How to Get to Stonehenge: By Car, Train, Bus & Tour (2026)

Stonehenge visitor centre approach and transport options

The easiest ways to reach Stonehenge are by car (approximately 2 hours from London via M3/A303, postcode SP4 7DE), by organised day tour from London, or by train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) followed by the Stonehenge Tour Bus (approximately 30 minutes, hourly service). There is no direct train or bus to Stonehenge — Salisbury is the nearest rail hub, 15 km away.

Stonehenge does not have a train station, a direct bus from London, or easy public transport access of any kind. This is part of what makes it so well-preserved — but it means that how you get there requires some planning. This guide covers every option, with honest advice on which suits which type of visitor.

Stonehenge’s Address and Postcode

Address: Stonehenge, near Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7DE

Use postcode SP4 7DE for all sat-nav directions — this takes you to the official Visitor Centre car park. Do not use other postcodes that may appear when searching for “Stonehenge” — some direct drivers to restricted roads or past the Visitor Centre entrance.

The Visitor Centre is located approximately 1.5 km from the stone circle itself. Visitors park at the Visitor Centre and either take the free shuttle bus or walk to the monument.

Option 1: By Car from London — Recommended for Flexibility

Driving is the fastest and most flexible way to reach Stonehenge from London, giving you full control over arrival time and the option to add stops (Salisbury, Amesbury, Avebury) without being tied to bus or tour schedules.

Route from central London:

  • Head south-west on the M3 towards Basingstoke and Southampton
  • At junction 8, join the A303 westbound towards Andover and Amesbury
  • Follow the A303 for approximately 30 km; Stonehenge is visible from the road as you approach (the stones can be seen to the left of the carriageway shortly before the exit)
  • Follow brown and white tourist signs to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre
  • Exit the A303 at the signed junction and follow the approach road to the car park

Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 30–2 hours from central London, depending on traffic. The A303 around Amesbury and near the monument can experience congestion during peak summer weekends and bank holidays. Arriving before 10am significantly reduces the risk of delays.

Parking:

  • Cost: £4 for non-members (payable via the Pay By Phone app — download in advance)
  • Free for English Heritage members, National Trust members (England), and associated members (CADW, Historic Scotland, CSSC) — display relevant membership document
  • No cash payment at the car park; Pay By Phone is the standard method

Note on congestion: Central London drivers pay the daily Congestion Charge (£15 in 2026) if driving from within the charging zone, and may also encounter the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge if driving a non-compliant vehicle. Factor these into cost comparisons with public transport or tour options.

Option 2: By Organised Tour from London — Recommended for Convenience

For visitors based in London without access to a car, an organised day tour is the simplest approach. Tours handle all transport, pre-book Stonehenge entry, provide a guide, and typically combine Stonehenge with one or two additional destinations (Bath, Windsor, Oxford, or the Cotswolds).

Departure point: Most London-based Stonehenge tours depart from Victoria Coach Station or the South Kensington/Gloucester Road area.

Journey time: Approximately 2 hours London to Stonehenge by coach.

What is included: Transport, pre-booked Stonehenge timed entry, audio guide, and a professional guide throughout the day.

For a full comparison of every London tour format and price range: Best Stonehenge Tours from London: All Options Compared

Option 3: By Train + Stonehenge Tour Bus — Best for Independent Public Transport

There is no direct train to Stonehenge. However, the combination of the London Waterloo to Salisbury train and the Stonehenge Tour Bus from Salisbury works well for independent travellers.

Step 1 — Train from London Waterloo to Salisbury:

  • Operator: South Western Railway
  • Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 20–30 minutes (direct, no changes)
  • Frequency: Roughly every 30 minutes during peak morning hours; over 35 trains per day
  • Ticket cost: Advance fares from approximately £10–15 single; walk-up fares £25–50 depending on time of day
  • Book advance fares as early as possible on the South Western Railway website or National Rail

Step 2 — Stonehenge Tour Bus from Salisbury:

  • Operator: Salisbury Reds (The Stonehenge Tour)
  • Boarding: From Salisbury Railway Station forecourt (right outside the station exit); also picks up at New Canal city centre stop
  • Journey time: Approximately 30 minutes to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre
  • Frequency: Approximately every hour throughout the day
  • Additional stops: Old Sarum (Iron Age hillfort and Norman castle — worth a brief visit on the return)
  • Ticket: Includes hop-on hop-off travel on the day; check current fares on the Stonehenge Tour website (thestonehengetour.info)
  • Note: The Stonehenge Tour Bus ticket is separate from your Stonehenge admission ticket — you need both

Total journey time London to Stonehenge: Approximately 2–2.5 hours (train 1 hour 30 minutes + bus 30 minutes)

Total approximate cost per person (excluding Stonehenge entry):

  • Advance train return: £18–25
  • Stonehenge Tour Bus ticket: approximately £16–18
  • Total: approximately £34–43 before Stonehenge admission

Tip: Book the morning train to arrive at Salisbury before 10am, allowing you to take the first or second Stonehenge Tour Bus of the day and arrive at the stones before the large London tour coaches.

Option 4: By Train + Taxi from Salisbury

For visitors who want more flexibility than the hourly bus schedule, a taxi from Salisbury station to Stonehenge costs approximately £20–25 one way (15–20 minutes). Several Salisbury taxi companies can be pre-booked:

  • All the Sevens Taxis: 01722 777777
  • AA Taxis: 01722 505011
  • Salisbury Value Cars: 01722 505050

A taxi for the return journey can be pre-booked from the Visitor Centre car park area. This option is particularly useful for visitors who want to time their arrival precisely (e.g. for the 9:30am opening slot) without depending on the hourly bus schedule.

Option 5: By National Express Coach (Slow but Cheap)

National Express runs coaches from London Victoria Coach Station to Salisbury bus station. Journey time is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes, with around 5 services per day. From Salisbury bus station, the Stonehenge Tour Bus continues to the monument.

Advantages: Cheapest standalone transport option (coaches from approximately £6–12 single in advance).

Disadvantages: Much longer journey than the train; less frequent; National Express does not go directly to Stonehenge. For most visitors, the extra journey time is not worth the saving unless budget is the absolute priority.

Getting to Stonehenge from Other Cities

From Bath: Bath Spa station is served by Great Western Railway trains to Salisbury via Westbury (approximately 55 minutes with one change, or about 1 hour 10 minutes via direct services). From Salisbury, take the Stonehenge Tour Bus. Alternatively, multiple Bath-based tour operators offer Stonehenge day tours.

From Bristol: Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury by train takes approximately 1 hour 15–30 minutes (one change). Or use a Bristol-departing Stonehenge and Cotswolds day tour.

From Southampton: Southampton Central to Salisbury takes approximately 25–30 minutes by train. From Salisbury, the Stonehenge Tour Bus continues. Southampton is only 30 km from Stonehenge by car — approximately 35–40 minutes.

From Oxford: Oxford to Salisbury requires at least one change (via Basingstoke or Reading) and takes approximately 1 hour 30–2 hours. Driving (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via A34/A303) is significantly easier. Alternatively, several Oxford-based private tour operators offer Stonehenge day tours.

Cycling to Stonehenge

National Cycle Route 45 passes through Amesbury, approximately 6 km from Stonehenge. Secure bike racks are available at the Visitor Centre. The 15 km cycle from Salisbury via the Woodford Valley is a popular and beautiful route through the Wiltshire countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct train to Stonehenge?

No. Stonehenge does not have a train station. The nearest is Salisbury, approximately 15 km away. Take the train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), then the Stonehenge Tour Bus (approximately 30 minutes).

What postcode should I use for Stonehenge?

SP4 7DE — this takes you to the official Visitor Centre car park. Do not use alternative postcodes that may appear in search results, as some direct drivers to restricted roads or past the entrance.

Is it easier to drive or take the train to Stonehenge?

Driving is faster (approximately 2 hours from central London) and more flexible. The train plus bus is practical and allows you to avoid parking logistics but takes approximately 2–2.5 hours and requires more planning. For a day visit, driving or an organised tour are the most popular choices.

How much does parking cost at Stonehenge?

£4 for non-members, paid via the Pay By Phone app. Free for English Heritage members and qualifying National Trust members. No cash is accepted at the car park, so download the app before you travel.

Can I get a direct bus from London to Stonehenge?

Not a standard public bus. Some organised day tours from London travel directly to Stonehenge — effectively a direct coach service that includes the Stonehenge ticket and a guide. This is a better option than public transport for most London-based visitors.

How far is Stonehenge from London?

Approximately 145 km (90 miles) by road via the M3 and A303. The journey takes approximately 1.5–2 hours by car, depending on traffic.

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Researched & Written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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