Windsor is one of the easiest day trips from London, and it's surprisingly close to Heathrow — which is why it turns up on so many arrival-day and departure-day itineraries. Most visitors are heading for one of two places: Windsor Castle in the town centre, or LEGOLAND Windsor Resort a couple of miles outside it.
They're close together but work very differently for a car, so it's worth knowing which one you're planning around.
How far is Windsor from London and Heathrow?
- From Heathrow: Windsor is only a short drive — LEGOLAND is around 11 miles from the airport by road.
- From central London: Windsor is roughly 20 miles west. Journey time depends on your start point and M4 traffic, so check a live route planner on the day for current traffic.
That short Heathrow distance is the key point. If you're flying in or out, Windsor can be a first or last stop without adding much travel.
Getting to Windsor Castle by taxi
Windsor Castle sits right in the historic town centre, and the streets immediately around it are busy and partly pedestrianised. You won't be dropped at the castle gates. Plan to be set down in the town centre, a short walk from the castle entrance, and agree the exact spot with your driver.
Tell us which you'd prefer in the booking notes, and plan a specific pickup point for the return — "outside Windsor Castle" is too vague on a busy afternoon. If you're booked on a timed entry, give yourself enough margin for M4 traffic.
Getting to LEGOLAND Windsor by taxi
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is on Winkfield Road, about two miles from Windsor town centre, postcode SL4 4AY. The resort's own directions page advises following the brown tourist signs on the final approach rather than relying purely on sat nav, and lists a drop-off point.
The park is reached from the M4 (Junction 6), the M3 (Junction 3) or the M25 (Junction 13), which is why it's so straightforward from Heathrow.
A few family-specific things to plan:
- Opening time. Arrive for opening on a busy day — the queues at the gates and inside build quickly in school holidays.
- Closing time. The whole park empties at once at closing, and the local roads get busy. Book your return for a set time and agree the exact pickup point beforehand.
- Child seats. Request them at booking — availability varies. Our family taxi guide explains the rules for children in taxis.
- Pushchairs and bags. An estate gives you the boot space for a pushchair plus day bags; a family of five or more needs a minibus. If you're planning several family days out, the Harry Potter Studio Tour guide covers the other big one outside London.
Train vs taxi to Windsor
By train, there are two routes: from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (changing at Slough), or from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside. For LEGOLAND you then need the resort's chargeable shuttle bus from either station. There's also a direct coach from Victoria Coach Station to LEGOLAND.
By car, it's door to door with no change and no shuttle. The comparison usually comes down to:
- Solo or a couple heading to the castle: the train is typically cheaper and drops you close to the castle.
- A family heading to LEGOLAND: a car avoids the train change and the shuttle, and a single vehicle fare for four can compare reasonably with several rail tickets plus shuttle fares — particularly with tired children at the end of the day.
- Arriving at or leaving from Heathrow: a car is by far the simplest option, especially with luggage.
Windsor on a Heathrow day
Because the distance is short, it's realistic to visit Windsor on the day you land or fly — but the airport time needs to be honest. On arrival, factor in immigration and baggage reclaim before you commit to a castle or park entry time; our airport waiting time guide explains how long that realistically takes. On departure, don't cut the drive back to the airport fine. For wider Heathrow planning, see our Heathrow airport taxi guide and the Heathrow airport page.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long is a taxi from Heathrow to Windsor? A: It's a short drive: LEGOLAND Windsor is about 11 miles from Heathrow by road. Traffic around the airport and M25 varies, so check a live route planner on the day.
Q: Can a taxi drop you at Windsor Castle? A: Plan to be dropped in the town centre a short walk away rather than at the gates, and agree the exact set-down point when you book.
Q: What is the postcode for LEGOLAND Windsor? A: SL4 4AY. The resort recommends following brown tourist signs on the final approach rather than relying only on sat nav.
Q: Is it better to get a train or taxi to LEGOLAND Windsor? A: A taxi avoids the train change and the shuttle bus from Windsor, which suits families. For one or two people without children, the train and shuttle are usually cheaper.
Q: How far is Windsor from central London by car? A: Roughly 20 miles. Journey time depends on traffic and where you start, so check a live route planner on the day.
Planning a Windsor day out? Get an estimate for the return journey and tell us about child seats and pushchairs when you book.