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How Do I Get to Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is one of Europe’s most fascinating prehistoric monuments, located near Salisbury in the county of Wiltshire. If you’re planning a visit, the key question arises: What’s the best way to get there? Whether by train, coach, car, or guided tour from London – here you will find an overview of all options, including tips and helpful information.

Mode of TransportDuration from LondonApproximate CostComfortRecommended For
Train + ShuttleApprox. 2.5 hours£30–£60HighIndividual travellers
CoachApprox. 2.5–3 hoursFrom £15MediumBudget-conscious travellers
Car / Rental CarApprox. 1.5–2 hoursVaries (from approx. £50)FlexibleGroups, Families
Guided Tour6–12 hoursFrom €89 / £70Very highFirst-time visitors, comfort seekers

Book Your Stonehenge Tickets in Advance

To ensure a smooth visit, we recommend booking your Stonehenge admission tickets online in advance. This guarantees a fixed time slot and helps you avoid long queues on site. Included in the ticket price are the shuttle service from the Visitor Centre to the stone circle, an audio guide, and the option of free cancellation until the day before your visit.

Book Your Stonehenge Ticket

Travel by Train

A common and reliable option is to travel by train. Direct services from London Waterloo to Salisbury run regularly.

  • Journey time: approximately 1.5 hours
  • Transfer: From Salisbury Station, take the “Stonehenge Tour Bus” directly to the Visitor Centre
  • Combination ticket: Available online for both bus travel and site entry
  • Cost: approx. £30–£60 depending on booking time and fare
  • Tip: Early booking is recommended
  • Additional note: A short walking tour of Salisbury can easily be combined with your visit

The total travel time is around 2.5 hours. This connection is ideal for travellers without a car who prefer a direct and organized trip.

Travel by Coach

Long-distance coaches also offer a budget-friendly travel option.

  • Departure: London Victoria Coach Station
  • Providers: National Express, Megabus, among others
  • Destinations: Amesbury or Salisbury (better connected)
  • Journey time: approx. 2.5 to 3 hours
  • Connection: Continue by taxi or local bus to the Visitor Centre (approx. 15–25 minutes)
  • Price: from £15, depending on provider and booking time
  • Amenities: Usually air-conditioned coaches, often with Wi-Fi

This option is especially economical, though it requires more planning for connecting travel. It is best suited to travellers with a flexible itinerary.

Travel by Car

Travelling by car offers the greatest flexibility for planning your day.

  • Route: From London via the M3 and A303 to Amesbury
  • Driving time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic
  • Destination: Stonehenge Visitor Centre (Postcode: SP4 7DE)
  • Parking: Paid parking is available; with an admission ticket, it is usually free
  • Final stretch: Shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to the monument (included with admission)
  • Note: Parking directly at the stone circle is not permitted
  • Recommendation: Plan your journey outside of peak hours if possible

This option is ideal for families or small groups who want to travel independently and possibly explore other destinations in the area.

Guided Tours from London

Guided day tours from London are a popular and convenient way to visit Stonehenge. These tours are designed for travellers who prefer not to handle tickets or transport themselves, and often combine the visit with other attractions. Tours typically start in the morning from central meeting points such as Victoria Coach Station and return in the early evening.

Several options are available:

  • Stonehenge Classic Tour (book here): approx. 6–7 hours, direct visit to Stonehenge with return in the early afternoon – ideal for those with limited time.
  • Stonehenge & Bath (available here): full-day tour including Stonehenge and the Georgian spa city of Bath with its Roman Baths.
  • Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor (available here): extensive tour of three major historic sites in southern England – perfect for those interested in culture and history.
  • Stonehenge, Oxford & Windsor (available here): full-day tour offering an in-depth look at three iconic British destinations.
  • Stonehenge Inner Circle & Windsor (available here): this exclusive tour includes special access to the inner circle outside normal opening hours, plus a visit to Windsor or Windsor Castle.

Most tours also include audio guides, live English commentary, and free cancellation up to the day before.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Getting to Stonehenge

1. Can Stonehenge be reached by public transport?
Yes, reaching Stonehenge via public transport is entirely possible. The most common route is via Salisbury Station, which is about 90 minutes from London. A shuttle bus runs from the station directly to the Visitor Centre. Alternatively, long-distance coaches travel to Salisbury or Amesbury, with onward travel via local buses or taxis. The entire trip can be done without a personal vehicle.

2. How long does the journey from London to Stonehenge take?
Depending on your chosen mode of transport, travel time ranges from approximately 1.5 to 3 hours. Driving is the fastest option, while trains and buses may take longer due to transfers.

3. Which is the nearest train station to Stonehenge?
The closest station is Salisbury. From there, shuttle buses travel directly to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. The train journey from London Waterloo to Salisbury takes about 90 minutes.

4. Are there direct coach connections to the site?
No, there are no direct coach services to the monument itself. Coaches go as far as Amesbury or Salisbury. A taxi or local bus is needed for the final stretch.

5. How does the on-site shuttle bus work?
The shuttle operates regularly between the Visitor Centre and the stone circle. Use of the shuttle is included in the ticket price and provides fast and accessible transport to the monument.

6. Do I have to use the shuttle, or can I walk?
The walk from the Visitor Centre to the stone circle is around 1.5 kilometres. Walking is permitted, and you are not required to use the shuttle. Many visitors combine both options – walking one way and returning by shuttle.

7. Is parking available directly at Stonehenge?
Parking is available at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. Parking directly at the stone circle is not allowed. The Visitor Centre car park charges £3 per car.

8. What does a train ticket from London to Salisbury cost?
Train ticket prices vary depending on the time of booking and the selected service. On average, round-trip fares range from £30 to £60. Early booking is advised to save on costs.

9. Is renting a car worthwhile for the trip?
A rental car offers flexibility and is particularly suitable for families or small groups. In addition to visiting Stonehenge, you can easily explore other nearby attractions. Parking is available on-site.