How To Get From London To Stonehenge (Cheapest And Fastest)

This post covers how to reach Stonehenge from London.

I'm Margaret, a guide with Tours by Foot London and in this post I am going to give you all the information you need to visit Stonehenge.

As a London tour guide, "What is the best way to get to Stonehenge from London" is amongst the most frequently asked questions on my tours.

Many of the guides I work with also lead group tours to Stonehenge, so I know a lot about the subject!

In the video below, Sinead, another tour guide with us, takes you on a virtual trip to Stonehenge.

• How Far Is It?
• By Train
• By Public Buses
• By Organised Tour
• Best Times to Visit

HOW FAR IS IT?

Stonehenge is located approximately 87 miles (140 km) from Victoria Station in Central London.

The ride to this historic sight takes less than 2 hours by car or organized bus tour, approximately 2 1/2 hours by train, and roughly 3-4 hours by public coach.

When I visit, I prefer to take the train. It takes a bit longer than driving but I have been stuck in traffic for HOURS coming back after a day at Stonehenge and the train is a guaranteed way to avoid all that!

Use this Google Maps link to help plan your journey with directions. On the few occasions that I have made the journey by car, I always park on site. It costs a small fee (£5.00) but it's free if you are an English Heritage member (I am and - if you are planning to visit a number of historical sites while you are here, you may find it'll save you money to sign up for a membership while you're here).

Stonehenge itself is, of course, worth visiting but sometimes if I've travelled so far out of town, I like to make the most of my time in the countryside. There are a few places I will sometimes visit in conjunction with my trip to Stonehenge:

• Bristol (I love the food and shopping here) – Stonehenge: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Bath (I will sometimes indulge at the Thermae Spa here which is a great way to end a day of sightseeing) – Stonehenge: 1 hour
• Oxford (One of the most beautiful cities in the country and, as a fan of Harry Potter, a must-visit) – Stonehenge: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Windsor (Anybody who has been on my tour knows how much I enjoy walking in the footsteps of Kings and Queens so this is always on my list!) – Stonehenge: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Due to their proximity, I find it fairly easy to squeeze in a stop at one or more of the above UNESCO World Heritage sites if you are starting from and returning to London.

If you’re curious about visiting any of the above attractions, please read my recommendations about other nearby destinations for more details.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

I have gone to Stonehenge both on my own and with a tour group. Obviously, when I am with a tour group, the entry ticket is included in the price which is convenient. I also then don't have to worry about parking or schedule keeping.

However, if you do decide to go on your own (as I do, now that I am a member), you will need to pay for entry at the Visitor Centre.

Currently, the price for a ticket is £25.40. Again, you can think about the value of an English Heritage membership when calculating your budget. If a membership doesn't make sense, then I always tell people to book online and directly from the English Heritage website because there are discounts for pre-booking. Also, I do know of people who didn't book in advance and where disappointed to find out that Stonehenge can sell out! This is especially true in Summer and the Easter holidays.

(Note that tickets are timed, so be sure to purchase them in advance! I like to go early as many of the organised tours come in the early afternoon so when I'm there before 12:00, it's less crowded.)

If you add your entry ticket to a train or public bus ticket (outlined below), it will cost you at least £80.00/adult including entry to the site, assuming you travel off-peak. This is why I usually recommend that my guests consider an organised tour.

However, there is a trip hack that I like to share for those who are on a very strict budget...

There is a way to visit Stonehenge for free, though you won’t be able to access the visitor centre and museum. For example, when my dad came to visit, he just wanted to see it to 'tick it off the list' rather than spending a few hours at the site. So we were able to just come along and get a good view from the location outlined in the blog post I have linked for you there - without spending any money!

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO STONEHENGE BY TRAIN

If you've decided you'd rather go to Stonehenge on your own, I would recommend the train! Again, as I said above, I prefer to go by train because I don't want to worry about traffic. Also, I always like enjoying a coffee (or a glass of wine...) on my way to/from Stonehenge and the trains are so frequent, I always find it easy to travel on a schedule that suits me best.

The only downside, in my experience, is that there isn't a direct train to Stonehenge - which adds a second part to my journey when I travel by rail.

What is the Closest Train Station to Stonehenge?

There are a few different ways to get to Stonehenge but the most straight forward, and my favourite, route is to take the train from Waterloo to Salisbury Station.

Trains leave from Waterloo Station about every 30 minutes and it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Salisbury, which is 10 miles (16km) south of Stonehenge.

Get train timetables or purchase a ticket to Salisbury (affiliate disclosure).

When you get to Salisbury you will have two options to make the second leg of your journey: the official Stonehenge Bus (£19.50 per person) or a taxi/Uber (about £30 per vehicle). If I am travelling by myself, I'll take the bus, but if I have at least one other person with me, I've found that the Uber actually works out cheaper!

Also, Salisbury is a relatively busy station so I've never had to wait long for a taxi.

It's about 20 minutes in a cab to Stonehenge but you can expect to double that if you take the bus.

With that in mind, you should prepare for a total travel time of 7 hours if planning to visit Stonehenge via train from London and back.

However, as I mentioned, you’ll probably want to add an hour or two, at least, to visit Salisbury itself. I love the market there as there are a lot of independent stalls and tasty treats! I also like to squeeze in a visit to my favourite pub there (The Haunch of Venison) and I also like to take my visiting guests to the Cathedral to see the tallest church spire in the UK! I treat a visit to Stonehenge as a full day experience and I would suggest you do, too.

Purchase a train ticket to Salisbury (affiliate disclosure).

How Much is a Train from London to Stonehenge?

One thing that some people are surprised by when they come to London is just how much the timing of your train travel can impact the price you pay so I always reiterate: the sooner you book, the better! I have taken a round-trip train ride to Stonehenge and paid just £34.80. But I have had friends who have paid around £50.00 because they were travelling at peak times.

Total Cost to Visit Stonehenge by Train

• Up to £35.00 - £50.00 for a return ticket to Salisbury
• Up to £19.50 for a return bus ticket to Stonehenge
• Another £25.40 for admission to Stonehenge
  • Total Price: £79.90 per person
  • Total Time: 6-7 hours (minimum!)

HOW TO GET FROM LONDON TO STONEHENGE BY BUS

I admit to trying to avoid travelling to Stonehenge via coach - but I have done it as it is by far the cheapest option.

However, in my opinion, the savings you may make by travelling from London to Stonehenge by bus aren’t usually worth it.

Peak and off-peak times apply to coaches, too, so ticket prices for the buses range from around £19 - £25.00.

There are a few companies that run bus services to Stonehenge but I would only ever use one: National Express. They run the majority of journeys but I think they also have the nicest coaches and the better timetable. They also have a hub at Victoria Station so I find that very convenient.

See departure times.

The last time I took the bus to Stonehenge, I travelled for 3 hours just to get to Salisbury! And, of course, form there I still needed to get to Stonehenge. It took another 40 minutes on the Stonehenge bus to finally get there which meant I was travelling for almost 4 hours before I even arrived!

If this is the way you want to go, make sure to plan on setting aside at least 10 hours if you plan to visit Stonehenge by public coach.

Remember, once you arrive at Stonehenge, you will have to pay for your own tickets (currently £25.40)

The transfer from Salisbury to Stonehenge costs £19.50 return. If you add this all up, it will cost you at least £65.00/adult - which may mean an organised tour may be the better way to go!

If you are really on a budget, there is a way to visit Stonehenge for free! I've done this before and the downside is that you don't get to see the visitor centre and museum, but if you just want a quick view of the stones then it's a good option for you!

If you’re interested in traveling here by public coach, head to London Victoria Coach Station and purchase a bus ticket to Salisbury.

Then, of course, you need to repeat the process in reverse to get back to London from Stonehenge.

Total Cost to Visit Stonehenge by Bus

• Up to £25.00 for a return ticket to Salisbury
• Up to £19.50 for a return bus ticket to Stonehenge
• Another £25.40 for admission to Stonehenge
  • Total Price: £69.90 per person
  • Total Time: 10-12 hours

HOW TO VISIT STONEHENGE WITH AN ORGANISED TOUR

For most travellers from London, this is my recommended pick for visiting Stonehenge, and I even wrote a post that details bus tours to Stonehenge.

Below are the 3 reasons why you should consider an organised bus tour.

1. Cheapest and Easiest Option

If I'm not able to accompany my friends or family who want to visit Stonehenge, then this is the way I tell them to travel. First, not only is it the easiest option and relatively hassle-free, it's often the cheapest option as well!

Since these tours will take you directly to Stonehenge, there’s no need to travel to Salisbury (which is the case with the public train and public coaches).

Day tours from London to Stonehenge can take anywhere from 5-7 hours on average, which is a reasonable amount of time, in my opinion.

I also like that the ticket price includes the entry ticket which means I don't have to shell out any extra money but I also don't have to worry about getting entry times exactly right, as the tour company takes care of all of that for me.

Also, if you're not a tour guide in the UK (there are only so many of us!) you will find that the guide will provide all kinds of interesting and historical information on your journey there - something you miss ut on if you travel by yourself.

While some of these outings are a full-day trip, others are a half-day tour.

Another nice thing about this option is that most of these companies offer an air-conditioned coach. I know that a lot of people don't associate the UK with the sun but, I promise, we get VERY hot days here - particularly in July and August. On those summer days, air conditioning can seem nearly priceless.

Tickets for a Stonehenge tour bus are typically around £55-£65 per person.

As you will discover in the following sections, this is often the cheapest option.

Additionally, several tour companies offer day trips to Stonehenge that include additional destinations such as Bath, Oxford, and Windsor. I want to point out that the Bath, Stonehenge and Windsor day tour is by far the most popular choice for most of my visitors - but it is a quick visit to each location to pack it all in! If you are only in the UK for a short period of time, I say that the journey is worth it. But if you have more time I would strongly suggest breaking it down into individual visits (primarily because I really think 1 hour in Bath or Windsor is just not enough).

Tickets for those combo packages run from £65 - £125 on average and you can expect journey times of at least 10-12 hours to enjoy.

2. It's Free with a Tourist Attraction Pass

If you are considering purchasing a tourist attraction pass for your time in London, several passes already include a Stonehenge tour for free! This is a great little bonus that I find not everybody knows about.

A tourist attraction pass simply bundles together popular tours and attractions into one ticket price, with savings of up to 55% (!) off retail prices.

Here are the two passes currently offering savings on Stonehenge tours:

• iVenture Card
• London City Pass

I can't say for sure whether a pass would be worth it for you, as it depends on your personal itinerary and interests. But, for more details about these options, make sure to read my full post covering which London tourist pass is best.

3. It's the Only Way to Visit at Sunrise or Sunset

Okay, I know you might not think that visiting at Sunrise or Sunset could possibly be that special but I am here to tell you that IT IS! It's such an interesting atmosphere and the people who come to the stones specifically for sunrise and sunset are so respectful and happy to be there - it's a truly amazing experience. I have seen people crying (yes, really) because it's so beautiful.

But you can ONLY do this, if you come with an organised tour. You can't visit this monument on your own at these premium times.

And if the idea of it being Sunrise or Sunset doesn't impress you - the fact that you can get closer to the stones might. I have been lucky enough to attend a Sunrise visit years back and I was allowed to stand within the stone circle! I was allowed to even touch the stones (carefully, of course), which is an experience not offered to visitors who come at 'regular' times.

Total Cost for a Stonehenge Coach Tour

• Ticket directly to and from Stonehenge included
• No need for a return ticket from Salisbury to Stonehenge
• Admission to Stonehenge included
  • Total Price: £50-£55 per person
  • Total Time: 5-7 hours

So, as you can see, although you might be able to save some money by taking a public coach, you won’t save much – and it’ll actually take you more time to do it that way.

An organised bus tour may cost a few more pounds at most, but you’ll save a lot of time by going directly to Stonehenge, and it’s still cheaper than taking a train! It also just takes the stress out of the planning.

I sometimes find at the end of a long day of travel and sightseeing, I want to switch my brain off so going with an organised tour alleviates all that. I never have to worry about getting back from Stonehenge to London or trying to make train times, as the coach just takes me right back to where I started!

CAN YOU EXPERIENCE STONEHENGE IN A DAY?

A lot of people ask me if it is actually possible to get a worthwhile experience at Stonehenge in a single day and the answer is: YES!

Regardless of how you decide to get there, you can absolutely leave in the morning and be back in London by the evening.

Again, a group tour will take all the planning out of your hands so you don't have to worry about times and logistics while you travel. For more details about this option, please read my post about Stonehenge-organized bus tours.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT STONEHENGE?

Stonehenge welcomes visitors year-round, offering unique experiences each day and every season. If you're like me, and prefer a quiet experience, then I definitely recommend going as early as possible - or close to the final entry as I've noticed most of the larger tour groups have left by then.

Also, I find that there is something almost mystical about Stonehenge, and when it's filled with hundreds of people, I don't get that 'awesome' or 'majestic' feeling like I do when I visit off-peak.

I'm not great at taking photographs but for my friends who are, and especially for those who like to keep their social media looking good, mornings are the way to go! The way the light comes through the stones is breathtaking - and I am still impressed every time, even though I've been there at least 20 times by now!

However, don't underestimate the allure of sunset...the golden hour casts a spectacular glow, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Season-wise, each brings its charm to Stonehenge. The busiest times are the Summer and Winter Solstices and those are truly special times to visit. But the Autumn and Winter are usually quieter so I try to time visits for October when I think the light is the most beautiful and the crowds are lighter.

Unlike almost every other attraction I've been to in the UK, I've never come to Stonehenge and had the place to myself (even just for a few minutes), but if you want to get as close as possible then a winter morning is your best bet!

Spring offers a lovely balance, offering pleasant weather and moderate crowds, making them popular choices among regular visitors (but I still prefer Autumn even though the fields around the monument look beautiful in the Spring blooms). Summer, of course, is the peak season, buzzing with energy and activity.

OTHER NEARBY DESTINATIONS

As I said, usually when I visit Stonehenge, I incorporate a visit elsewhere to make my travel time worthwhile so you may like to do the same!

OXFORD

Oxford is absolutely stunning and the architecture is truly unique. If you are a big fan of Downton Abbey or Harry Potter (like me!) then you will want to make the effort to visit.

Also, if you are on a budget addition to various wallet-friendly walking tours of Oxford, there are also several museums and libraries you can visit for free.

Oxford is only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Stonehenge, so it won’t take much more time to make a stop here. And, honestly, the journey from Stonehenge to Oxford is part of the reason to go! I love the views of the English countryside and the charming villages I pass through when I drive there.

WINDSOR

Known primarily for Windsor Castle, Windsor is a charming little town to the Southwest of the capital. If you are into history, the royal family, or palaces then this is the place for you!

I always tell my guests that, "Windsor is what you think of when you think of an English Castle." I never get tired of coming into the city centre and seeing the tower perched up on the hill.

I think the castle is worth a visit and their audio guide is done very well. I'm also a big fan of the history of the monarchy, so visiting St. George's Chapel within the castle walls is incredible as it's the burial site of Henry VIII (and the location of Harry and Megans wedding!). And there are plenty of little cafes and tea rooms around the castle so I always like to treat myself to a cream tea when I go. I like the Nell Gwynn but the Crooked House of Windsor is a close second...and worth taking a photo of even if you don't go inside.

Windsor is about 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of Stonehenge, making it pretty easy to visit while you’re visiting the nearby landmark.

BATH

Honestly, Bath is one of the easiest places to visit if you are headed to Stonehenge. I always love taking the guided tour of the historic Roman Baths, but the cathedral is beautiful and the Royal Crescent is simply stunning.

If you are a Jane Austin fan, it is a must-do! Also, my favourite thing to visit there is the Fashion Museum, which is an underrated gem but has amazing exhibitions and the chance to wear historical clothing (dressing up as a Victorian is more fun than you'd think). At time of writing (Jan 2025), they are temporarily closed as they move to a new venue more centrally located which I think is great as it will perhaps bring more people through its' doors.

Visitors in Bath can also enjoy several different types of guided walking tours and boat tours which cover both the history and the culture of this destination, but it's also a relaxed place that you can wander and explore on your own, which is usually my choice.

The city of Bath is only 1 hour away from Stonehenge.

BRISTOL

With several great museums and historic landmarks to see, this is a pretty popular destination which is fairly close to Stonehenge. Most visitors go to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge - which is fantastic - but I think the Clifton Downs that surround it are worth the visit, especially if you like a country walk.

We do an amazing East End Street Art Tour in London and Bristol has it's own share of interesting art and graffiti so I always like to have a wander when I go, as the art changes constantly so I never know what I'm going to see. They also have an incredible Art Gallery.

If I'm there at night, I always like to make a stop to Smoke and Mirrors which is a pub with a magic theme! They are also a theatre and I've seen some great comedy set by up-and-coming comics as well as some really fun magic shows so I definitely recommend seeing what's on there when you're in town.

Bristol is roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes outside of Stonehenge, and it’s fairly easy to make a stop here while taking a trip to see this landmark.

STAY NEAR STONEHENGE OVERNIGHT

I usually make my visit to Stonehenge a one-day event and come back home to London in the night. But, maybe you'd prefer to take things a little more laid back and spend the night near the site rather than trekking back. Consider staying in Salisbury as it's easy to get to and from Stonehenge.

And, one advantage of staying in this area is that you might have some extra time to do sightseeing here as well. Here are a few of the most noteworthy attractions and highlights in and around Salisbury:

• Old Sarum
• Salisbury Cathedral (again, one of my favourites with the tallest spire in the country and it also holds a copy of Magna Carta which I have been lucky enough to see twice now)
• Salisbury Museum
• Mompesson House (A Georgian townhouse that I cannot get enough of! I always feel like I'm stepping back to the 18th century when I visit.
• Wilton House
• Cotswolds (The Cotswolds are charming little villages in the countryside and are sometimes the reason I choose to drive to Stonehenge, as it's nice to travel through these lovely little spots)
• Arundells
• Avebury (Home to a less famous, but still fascinating, stone circle which is always so much quieter than Stonehenge. I sometimes feel like it's easier to have a 'spiritual' experience at this site because of that)
• And more!

TIPS FROM THE TOURISTS

Bus Tour with Inner Access

If you're looking for an intimate experience at Stonehenge, one of our Facebook Group members recommends the bus tour with Stonehenge inner access.

Her visit also included stops at the Roman Baths and the quaint village of Lacock (one of those lvoely villages I mentioned before), making for a fulfilling day. She found the experience so enriching that she's planning a private tour to include Stonehenge again for her kids, along with Avebury and other attractions.

Beth points out that for a group, a private tour can be cost-effective and allows for a personalised itinerary, tailoring the day to your interests.

Mystical Ley Lines Exploration

Visitors from our Facebook Group have had remarkable experiences combining a day tour of Stonehenge with Salisbury and the historic Magna Carta.

An exciting addition mentioned is exploring the mystical Ley lines around the Avebury henge (maybe part of what contributes to that spiritual feeling I mentioned above!), which adds an element of awe to the trip. Another visitor highlights Stonehenge as an exceptional destination, suggesting it offers more fascination than some of the usual tourist spots in London.

They point out that the memories children take home from such historic sites are invaluable, underscoring the importance of choosing destinations that offer both educational and cool factors.

Cost-Effective Travel Alternatives

For those looking to reach Stonehenge on a budget, members of our Facebook Group suggest a less direct route that can offer significant savings.

Starting with the Elizabeth line to Hayes and Harlington, followed by a transfer to the line from there to Reading, where you can then pick up a train to Salisbury.

It's a savvy option for the cost-conscious visitor, though it's recommended to book ahead and stay informed about potential rail strikes that could affect travel plans. I wouldn't recommend this unless you are on the tightest of budgets as, if anything goes wrong, you could very well find yourself stranded.

Sunrise Experience by Coach

Considering a trip to Stonehenge to catch the sunrise? Members of our Facebook Group point out that while you can take a train from Waterloo to Salisbury and then a local bus or taxi, for those special early hours, an organised coach tour might be the way to go. Companies like Golden Tours or Evans Evans, which depart from Victoria, make it convenient if you’re staying nearby.

I have done the sunrise tour with Evan Evans and thought it was great value for money. It also meant I didn't have to worry about the train schedules and I was able to enjoy the early morning serenity of Stonehenge without the hassle. It was such a good vibe with the other guests on the tour, too. It was one of my best group tour experiences for sure.

Stonehenge in an Hour

Travellers from our Facebook Group have found that an hour or so is sufficient to appreciate Stonehenge, with early morning visits allowing for a less crowded experience. I agree with their assessment, particularly the fact that 60 minutes is honestly enough to get your money's worth at Stonehenge. The new museum is fascinating but isn't extensive.

Because I don't need to spend ages at Stonehenge, it makes even more sense to combine that visit with somewhere else, as I've said above. You'll see that the same visitors who liked taking the guided tour, have also enjoyed combining their trip with visits to Windsor Castle and Bath, finding the Roman ruins particularly compelling.

They appreciated the leisurely pace of the tour which allowed them to savour each site without feeling rushed. Windsor emerged as a favourite, with its charm making it a place they'd love to revisit.

RELATED POSTS:

• Stonehenge Tickets and Deals
• Tourist Attraction Passes
• Day Trips from London
• Organized Tours to Stonehenge
• How to Get from London to Paris by Train

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