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14.4 km • ~15 mins

How to Get from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle lies about 14.4 km (9 miles) west of London Heathrow. Depending on traffic and mode, the trip takes about 15 minutes by road or roughly an hour by public transport.

✓ Verified Oct 28, 2026 • 14.4 km road distance

Licensed Black Cab or Taxi

Door to Door
15 mins •On Demand (24/7)
€48 - €72 (Metered)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official taxi rank outside Arrivals.
  2. Queue at the licensed black cab rank or your pre-booked minicab meeting point.
  3. Give the driver the destination Windsor Castle.
  4. The meter will run; black cabs accept card payment.
  5. The ride takes about 15 minutes in normal traffic, dropping you near the castle entrance.

Thames Valley Buses 703 / 8 from Terminal 5

Direct Bus
60 mins •See Timetable
Check thamesvalleybuses.com
Luggage: 1-2 Pieces
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From Terminals 2, 3 or 4, take the free inter-terminal transfer to Terminal 5 (Piccadilly line or free Heathrow train transfer).
  2. At Terminal 5, follow signs to the local bus stops for routes 703 and 8.
  3. Board the bus towards Windsor, checking the destination display.
  4. The journey takes about an hour.
  5. Alight near Windsor Castle and walk 5-10 minutes to the entrance.

Elizabeth Line + Rail via Slough

More Changes
60 mins •See TfL / National Rail
Fare varies - check online
Luggage: Limited on Trains
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From any terminal, take the Elizabeth line to Hayes & Harlington (all Heathrow stations are served).
  2. At Hayes & Harlington, change to a westbound train for Slough.
  3. At Slough, change to the Windsor branch train to Windsor & Eton Central.
  4. Exit the station and walk about 5 minutes to Windsor Castle.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official taxi rank outside Arrivals or a pre-booked licensed minicab; ignore touts who approach you in the terminal.
  • Black cabs are metered, but there is no fixed Heathrow-Windsor price; make sure the meter is running or agree a fare with a pre-booked minicab.
  • Never pay cash to someone in the arrivals hall offering a cheap transfer; licensed drivers do not solicit indoors.
  • Card payment is standard on black cabs and private transfers; if a driver claims the card machine is broken, choose another cab or call your booking company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Heathrow to Windsor Castle?

The cheapest likely option is the direct Thames Valley bus 703 or 8 from Terminal 5, but fares are not published online; check thamesvalleybuses.com before travelling. A pre-booked private transfer can be cost-effective for groups.

How long does it take by taxi or private transfer?

The road journey is about 14.4 km and typically takes 15 minutes in normal traffic, though rush hour can add time. A metered black cab or pre-booked transfer is the fastest door-to-door option.

Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Windsor?

No direct train exists. You can take the Elizabeth line to Hayes & Harlington, then change to a train to Slough and a branch train to Windsor & Eton Central; the T5 bus is simpler.

Does the bus from Heathrow Terminal 5 run all night?

No, the Thames Valley 703 and 8 services do not run 24 hours; check the timetable. For night arrivals, a pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable.

Can I pay by card for taxis and buses?

London black cabs accept card, but the Windsor bus may have different rules; contactless is standard on TfL services but not all Thames Valley buses. A private transfer normally accepts card if booked online.

Which option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is best for families because it is door-to-door, has space for luggage, and avoids changes at Slough. Licensed taxis also work, but confirm space in advance.

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