How to Reach Buckingham Palace – Directions, Transport & Tips (2025)
Find the best ways to reach Buckingham Palace: nearest Tube stations, bus routes, walking paths, airport links, driving/parking notes, and quick visitor tips—all in one place.
See Tours & TicketsQuick Overview
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA (between Green Park & St James’s Park).
Closest Tube: Green Park (Piccadilly/Jubilee/Victoria), St James’s Park (District/Circle), Victoria (Victoria/District/Circle & National Rail).
Good to know: The forecourt and Victoria Memorial sit on The Mall. Allow extra time on ceremony days.
Best First-Time Route
Take the Tube to Green Park. Exit toward the park and follow signs across the trees to the Palace (~8–10 min walk, flat and scenic).
From Victoria Station
It’s a straightforward 10–12 min walk via Buckingham Palace Road → Spur Road. Ideal if arriving by train or coach.
Option 1 — From Trafalgar Square / West End
Great if you’re near Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, or Charing Cross.
- Walk (scenic): From Trafalgar, go down The Mall through St James’s Park (~15–20 min) to the Victoria Memorial.
- Tube: Piccadilly Circus → Green Park (Piccadilly line), then walk across the park (~8–10 min).
- Bus: Several routes run along Piccadilly/Hyde Park Corner/Victoria. Walking is often just as quick in central areas.
Tickets & Payments
Tap in/out with contactless or Oyster. Daily caps apply across Tube/bus. Kids under 11 travel free on buses with a paying adult.
Option 2 — Tube & National Rail (Fastest for Most)
Green Park Station
Piccadilly/Jubilee/Victoria lines. Exit into Green Park and follow the central path toward the Palace gates (well signposted).
St James’s Park Station
District/Circle lines. Exit toward Birdcage Walk and walk west along the park edge (~8–10 min).
Victoria Station
Major hub for rail/coach. Walk ~10–12 min via Buckingham Palace Road. Helpful for arrivals from Gatwick or the South.
Charing Cross
National Rail + Bakerloo/Northern. Walk ~15–20 min via The Mall, or hop to Green Park on the Tube for a shorter approach.
Wayfinding
Follow signs for Buckingham Palace, The Mall, or St James’s Park. The Victoria Memorial is your key landmark.
Option 3 — Buses & Scenic Walks
Central buses run along Piccadilly, Constitution Hill, Victoria Street and Buckingham Palace Road. Walking through Green Park or St James’s Park is often the quickest and most enjoyable option.
- From Victoria: Short walk via Buckingham Palace Road → Spur Road.
- From Hyde Park Corner: Walk the Constitution Hill path beside the park (broad, flat, ~10–12 min).
Photo Tip
Sunrise and golden hour offer softer light on the Palace façade. The lake bridge in St James’s Park frames perfect shots.
From London Airports
Heathrow (LHR)
Piccadilly line to Green Park (direct, ~45–55 min). Or Elizabeth line to Bond Street, change for Jubilee to Green Park.
Gatwick (LGW)
Gatwick Express or Southern/Thameslink trains to Victoria, then walk ~10–12 min to the Palace.
Stansted (STN)
Stansted Express to Liverpool Street → Tube to Green Park (via Central/Victoria/Jubilee as preferred).
Luton (LTN)
Trains to St Pancras → Victoria line to Green Park (change at Oxford Circus if needed).
Luggage
The area is pedestrian-friendly; rolling cases are fine. For big bags, consider station left-luggage before sightseeing.
Driving, Parking & Bikes
Congestion & ULEZ
Central London charges may apply on weekdays and daily for emissions. Public transport or walking is usually faster and cheaper.
Car Parks
Limited street parking. Use paid car parks near Victoria or Hyde Park Corner, then walk 10–15 min.
Cycling
Cycleways run around the royal parks. Use designated racks near Green Park/St James’s Park; no bikes inside the Palace grounds.
Accessibility
Step-free Tube options exist at Green Park and Victoria (check lifts). Surfaces around the Palace are mostly level and wide.
Practical Tips
Arrive Early on Guard Days
For front-row views, arrive well before the ceremony. Guided walks help you adapt if routes change.
Weather & Shoes
Pack a light rain layer and wear comfy shoes—paths across the parks are mostly paved and flat.
Mobile Payments
Use contactless (phone/card) on Tube/bus. Daily caps keep costs predictable for multiple rides.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Closest Stations
Green Park • St James’s Park • Victoria • Hyde Park Corner (walk via Constitution Hill)
Typical Times
Green Park → Palace: 8–10 min walk • Victoria → Palace: 10–12 min • Trafalgar → Palace: 15–20 min via The Mall.
Wayfinding
Follow signs to The Mall or Victoria Memorial. The Palace sits directly behind the memorial.
Crowd Strategy
Weekdays are calmer. For the Guard, arrive early or use a guided tour for smart positioning.
Accessibility
Step-free access at Green Park/Victoria (check lift status). Broad, level pavements around the Palace.
Nearby Essentials
Cafés, ATMs and restrooms around Victoria and St James’s Park; kiosks on The Mall during events.
Ready to Go?
Pick your route—Tube, walk through the parks, or arrive from Victoria—and enjoy a smooth arrival at Buckingham Palace.
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