Hampton Court Palace is a spectacular Tudor Palace located in the greater London area in Surrey. It is one of England’s top historical tourist attractions. Given the numerous options on how to get to Hampton Court Palace, make it is easily accessible to visitors.
I always recommend Hampton Court, especially if you’re wanting to see a real Palace or Castle while in the capital. Given the distance from London, Hampton Court Palace is a great option for a day-out attraction.
1. How to Get to Hampton Court Palace
Getting to Hampton Court Palace is relatively easy and straightforward. It is situated around 15 miles from central London, depending on which way you come.
Here are different travel options and directions on how to get to the Hampton Court Palace. I have based most of my directions as if you were a visitor coming from London to the Palace. You can get there by train, car, bus, bike and even by boat.
Wanting to know what to do when you arrive? Here is a full guide on top things to see at Hampton Court Palace.
2. Map of Hampton Court Palace
Below is a map of Hampton Court Palace and its location with parking highlighted in black. If you zoom out on it, you will see where central London is and Kingston Upon Thames.
When you zoom in you find Hampton Court amenities, as well as where to eat and drink nearby. How about doing a bike tour, once you arrive at Hampton Court?
3. How to get the train from London to Hampton Court Palace
The easiest and quickest way of getting to Hampton Court Palace from London is by train. It is also the most popular way to get there too. There are direct trains from Waterloo station to Hampton Court station which run every half an hour. The train journey should roughly take 35mins. From the station, it is only a 5mins walk over the bridge to the palace entrance.
You can also get on the train at the following overland stations; Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Maldon, Berrylands, Surbiton and Thames Ditton. All of which are on the direct route from London to Hampton Court. Check at the station when you are purchasing your train ticket, if they offer a discount.
Trains returning to London Waterloo depart Hampton Court station at regular times:
- Monday to Saturday: 24 and 54 minutes past the hour
- Sunday: 05 and 35 minutes past the hour
Closest London Underground
The Hampton Court station is an overground station serviced by the National rail and located in zone 6. The closest London underground station is either Wimbledon or Richmond, where you can catch a connecting bus. Or even an overground train to the Palace.
Use your Oyster card for getting to Hampton Court Palace
You can use your Oyster Card on this route, as a Pay as You Go Credit. Going during peak time will be an extra £2 more one way than going off-peak. Off-peak is anytime that isn’t between 6:30 am to 9:30 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday.
Use your Oyster card to head over to the London old docks and visit some of London’s famous historical pubs.
4. Catching a bus to Hampton Court
It is feasible to get a public bus from London to Hampton Court Palace but it is not worth it. You will be changing multiple times and it is a lot of hassle. Not to mention, it would take well over an hour and a half in good traffic. So it makes absolutely zero sense given your other options.
Another place associated with Tudor History and is accessible to visitors is the Tower of London
Buses from Kingston Upon Thames
Several bus services run regularly from Kingston upon Thames to Hampton Court Palace. You can catch a train from London then connect onto a bus. All buses should take 5-10 mins at the most one way. You can use your Oyster cards on these services.
From Kingston – 111, 216, 411,461 and 513
Kingston upon Thames has plenty of car parks, so if you are struggling to get one at the Palace, park at Kingston and then catch the bus to the palace. I usually catch the bus from Kingston to the palace, if I don’t walk.
Buses from Richmond
Alternatively, you can catch a train to Richmond and then can the connecting R68 bus to Hampton Court Palace.
5. Driving to Hampton Court from London
Driving from London to Hampton Court Palace is roughly just over an hour in good traffic. The palace is on the A308 and all major highways leading there are well signposted. Another great day out from London by car is Hever Castle is which is also well signposted.
You don’t have to go down the highways but it is easier and less hassle than residential streets.
Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
6. Hire a car to visit the Palace
Think about hiring a car for a day from London and taking advantage of seeing the sites. There are numerous companies in and around London that offer competitive prices. Travel Supermarket has a free and easy fast comparison of car hire.
Zipcar is also an option if you are a member.
It is possible to visit both Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle in a day in a car. So take advantage of this and see both.
Taking a Uber
It is possible to take an Uber from London but I don’t recommend it with so many other options available. If you do decide to get an Uber it is roughly £30 to £50 one way.
7. Parking at the Hampton Court Palace
There is onsite parking at Hampton Court Palace, just left of the entrance. However, it does fill up quickly, especially during busy times.
Onsite car park
Located next to the ticket office and near the Rose Garden and Kitchen Garden is the onsite car park. The car parking bays will fit a standard car and are very limited.
The fee is £1.60 per hour and you can only use a card to pay at the machines. Please note the parking machines are touch screen and use sanitiser where required.
During peak periods it is advisable to take public transport if you can.
Parking near Hampton Court Palace
Not to worry though as there are other parking areas all within 5-10 minutes’ walk away. Here are just a few suggestions;
- Hampton Court Train Station is just across the bridge and less than 5 minutes walk away.
- Hampton Court Green is located roughly 500m away from the palace entrance.
- Bushy Park Parking is based in Bushy Park near the Diana Fountain. Depending on how fast you walk it should take you about 10-minute walk. You can cut through the Wilderness gardens gate near the Maze to get to the Palace entrance.
Disabled parking at the Palace
Disabled parking is available at the onsite car park near the ticket office entrance. There are nine disabled parking bays and they are free for Blue Badge holders.
Additional Parking for Events & Festival at the Palace
Located directly across the road is additional parking for events and the festival held at Hampton Court Palace. There is a small flat fee for all day parking.
⇒ Here are some good suggestions for day backpacks for all your yummy purchases, at the festivals. All are reasonably priced and light to carry.
8. Ride your bike to Hampton Court
Riding your bike is a great way to get to the Palace especially during the warmer months. You can take the National Cycle Network route 4 that goes from London past Hampton Court Palace. It goes along Barge Walk on the Thames.
Cycling Racks
There are cycling racks available at the onsite car park near the entrance.
Taking a Motorcycle
Just like the cycling racks, there are motorcycle bays available at onsite parking. An hour fee applies the same as the cars.
9. Getting a boat to Hampton Court Palace
Catch a Public Boat
How about something a little different and taking a boat to Hampton Court from London. Public boat services are available during the summer season from Westminster, Kew, Richmond and Kingston-upon-Thames.
These boats run regularly and take the following times;
- Westminster (takes about four hours)
- Richmond-upon-Thames (takes about two hours)
- Kingston-upon-Thames (takes about 45 minutes)
Westminster Passenger Services and Turks Launches offer this boat service.
If you want to mix it up, take a boat to the Hampton Court Palace and then catch the train back to London.
Another historical site you can get to by boat is the Tower of London
Taking your own boat
If you own a boat and you can take it down the Thames, then there are mooring sites along Barge Walk. Depending on where you moor depends on the fee.
The mooring fee is £8.00 for a 24 hour period and Boats can stay for a maximum of 72 hours of paid mooring.
You can check out the government website for River Thames: locks and facilities for boaters. at Molesey or Kingston.
10. Top Tips before going to Hampton Court
- Stay connected with 4G SIM Card while visiting the United Kingdom to keep update with maps and things to do.
- Don’t forget to book your tickets online
- Get a Royal Pass for your trip to England if you want to also see Tower of London
- Bike Tour; How about doing a bike tour, when you arrive at Hampton station.
- If you have the time and you like walking and hiking, catch a train to Kingston-upon-Thames and walk along the Thames to Hampton Court Palace. This is about 1.7miles and should take you roughly around 30-40 mins.
- The Mute Swan across the road is pretty good for food or a drink afterwards, if you are looking for a pub.
- Duration – It should take you around 3-4hours to get around the including the gardens.
- Multimedia Guides – You can get one at the ticket office.
- You can have your wedding at Hampton Court Palace in the Banqueting House
Here is a full guide on what to see and do at Hampton Court Palace
Other historical places in London
Are you going to visit any other historical places while in London? Then head to my history page for some inspiration or read the helpful articles on the following attractions in England.
- How to climb Wellington Arch – Central London
- Bodiam Castle, Inside the Medieval Walls – Day out from London
- How to spend a day at Hever Castle from London – Kent
Thank you for reading this article on how to get to Hampton Court Palace England. Getting there is relatively easy and straightforward, due to it being a popular attraction in England. Given the distance from London and what to see and do there, you only need around half a day at Hampton Court Palace.
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I hope that my different options for transport, directions and tips are useful information. If you have any questions please comment below or DM me.
⇒ Looking to discover other parts of England, please feel free to head to my United Kingdom Page
Disclaimer: I paid to go to Hampton Court Palace, England. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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We really enjoyed Hampton Court Palace and it was a great experience because it was not crowded. We also liked the Tudor Kitchen.
I am glad you liked it. You are very lucky to have missed the crowds. I find best time to go is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the tour groups are left. Then afterwards enjoy a drink along the Thames.