By Train

The train is the easiest and most popular way to reach Hampton Court Palace from central London. South Western Railway runs direct services from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes throughout the day and more frequently during peak hours.

Hampton Court station is directly across the road from the palace entrance, separated only by the Hampton Court Bridge over the River Thames. The walk from the station platform to the palace gates takes under five minutes. This convenience makes the train the default choice for most visitors.

Waterloo is well connected to the rest of London's transport network, accessible by the Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo and City lines, as well as numerous bus routes and the London Overground.

If you are coming from south or southwest London, you may be able to catch a direct train to Hampton Court from Surbiton, Kingston or other stations on the line without needing to travel into Waterloo first. Check the South Western Railway timetable for your nearest station.

By Boat

Travelling to Hampton Court by boat along the Thames is the most scenic option and a memorable experience in its own right. Several operators run seasonal services from Westminster Pier and Richmond, following the river upstream through some of London's most attractive riverside scenery.

The journey from Westminster takes approximately three to four hours, passing through Kew, Richmond, Teddington Lock and Kingston before arriving at Hampton Court. From Richmond, the journey is shorter, at around two to three hours. The boats typically run from April to October, with limited or no services during winter months.

The long journey time means this is best treated as part of the day's experience rather than simply a means of transport. Many visitors take the boat one way and return by train, combining the scenic river journey with a quick return to central London.

By Bicycle

Cycling to Hampton Court from central London is a popular option for confident cyclists. The most pleasant route follows the Thames Path and quieter roads through Richmond, Twickenham and Kingston. The distance is approximately 15 miles from central London, depending on your starting point, and the route is largely flat once you clear the initial urban sections.

The Thames Path itself is a mix of paved and unpaved sections, and some stretches are shared with pedestrians, so pace can be variable. An alternative route uses the roads through Richmond Park, which adds some gentle hills but gives you the bonus of riding through one of London's finest Royal Parks.

There are cycle racks at the palace, and the surrounding area has several cafes and pubs where you can refuel before or after your visit.

By Car

Hampton Court is accessible by car via the A3 or A308, and there is a car park at the palace managed by Historic Royal Palaces. The car park fills up on busy days, particularly summer weekends and school holidays, so arriving early is advisable if you are driving.

From central London, the drive takes anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic. The A3 via the Robin Hood roundabout is the most direct route, but the final approach through East Molesey and across Hampton Court Bridge can be slow during peak times.

Parking charges apply and are not included in palace admission. Given the convenience and speed of the train, driving is really only the better option if you are coming from outside London or plan to combine your visit with other destinations in Surrey.

By Bus

Several bus routes serve the Hampton Court area, though none provide a direct service from central London. Route 111 connects Hampton Court with Kingston and Heathrow Airport. Route 216 connects with Kingston via Surbiton. If you are already in the Kingston or Richmond area, the bus can be a convenient option, but for most visitors travelling from central London, the train is faster and simpler.

Planning Your Journey

However you choose to travel, allow a full day for your visit. Hampton Court Palace is large enough to occupy four to five hours comfortably, and the famous maze alone can take 20 minutes or more to navigate. If taking the boat, factor in the three to four hour river journey on top of your palace visit time.