How to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London? [6 options compared]

Wondering how to get to Hampton Court Palace from Central London? Plan your visit to the beautiful Palace that was once the pad of King Henry VIII in our complete guide.

Hampton Court Palace is a 16th Century historic royal palace located in the London borough of Richmond. It is both an impressive and fascinating attraction most associated with King Henry VIII and is popular with visitors all year round. 

Located only 12 miles from central London with easy access by train, boat, bus or car (or a combination taking in Richmond Park, Bushy Park or the River Thames) Hampton Court Palace is a popular (and easy) day trip from London. 

In this article, we share the various ways you could take to get to the Palace from central London so you can plan your visit with ease.

Why visit Hampton Court Palace?

The rich history of the palace has been home to some of England’s most famous monarchs, including King Henry VIII. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the palace’s many rooms, gardens, and courtyards, and get a glimpse into what life was like for royalty.

The architecture is a mix of Tudor and Baroque styles. The Great Hall, Chapel Royal, and the Tudor kitchens are some examples of the palace’s stunning architecture. 

With over 60 acres of landscaped grounds to explore the Privy Garden, the Great Vine and famous Hampton Court Maze are favourites.

If you are visiting with children you will discover many family-friendly activities at Hampton Court Palace. Interactive exhibits, costumed characters, guided tours and the Magic Garden (a themed play area that includes towers, slides, and even a dragon) make Hampton Court Palace a great day out for all the family.

Hampton Court Palace offers so much to the whole family and is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, architecture, or gardens. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring the palace and its grounds. 

How to get to Hampton Court Palace

If you are wondering how to get to Hampton Court Palace you will find that there are actually several ways to get to the Palace from central London.

Below are five detailed ways to do so by public transport including train, tube, bus, boat and car.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace By Train

• Direct train service from London Waterloo train station every 30 minutes (or 36 mins with one train change at Surbiton) 

• The train calls at Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Malden, Berrylands, Surbiton, Thames Ditton and finally Hampton Court. 

• NOTE: Regular train service Monday to Friday, with fewer trains on weekends. 

• Hampton Court station is 5 mins walk to the Palace. 

• Tickets – Approx £9 for a single journey or £15 return.

• Transport for London (Tfl) Oyster cards can be used on this route with Hampton Court being in Tfl Travel Zone 6. 

Read – Getting Around London on public transport

How to get to Hampton Court Palace By Underground

• Hampton Court has no London Underground tube station. 

• The nearest tube station is Richmond, where connecting bus routes are available (see below). 

• Wimbledon tube station is another option but involves 2 or 3 bus changes and takes around 1 hour. 

How to get to Hampton Court Palace By Bus

• London Bus services from Kingston upon Thames and Richmond.

• From Kingston (outside the train station), bus numbers 111, 216, 411, 461 and 513. 
  • Takes around 20 mins and costs £1.75. 

• From Richmond, bus service R68. 
  • Takes around 46 mins and costs £1.75. 

NOTE – Oyster cards, Travelcards, Freedom Passes and Saver Tickets are accepted on these services. 

How to get to Hampton Court Palace By Public Riverboat Services (NOT The Uber Boat)

The boat ride offers stunning views of the River Thames and is a great way to see London from a different perspective. 

Thames River Boats

• From Westminster Pier – approx 3 -4 hours. 

• From Kew Pier and Richmond Landing Stage, gives 3 to 3.5 hours at Hampton Court. 

• Single or return tickets are available. 

• Single tickets are around £12 to £23 and returns are around £17 to £30 for adults.

• NOTE: A range of different services are available, check the website for the timetable and boat availability and seasonal changes. 

• Service links
  • Westminster – Kew – Richmond – Hampton Court – Service 30
  • Kew – Richmond – Hampton Court – Service 126

Turks – A Thames Tradition

• Trips between Kingston, Richmond and Hampton Court.

• Single or return tickets are available. 

• Single tickets are around £10 and returns are around £14 for adults.

• NOTE: A range of different services are available, check the website for the timetable and boat availability and seasonal changes. 

• Service links:  Turks timetable

How to get to Hampton Court Palace by Car/Taxi

• Hampton Court Palace is located on the A308 with good signpost directions. 

• Follow the brown tourist road signs. 

• From the M25 either, exit 10 (onto the A307) or exit 12 (onto the A308). 

• From the A3, take the A309. 

• Takes about 45 mins, depending on the traffic, to drive from Central London to the Palace. 

• Car Parking
  • There is limited paid parking on site. 
  • Card-only payment, a few pounds daily charge. 
  • Accessible parking is available for UK Blue badge holders.
  • Hampton Court Green. – 500 metres from the palace has hourly paid parking. 

NOTE: It is recommended to take public transport to the Palace during peak busy times. 

How to get to Hampton Court Palace By Tour

If you prefer to take a tour of Hampton Court Palace or book entrance tickets, follow the link below to book with Get Your Guide. Tours/tickets to include: 

• Palace and Gardens Entrance Ticket. 

• Royal Hampton Court Guided Tour with Afternoon Tea.

• Secrets of Hampton Court Palace Guide Tour. 

• Hampton Court Palace: Private Guided Tours.

• Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace VIP Black Taxi Tour.

Read next – Best day trips from London by train