces are mostly paved; some slopes are steep—allow a little extra time.
Fastest from Central London
Take Elizabeth line or GWR to Slough, then change for the short branch train to Windsor & Eton Central. Total journey typically ~35–50 minutes depending on your London start.
Most Direct (No Change)
From London Waterloo, take the South Western Railway service direct to Windsor & Eton Riverside (about 55–60 minutes). It’s a level 7–10 minute walk to the Castle.
Option 1 — Trains from London (Fast & Frequent)
Best for most visitors; frequent departures and simple walking routes in Windsor.
- Paddington/Elizabeth line → Slough → Windsor & Eton Central: Frequent services; the branch ride from Slough is ~6 minutes.
- London Waterloo → Windsor & Eton Riverside (Direct): About 55–60 minutes, no changes. Riverside is a 7–10 minute walk to the Castle.
- Oyster/Contactless: Contactless usually works to/from London zones and on the Elizabeth line. If in doubt, buy a rail ticket or use contactless where accepted.
Tickets & Payments
Use contactless or buy rail tickets on the day. Off-peak returns are good value. Trains can be busy on weekends and school holidays—start early.
Option 2 — Buses & Coaches
Green Line 702/703
Popular coach-style routes linking London Victoria/Heathrow with Windsor. Journey times vary with traffic. Services stop near the town centre; the Castle is a short walk uphill.
Local Buses
Frequent local buses connect Windsor with Slough, Eton, and nearby villages—use for last-mile travel if arriving by rail.
When to Choose Bus
Useful if you’re staying near a coach route, or travelling via Heathrow. For speed and reliability, trains usually win from central London.
Option 3 — Driving & Parking
Main Approaches
From London via M4 J6 (A332) or M3/M25. Traffic can be heavy around school runs and weekends. Set your sat-nav to SL4 1NJ and follow town wayfinding for car parks.
Car Parks
Central options include Riverside, Alma Road, and King Edward VII Avenue car parks. Expect paid parking; arrive early on sunny weekends and holidays.
Tip
Parking fills quickly on event days. If you find queues, consider parking at Slough and taking the 6-minute train to Windsor Central.
Reaching Windsor from London Airports
Heathrow (LHR)
Closest major airport. Easiest is Elizabeth line (or Heathrow Express to Paddington) → Slough → branch train to Windsor Central. Coaches (702/703) also run to Windsor; taxis take ~20–30 minutes off-peak.
Gatwick (LGW)
Train via Clapham Junction for services to Windsor & Eton Riverside, or via Reading/Slough for Windsor Central. Allow ~1.5–2 hours depending on connections.
Stansted (STN)
Take Stansted Express to Liverpool Street → Elizabeth/Central line across London → GWR/Elizabeth line to Slough → Windsor Central.
Luton (LTN)
Train to London St Pancras → Tube/Elizabeth line westbound to Slough → Windsor Central. Alternative routes via Waterloo work too (for Windsor Riverside).
Luggage & Timing
Windsor town is walkable with roll-aboards. Build a small buffer for connections—Castle security and queues vary by season.
Walking Times & Wayfinding in Windsor
- Windsor & Eton Central → Castle: ~3–5 minutes (slight uphill through shops and Jubilee Arch).
- Windsor & Eton Riverside → Castle: ~7–10 minutes (gentle uphill via Thames Street/High Street).
- Landmarks: Follow signs to Windsor Castle or Windsor Guildhall; the Round Tower is your easiest visual cue.
Photo Tip
The Long Walk and the area by the Queen Victoria Statue offer classic Castle views—best light at golden hour.
Accessibility & Practical Tips
Terrain & Access
The site is on a hill. Step-free routes and lifts exist in places, but some gradients are steep. If accessibility is essential, check the Castle’s official guidance for current details before you travel.
Weather & Footwear
Surfaces are mostly paved; wear comfortable shoes. Bring a light rain layer—showers are common year-round.
Timing & Crowds
Mornings and weekdays are usually calmer. Arrive near opening to shorten security lines; holidays and summer are busiest.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Closest Stations
Windsor & Eton Central (via Slough) • Windsor & Eton Riverside (direct from Waterloo)
Typical Times
Paddington/Elizabeth line → Slough → Windsor: ~35–50 min • Waterloo → Windsor Riverside: ~55–60 min.
Wayfinding
Follow signs to Windsor Castle on Thames Street/High Street. Look for the Round Tower above the town.
Buses/Coaches
Green Line 702/703 serve Windsor from London/Heathrow/Reading—handy if you’re near a stop.
Driving & Parking
M4 J6; central car parks at Riverside, Alma Road, King Edward VII Ave. Arrive early on weekends.
Accessibility
Hilly site with some step-free routes; check official access notes if lifts/assistance are required.
Ready to Go?
Pick your route—fast trains via Slough, direct Waterloo service, coach, or car—and enjoy a smooth arrival at Windsor Castle.
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