One of the most iconic tourist attractions and one of the most famous buildings in the world, Buckingham Palace is top of the list for most people’s trips to London.
If you’re already in the UK’s capital city, a visit is usually as simple as taking a bus, cab or the London Underground to a tube station near Buckingham Palace.
Starting your journey outside of London? Many longer-distance travellers choose to first travel to the UK’s capital city by train. En route, they enjoy a relaxing ride and scenic views of the English countryside, classic British towns and key landmarks.
Once in London, it’s a common choice to hop on the London Underground for the final leg of the journey. After which you can simply alight at one of the many tube stations near Buckingham Palace.
If you’re wondering how to get to Buckingham Palace, this guide is for you.
How to get to Buckingham Palace by train
Getting to Buckingham Palace by train is an enjoyable and relaxing journey, no matter where you’re headed from in the UK. Whether you’re in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool or just about anywhere else, you can expect a scenic ride with lots to see and do along the way.
The first step in the journey to Buckingham Palace is getting to London. The UK's rail network is extensive, making it easy. From just about all big cities, trains are frequent to major London stations.
Plus, if you travel with Avanti West coast, we’ve got a range of ticket types so you can get the best deal for you.
Here’s a quick look at two of London’s largest train stations, London Euston and Victoria. You’re likely to arrive at one of these two stations, if you’re headed from another city in the UK. If you travel with Avanti West Coast, you’ll arrive at London Euston.
London Euston
London Euston is one of the capital city’s largest stations near Buckingham Palace. Many travellers from all over the country enter London here.
Once you're off the train, there are several lines you can take on the London Underground to get to your final destination. Green Park Station, St. James' Park, Victoria and Charing Cross are all tube stations near Buckingham Palace.
Victoria Station
You may also choose to take a train to Victoria Station, another well-connected London station. It’s always wise to compare options, stations, lines and costs when planning your train route to Buckingham Palace.
Trains to London from major UK cities
Whether your journey starts in Leeds or Liverpool, getting to London by train is both easy and stress free.
Here’s a guide to getting to the capital by train from major cities around the UK, including approximate travel time and what you can expect to see en route. Travelling on a budget? Check out these great ways to save on your tickets.
Manchester to London
Starting in Manchester? No problem. Trains from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston are regular. The journey to the UK’s capital is around two hours.
As the train moves southwards, you'll have the opportunity to see the urban landscapes of Manchester begin to change into the picturesque countryside of the Midlands.
Finally, as you approach London's outskirts, the surroundings will grow more urban once more.
When you take an Avanti West Coast train, you’ve got three great ways to travel, with a range of different amenities and services en route. Or, do you or a loved one need assistance? Our passenger assist service makes taking a train easy and accessible for all.
Birmingham to London
Birmingham travellers have it easy, too. Trains from Birmingham New Street to London Euston run often.
The travel time is roughly one hour 30 minutes. On this journey, passengers are treated to views of the rolling English countryside, dotted with quaint villages and historic towns.
Leeds to London
Leeds is a bit further away, but the journey is still simple. Trains go from Leeds Station and then on into London.
The journey takes around two hours 15 minutes. Heading south from Leeds, you’ll have the chance to enjoy views of scenic fields and farmlands before the bustling suburbs of the capital come into view.
Liverpool to London
Coming from Liverpool? Trains depart regularly from Liverpool Lime Street, heading to London Euston.
The trip takes just over two hours. The route from Liverpool takes you through the heart of England. On the way, you’ll see a blend of industrial cities, serene landscapes and historic towns.
Travelling in a group to London? Our group travel options can mean great discounts. Or, if you’re travelling on your own, check out some other great ways to save on your tickets.
Nearest station to Buckingham Palace
Once you arrive in London, you're almost there. The nearest train stations to Buckingham Palace are Victoria Station and Euston. Both are close and well connected to public transport options and the London Underground.
Euston Underground station is served by the Northern Line and the Victoria Line, for easy links to numerous parts of London. Plus, you can transfer stress-free between the mainline train services and the Underground lines.
Closest tube station to Buckingham Palace
If you’re using the London Underground for the last leg of your trip, finding the nearest tube station to Buckingham Palace will be a priority.
Or, you may prefer to choose one of the many tube stations in the wider palace area and take a leisurely stroll to the palace gates, allowing you to enjoy more of London’s sights and sounds on the way.
Here are some tube stations near to Buckingham Palace to consider.
Green Park
Green Park tube station provides easy access to the scenic grounds of Green Park itself.
This peaceful royal park offers tree-lined pathways and beautiful scenery, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature. It’s also located near The Ritz and the start of London's West End.
St. James's Park
St. James's Park tube station is the gateway to St. James's Park, another beautiful royal park with a scenic lake and views of the London Eye.
Tourists will find it convenient for visiting nearby Westminster and the iconic Mall leading up to the palace gates.
Victoria
Visitors coming out of Victoria will find themselves close to several of London’s major attractions, including Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews and the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The surrounding area also offers lots of dining and shopping options.
Charing Cross
Charing Cross tube station is one of London’s most well-known stops, linking travellers to Trafalgar Square, known for its frequent events and celebrations.
Tourists using this station are also just a short walk away from the National Gallery, the Strand, and beautiful views along the River Thames.
Getting to Buckingham Palace with Avanti West Coast
Travelling to London is easy and stress free with Avanti West Coast. Our trains to London arrive at London Euston Station. From there, it's a simple tube journey on the London Underground, a short cab ride or a 50 minute walk to Buckingham Palace.
What to do at Buckingham Palace
While Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as both a working royal palace and the official London residence of His Majesty The King, it is also a spectacular tourist attraction that welcomes millions of visitors every year.
For many, walking down The Mall and seeing Buckingham Palace in all its glory from the palace gates is enough. But if you’re keen to explore inside this famous residence, tickets are usually available for tours between July and October.
You’ll be able to tour the 19 State Rooms, explore the Palace Gardens and view the working stables and art gallery.
If you’re hoping to see a bit of action, you could try and time your visit so that you get to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This formal ceremony involves the group of soldiers currently protecting the Palace being replaced by a new group of soldiers.
The event takes place outside Buckingham Palace on certain days (usually every other day) from 10:45 am, usually lasting around 45 minutes. It’s completely free to view the ceremony but it’s best to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Once you're done at the palace, there is plenty to see in surrounding areas as you're in Central London.
If you've managed to catch London on a sunny day, then head across the road to Green Park for a picnic. There are a few amazing little coffee stands in the park where you'll be able to find yourself a warm drink and a treat.
Less than a mile's walk down The Mall and under the iconic Admiralty Arch, you'll find yourself in Trafalgar Square, the world-famous public square featuring Nelson's Column and the four lion statues.
There are always street performers and artists to watch as you wander around the square.
About Buckingham Palace
With a huge amount of history and plenty to see and do when you visit Buckingham palace, it’s always interesting to learn some key facts ahead of your visit. Here's our favourites:
- Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 52 royal guest bedrooms and 19 state rooms
- The grounds of the palace span over 29 acres
- English Gentleman and architect William Winde originally constructed the building for Duke Buckingham in 1703, known then as Buckingham House
- In 1761, King George III purchased the property as a private residence for Queen Charlotte
- The palace garden is the largest private garden in London, featuring a lake, tennis court and helicopter landing pad
- Buckingham Palace was the official home of the UK's longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II
- Queen Victoria was the first English royal to live here
- You can tell if the King is in residence by looking at the flag. When in residence, the King’s royal standard flag flies above the palace but when he is at Windsor Castle or elsewhere, you’ll see the Union Flag.
Over 50,000 people visit the palace every year as guests to State banquets, garden parties, lunches, dinners and receptions.
Ways to save on your train ticket to Buckingham Palace
Travelling to London and Buckingham Palace with Avanti West Coast means you can make generous savings on your train tickets, leaving more money spare for all the attractions you plan to visit. Here are our top tips for saving money on your rail travel:
- Book your tickets in advance: If you can, try to book your tickets as early as possible and you might be able to save some money and get the cheapest tickets.
- Travel Off-Peak: Choose an Off-Peak train time and avoid the busy trains as well as the more expensive tickets.
- Travel and book as a group: If you're travelling with family, consider booking a group or family train ticket to save money.
- Use your Railcard: When you're booking your train tickets remember to use your Railcard. If you don't already have one it's a great idea to get one. You can purchase a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on your train travel. You can even buy a Family and Friends Railcard for when you're travelling with your children.
Get the App
The Avanti West Coast App is everyone's ideal travel companion especially if you're travelling to Buckingham Palace in London.
Find the cheapest Avanti West Coast train tickets when you download our free app. You can book any journey via our app (this includes tickets for other providers such as LNER, GWR and CrossCountry).
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