Traveling from London to Windsor Castle is an easy day trip once you choose the right route and check the Castle’s opening arrangements. The two main rail options are London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central with a change at Slough, or a direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. Both Windsor stations are a short walk from the Castle.
Quick Answer
For the fastest typical rail trip, travel from London Paddington and change at Slough for Windsor & Eton Central; the journey is around 35 minutes. For a no-change option, take a direct South Western Railway service from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, which generally takes under an hour.
Key Takeaways
- Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central is usually the quicker rail option, but you must change trains at Slough.
- Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside offers a direct journey with no change.
- Windsor Castle is generally open Thursday to Monday, but it is a working royal palace and closures can occur at short notice.
- Allow about 1½ to 2 hours inside the Castle, plus extra time for Windsor town, Eton or the Long Walk.
- There is no visitor parking at Windsor Castle itself, so drivers should use town-centre parking or Park & Ride.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 35 minutes by the typical Paddington route with one change; under an hour on the direct Waterloo route, plus walking and waiting time. |
| Difficulty | Easy by public transport; moderate walking is required because the Castle sits at the top of a steep hill. |
| Tools Needed | Valid transport ticket, Windsor Castle admission ticket, comfortable shoes and a phone or printed journey details. |
| Cost | Train fares vary by ticket and travel time. For 2026, standard Windsor Castle adult admission is £32 in advance or £36 on the day. |
Plan Your London to Windsor Castle Day Trip
Start by checking the date you want to visit. Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, so opening arrangements can change when the Castle is required for official functions. The published 2026 schedule generally has the Castle open Thursday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
From March through October, the published opening hours are 10:00 to 17:15, with last admission at 16:00. From November through February, the published hours are 10:00 to 16:15, with last admission at 15:00. Check the official Windsor Castle visitor information before you travel because full or partial closures can be announced at short notice.
If avoiding the busiest period is important, afternoon visits can be quieter than the period immediately after opening. However, do not arrive too late if St George’s Chapel is a priority. The Chapel closes to sightseeing visitors at 16:00 and is closed to visitors on Sundays, although worshippers may attend services.
Royal Collection Trust recommends allowing around 1½ to 2 hours for the Castle itself. Add more time if you want to walk through Windsor town, cross the Thames to Eton, eat locally or explore Windsor’s riverside areas.
Pro Tip: If St George’s Chapel is one of your main reasons for visiting, choose Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Monday and plan to reach the Chapel well before its 16:00 visitor closing time.
Choosing the Most Convenient Transportation
The best transportation option depends on where you are staying in London, whether you want the fastest typical journey, and whether you prefer a direct train.
London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central
Great Western Railway operates the London Paddington route. You travel from Paddington to Slough and change there for the short branch-line journey to Windsor & Eton Central. GWR lists a typical journey time of around 35 minutes, although individual services can be faster or slower.
This route is often convenient if you are staying near Paddington, Bayswater, Notting Hill or the western side of central London. Windsor & Eton Central is in the town centre and only a short walk from the Castle.
London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside
South Western Railway provides direct services from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. The journey generally takes under an hour and avoids the need to change trains. Services also serve useful southwest-London stations such as Clapham Junction and Richmond.
Windsor & Eton Riverside is close to the River Thames and is also within roughly a 10-minute walk of Windsor Castle.
Driving, Taxi or Private Car
Driving gives you flexibility, especially if Windsor is one stop in a longer itinerary. The M4 is one of the main motorway approaches, with Junction 6 serving Windsor. Traffic can become heavy during busy visitor periods, major events and the Changing of the Guard.
There is no visitor car park at Windsor Castle itself. Drivers should use public car parks in Windsor town centre or one of the local Park & Ride options. A taxi or private car can remove the need to park, but it will normally cost considerably more than public transport.
Understanding the Different Transportation Options
For most visitors, the decision comes down to the Paddington train, Waterloo train, bus or car. The Paddington route is usually faster but involves a change at Slough. The Waterloo service takes longer but is direct, which can be easier with children, luggage or anyone who prefers not to change trains.
A bus can also work for travelers who are not in a hurry. Reading Buses’ London Line 702 connects London and Windsor, with central-London stops on the route. Bus journeys are more exposed to traffic, so check the current timetable and service notices for your travel date rather than assuming a fixed journey time.
Rail fares also vary by departure time and ticket type. Off-Peak fares, Railcards and eligible group products can reduce the price on qualifying journeys. Check the relevant train operator’s journey planner before buying, especially at weekends or during engineering work.
Note: Do not assume that a London-only Travelcard or Oyster product automatically covers your complete Windsor journey. Windsor lies outside the normal London fare zones, and payment rules can differ by route and operator. Check the ticket conditions for the exact service you plan to use.
Navigating the Route from London to Windsor Castle
If you choose Paddington, check the departure board for your train to Slough. At Slough, transfer to the Windsor branch service for Windsor & Eton Central. GWR advises passengers to change at Slough for the short final journey to Windsor.
If you choose Waterloo, board the South Western Railway service for Windsor & Eton Riverside. Because this is the direct option, you can remain on the same train until Windsor.
Whichever rail route you use, check live running information shortly before departure. Engineering work, platform changes or disruption can alter the normal timetable.
Drivers approaching Windsor from London commonly use the M4 and leave at Junction 6. Follow current navigation and local road signs rather than relying only on a memorized route, because central Windsor traffic can be affected by events and road closures.
Warning: Windsor Castle has no visitor car park. Do not drive directly to the Castle expecting on-site parking. Choose a town-centre car park or Park & Ride before you arrive.
Sightseeing Opportunities During Your Trip
You can add extra sightseeing without making the journey unnecessarily complicated. If you leave from Paddington and have spare time before your train, Little Venice and the Paddington Basin area are nearby London attractions, but they are pre-departure stops rather than places directly along the rail journey.
Once you reach Windsor, Eton is one of the easiest additions. Cross the River Thames from Windsor and you can walk through Eton’s historic streets and see the surroundings of Eton College. Windsor’s town centre, riverside and the Long Walk are also easy to combine with the Castle.
Hampton Court Palace can be paired with Windsor if you have a long day and carefully plan the transportation, but it should be treated as a separate detour rather than a convenient stop directly on the normal London-to-Windsor route. Trying to see both major royal sites in a short day can leave too little time at each.
Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Travel Experience
Check your train, bus or driving conditions on the morning of your trip. Buying admission in advance can also reduce uncertainty because Windsor Castle uses timed visitor arrangements and on-the-day admission is more expensive than advance admission for standard 2026 tickets.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Windsor Castle sits at the top of a steep hill, and the visitor route covers substantial distances, including outdoor areas.
Expect airport-style security screening when you enter. Bring as little as practical so you can pass through security more quickly. Very large luggage may not be accepted, and large backpacks and pushchairs cannot be taken into the State Apartments; cloakroom arrangements are available for permitted items.
Photography and filming are allowed for non-commercial purposes in outdoor areas of the Castle Precincts, but they are not permitted inside the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel.
England’s weather can change quickly, so layers and rain protection are useful. Long umbrellas may need to be checked when visiting the State Apartments.
Royal Collection Trust recommends allowing approximately 1½ to 2 hours to see Windsor Castle, before adding time for Windsor town, Eton or other nearby attractions.
Arriving at Windsor Castle and Making the Most of Your Visit
Windsor Castle is an official residence of His Majesty The King and has around 1,000 years of royal history. It is also the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Because it remains a working royal palace, some areas can close when required for official use.
After security, consider using the free multimedia guide. It covers the Castle Precincts, State Apartments and St George’s Chapel and gives useful historical context while you move through the visitor route.
The State Apartments contain important works from the Royal Collection and rooms used for ceremonial and official purposes. St George’s Chapel is one of England’s outstanding examples of Gothic architecture and contains the tombs of 11 monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I and Queen Elizabeth II.
If the Chapel is important to you, remember that it closes to sightseeing visitors at 16:00 and is closed to visitors on Sundays. Access to individual areas can also change because of services, official functions or operational requirements.
Returning from Windsor Castle to London
For the return journey, use the same Windsor station that best matches your London destination. From Windsor & Eton Central, travel to Slough and change for a Great Western Railway service toward London Paddington. From Windsor & Eton Riverside, South Western Railway services run toward London Waterloo.
Check the evening timetable before you enter the Castle rather than waiting until the end of the day. This is particularly useful on Sundays, public holidays and dates affected by engineering work.
If you drove, allow additional time for traffic leaving central Windsor. Events and the Changing of the Guard can temporarily affect local roads, so live navigation is more reliable than assuming the outbound route will take the same amount of time as your morning journey.
If Windsor inspires you to explore more of England’s history, Stonehenge is another major historic day-trip destination. It is not on the normal London-to-Windsor route, so it is better planned as a separate excursion. Salisbury is the nearest main railway station for Stonehenge, with onward road or tour-bus transportation required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel from London to Windsor Castle?
Train is usually the easiest option. From London Paddington, travel to Slough and change for Windsor & Eton Central. This journey is typically around 35 minutes. If you prefer a direct train, travel from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside; that route generally takes under an hour.
Is there a direct train from London Paddington to Windsor Castle?
No. The normal Great Western Railway journey from Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central requires a change at Slough. The final Slough-to-Windsor section is a short branch-line journey.
How long does it take to get from London to Windsor Castle by train?
Great Western Railway lists the Paddington-to-Windsor & Eton Central journey at around 35 minutes with one change at Slough. The direct Waterloo-to-Windsor & Eton Riverside journey generally takes under an hour. Add time to reach the station and walk to the Castle.
Are there other transportation options from London to Windsor Castle?
Yes. Reading Buses’ London Line 702 connects London and Windsor, and you can also drive, book a taxi, use a private car service or join a guided excursion. Train is usually the simplest choice for a straightforward day trip.
Is it possible to visit Windsor Castle on a guided tour from London?
Yes. Commercial tour companies offer London-to-Windsor excursions, sometimes combined with other destinations. Compare the amount of actual Castle visiting time, transportation arrangements and admission inclusions before booking because itineraries vary by operator.
What is the entrance fee for Windsor Castle in 2026?
For 2026 standard admission, Royal Collection Trust lists advance prices of £32 for adults, £21 for young people aged 18–24, £16 for children aged 5–17 and £16 for disabled visitors. An access companion and children under five are free. On-the-day prices are higher, including £36 for adults. Prices and availability can change, so confirm them when booking.
Are there discounts available for visiting Windsor Castle?
Yes. Current options include reduced prices for young people aged 18–24, children and disabled visitors, free access-companion admission, free admission for children under five, group pricing for qualifying groups and £1 tickets for people receiving Universal Credit and certain other named UK benefits. Eligibility rules apply.
What days is Windsor Castle closed?
The published 2026 schedule generally has Windsor Castle open Thursday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Because it is a working royal palace, additional full or partial closures can occur for official functions, so check the official visitor information before traveling.
Can I visit St George’s Chapel on Sunday?
The Chapel is closed to sightseeing visitors on Sundays because services are held throughout the day, although worshippers are welcome to attend services. On other normal visitor days, St George’s Chapel closes to visitors at 16:00.
Sources
- Royal Collection Trust — Windsor Castle — current admission prices, visitor highlights, accessibility and official Castle information.
- Royal Collection Trust — Practical Information for Windsor Castle — visit duration, security, luggage, St George’s Chapel, photography and parking guidance.
- Great Western Railway — London to Windsor — Paddington route, Slough change and typical journey time.
- South Western Railway — Trains to Windsor Castle — direct Waterloo route and Windsor station information.
- Visit Windsor — Travelling by Car — M4 access, town-centre parking, Park & Ride and local traffic information.
- Reading Buses — London Line 702 — current bus service between London and Windsor.
