Trains to Windsor
Situated in the county of Berkshire, Windsor is the home of the famous Windsor Castle and makes for a great short-stay destination. Whether you're on the quest for a day at the races, a trip to LEGOLAND, a walk around Windsor Great Park, or for a town life experience, Windsor has something for all tastes.
Windsor is also one of the official residences of Her Majesty the Queen - in fact, members of the Royal Family have lived in Windsor, specifically Windsor Castle, for over 900 years.
Visitors to Windsor can also indulge in a spot of retail therapy at the Windsor Royal Shopping department store, sample culinary delights, and enjoy the best of Windsor-brewed hops at the Windsor & Eton Brewery.
Britain is known for its afternoon tea, cricket matches, and people’s ability to strike up a conversation based solely on the (typically soggy) weather – ah, quintessential Britishness! Homely towns like Windsor are perfect places to soak up British heritage like jam on an evenly baked Victoria sponge cake.
Getting to Windsor by train is easy. Trains terminate at Windsor and Eton Riverside with regular departures from London Waterloo and a journey time under an hour. There’s also the Windsor and Eton Central train station which sits in the shadows of the formidable castle walls. GWR services from London Paddington are again frequent although they do require a change in Slough. That said, services from London Paddington take around 41 minutes which includes the change. From both stations, it's just a short walk to Windsor Castle and the town centre.
Use our Ticket Alert tool to find an Advance train ticket today and save yourself some money. You could then splash out on a cream tea in a nice café to commemorate your trip to Windsor. If you’ve got a soft spot for the Royal Family, Eton College is well worth a visit, as both Prince Harry and his older brother, Prince William, studied there. Other famous Eton graduates include the British actors Hugh Grant and Eddie Redmayne, and Prime Ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson. The stunning red-brick building is open for public visits on Friday afternoons between 2 pm and 4 pm and it only costs around £10 entry.
If you can only manage a whistle-stop tour of Windsor, pop into the Alexandra Gardens and take a spin on the Royal Windsor Wheel. For £6 you can see into the grounds of Windsor Castle and Eton College, as well as the River Thames and the pretty English countryside. Much like its larger cousin, the London Eye, the Royal Windsor Wheel gives you 360˚ views over the town. And, on a good day, you can see as far as London.
Wind down in the afternoon with some traditional food, like fish and chips, in one of Windsor’s pubs, like the Two Brewers or the Duchess of Cambridge. If you walk back along High Street, don’t let the Crooked House fool you into thinking you need an eye test – this small building dating back to the 17th century leans comically to one side.
Before you leave Windsor, don't forget to call at one of the many souvenir shops near the castle and pick up a memento fit for a Queen to take back with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main train station in Windsor?
The main train station in Windsor is Windsor & Eton Central. Check out live arrivals and station facilities for Windsor & Eton Central.
Which train companies run trains to Windsor?
The primary operator of trains to Windsor is GWR.
How do I find cheap tickets to Windsor?
It's easy to bag cheap train tickets to Windsor. We'd recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance, or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains to Windsor running?
There are frequent daily services to Windsor, although there may be fewer services on weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Windsor.