Windsor from London makes a straightforward train day trip, with services from Paddington or Waterloo and a historic royal castle at the centre of town. The London-to-Windsor journey varies by route.
- Destination: Windsor, west of London.
- From Paddington: change at Slough; GWR’s average journey is around 35 minutes.
- From Waterloo: direct trains reach Windsor & Eton Riverside in under an hour.
- Castle: opening arrangements can change, so check before setting out.
Is Windsor a Good Day Trip from London?
Yes. Windsor pairs a compact town centre with Windsor Castle, making it a practical day trip by train from London. You can make the castle the main stop, then spend time around the surrounding streets.
Train times vary by route: the GWR service from Paddington takes an average of around 35 minutes, while the direct Waterloo route takes under an hour.
The town’s main draw is Windsor Castle, an official royal residence. The Royal Collection Trust describes it as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Its history stretches back to a wooden fortress built during William the Conqueror’s time; over the centuries, the castle developed into a palace.
For a simple plan, take a train into Windsor, visit the castle if it is open, and leave time to walk around the town centre. The castle is a working royal palace, so its security and opening arrangements may change at short notice.
Read how Paddington connects to London before planning your departure.
How Do You Get from London to Windsor by Train?
You can travel to Windsor from either London Paddington or London Waterloo, but the train routes differ: Paddington requires a change, while Waterloo has a direct service.
London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central
GWR trains from London Paddington involve one change at Slough. GWR gives an average journey time of around 35 minutes and a fastest journey time of 22 minutes. Trains depart on average almost every 20 minutes.
At Slough, change to the Windsor & Eton Central train. The branch service uses platform 1, and the train journey from Slough takes six minutes. Check the day’s connections before you travel, particularly if your visit depends on arriving at a particular time.
London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside
South Western Railway runs a direct service from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. The journey takes under an hour, with no change required on the route described.
London Travelcards, Oyster cards and contactless payment are not valid for the journey to Windsor on this service. You need a valid train ticket covering the whole journey.
For practical advice on getting around before you leave, read this guide to London public transport.
What Can You Do Around Windsor Castle and the Town Centre?
Windsor Castle is the main historic attraction, and the town centre gives you a nearby place to continue your visit.
The castle’s long transformation from a wooden fortress into a palace gives context to its role as a working royal residence today. Its status and active use also mean access arrangements are not fixed: security needs or official functions can affect opening.
Inside the castle, visitors can visit the Undercroft Café, located in one of the castle’s oldest surviving spaces, according to the Royal Collection Trust. If you are planning around a castle visit, check the official information before you set out rather than assuming entry will be available on a particular day.
Keep the rest of the day flexible. A castle visit and time in the town centre fit naturally together, but the time you can spend at the castle depends on its opening arrangements and your train schedule.
Tickets, Opening and Travel Checks
Check train tickets and Windsor Castle’s current access information before travelling, because rail arrangements and castle opening can change.
Buy a train ticket that covers your full journey to Windsor. For the Waterloo route, Travelcards, Oyster and contactless payment are not valid. If you travel via Paddington, allow for the change at Slough and check the connection that suits your plans.
The Royal Collection Trust advises visitors seeking detailed access information for Windsor Castle and the town to consult AccessAble’s guide. Castle security and opening arrangements can change at short notice, and official functions may affect access.
Before you go: check the official site for current castle access and travel information. For castle details, consult the Royal Collection Trust; for rail services, check GWR or South Western Railway.
A London base at Pavilion Hotel can make it easier to set out for this train day trip.
FAQs
How long is the train from London to Windsor?
GWR’s Paddington route averages around 35 minutes, with a fastest journey time of 22 minutes, and requires a change at Slough. The direct Waterloo route takes under an hour.
Do you need to change trains from London to Windsor?
From Paddington, change at Slough for Windsor & Eton Central. The Waterloo service to Windsor & Eton Riverside is direct.
Can you use Oyster or contactless to travel to Windsor?
South Western Railway says London Travelcards, Oyster cards and contactless payment are not valid for the journey to Windsor. You need a train ticket covering the whole journey.
Is Windsor Castle open every day?
Opening can vary because Windsor Castle is a working royal palace and may be affected by official functions or security arrangements. Check current access information before travelling.