The Ultimate Guide to a Day Trip from London to Stonehenge (2025)
Standing stoically on the Salisbury Plain for 5,000 years, the enigmatic stone circle of Stonehenge beckons travellers from across the globe. But if you’re based in London, you might be asking: can you really experience this prehistoric wonder in just one day? The answer is a resounding yes! A day trip from London to Stonehenge is not only possible but is one of the most memorable excursions you can take from the capital. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to plan the perfect trip, whether you prefer the ease of an organised tour or the freedom of a DIY adventure.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from London | Approx. 90 miles (145 km) |
| Travel Time | 1.5-2.5 hours by car/tour; 2.5-3 hours by train/bus |
| Average Visit Duration | 2-3 hours on-site |
| Average Cost (per person) | £90-£140 (DIY); £85-£185+ (Guided Tour) |
| Best Time to Visit | April-June & Sept-Oct; Weekdays; First/Last entry slot |
Is Stonehenge Worth the Trip from London?
Let’s address the big question first. With a travel time of several hours, is it worth dedicating a full day to Stonehenge? For anyone with even a passing interest in history, mystery, or iconic world landmarks, it absolutely is. The experience of seeing the colossal sarsen stones and ancient bluestones in person is profoundly moving in a way photos can never capture. The excellent modern visitor centre provides fascinating context, bringing the 5,000-year-old story to life. While the journey time, cost, and potential crowds are factors to consider, planning your visit correctly (which this guide will help you do!) ensures an unforgettable and worthwhile adventure back in time.
How to Get to Stonehenge from London: 4 Best Ways
Your journey to the ancient past can be tailored to your budget, schedule, and travel style. The best method depends on whether you value convenience, flexibility, or cost. Here’s a quick comparison, followed by a detailed breakdown of each option.
| Method | Avg. Round-Trip Cost | Avg. Total Time | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organized Tour | £70 – £150+ | 9-12 hours | ★★★★★ | First-timers, those wanting to see multiple sites |
| Driving | £60 – £100 | 6-8 hours | ★★★★☆ | Families, independent travellers, exploring Wiltshire |
| Train + Bus | £70 – £120 | 7-9 hours | ★★★☆☆ | Those who prefer public transport and a DIY approach |
| Coach | £40 – £70 | 8-10 hours | ★★☆☆☆ | Budget travellers with more time |
By Organized Tour: The Easiest Option
For a completely hassle-free experience, an organised day tour from London to Stonehenge is unbeatable. These tours handle all the logistics: comfortable coach transport from a central London location (like Victoria Coach Station), pre-booked timed entry tickets to Stonehenge, and often the insights of a knowledgeable guide. It’s the perfect choice if you want to sit back, relax, and absorb the history without worrying about train schedules or traffic. Many tours also combine Stonehenge with other famous sites, making it an incredibly efficient way to see more of England.
By Car: The Most Flexible Option
If you crave independence, driving gives you the ultimate freedom. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours via the M3 and A303 motorways. Be warned, the A303 can get notoriously congested, especially on weekends. The main benefit of driving is flexibility; you can arrive when you want, stay as long as you like, and easily visit nearby attractions like Salisbury Cathedral or the massive stone circle at Avebury. Parking is included with pre-booked Stonehenge tickets, but the car park can fill up during peak season.
By Train: The Scenic Route
For those who prefer public transport, the train offers a scenic and relaxing journey. You can’t get a direct train to the monument, but the process is straightforward:
- Take a direct train from London Waterloo to Salisbury. This leg takes about 90 minutes.
- From Salisbury train station, hop on the dedicated Stonehenge Tour Bus, which takes you directly to the visitor centre in about 30 minutes.
This DIY approach allows you to explore the charming medieval city of Salisbury before or after your visit to the stones.
By Coach: The Budget-Friendly Option
Services like National Express run routes from London to nearby Amesbury or Salisbury. While this is often the cheapest way to travel, it’s also the slowest and least direct option for a day trip. It’s best suited for budget-conscious travellers who have more time and are comfortable with arranging local transport from the coach station.
Choosing the Best Day Tour from London to Stonehenge
Given their popularity and convenience, let’s explore the most common tour combinations. Choosing the right one depends on your interests and how much you want to pack into a single day.
Stonehenge Only (Half-Day Trip from London)
Perfect for visitors short on time, these express tours focus solely on Stonehenge. They typically last 5-6 hours, including travel, giving you a solid 2-3 hours at the site itself. It’s an efficient way to see the main attraction without committing to a full-day excursion.
Stonehenge and Bath
This is a classic and highly recommended pairing. The tour combines the ancient mystery of Stonehenge with the elegant Georgian architecture and fascinating Roman history of Bath. You’ll get to marvel at the stones and then explore the famous Roman Baths and the beautiful city, making for a day of incredible contrasts.
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath
The “big three” tour is the most popular choice for first-time visitors who want to see it all. It’s an action-packed, fast-paced day that gives you a taste of royal history at Windsor Castle, prehistoric wonder at Stonehenge, and Roman heritage in Bath. Be prepared for a long day and limited time at each location, but it’s an incredibly efficient way to tick off three of England’s top landmarks.
Stonehenge and Windsor Castle
Combine 5,000 years of history with a millennium of royal grandeur. This tour pairs the ancient stones with the splendour of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of the King. It’s a fantastic combination of two vastly different but equally important historical sites.
Other Popular Combinations: The Cotswolds or Oxford
For a different flavour, some tours pair Stonehenge with the quintessential English countryside of the Cotswolds, known for its charming villages and rolling hills. Others combine it with the historic university city of Oxford, famous for its prestigious colleges and stunning “dreaming spires.”
Sample Itinerary: A Full Day Trip to Stonehenge, Windsor & Bath
To help you visualise a typical multi-stop tour, here’s what a jam-packed day might look like:
- 7:30 AM: Check-in at Victoria Coach Station, London
- 8:00 AM: Depart London on your comfortable tour coach.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Windsor Castle. Explore the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel.
- 11:30 AM: Depart Windsor for the journey through the Wiltshire countryside.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Stonehenge. Explore the world-class visitor centre exhibits before taking the shuttle to the stone circle.
- 3:00 PM: Depart Stonehenge and head towards Bath.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive in the beautiful city of Bath. Enjoy a walking tour and visit the incredible Roman Baths.
- 6:00 PM: Depart Bath for the return journey to London.
- 8:30 PM (approx.): Arrive back in central London.
Where to Eat Near Stonehenge
- Stonehenge Visitor Centre Cafe (££): The most convenient option. It offers a decent range of sandwiches, pastries, hot meals, and coffee. It’s perfect for a quick bite, though prices are typical for a major tourist attraction.
- Pubs in Amesbury (££): The nearby town of Amesbury (2 miles away) has several traditional pubs, such as The Antrobus Arms, offering classic pub lunches and a more local atmosphere.
- Restaurants in Salisbury (£-£££): If you’re travelling via Salisbury, you’ll have a much wider choice of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to suit all budgets before or after your visit to the stones.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips for a Perfect Day
- Book Everything in Advance: This is the most important tip! Stonehenge tickets use a timed-entry system and often sell out. Booking your tour, train tickets, and entry pass online in advance is essential and usually cheaper.
- Go Early or Late: To avoid the biggest crowds, book the first time slot of the day (usually 9:30 AM) or one of the last slots. The “golden hour” light in the late afternoon is also magical for photos.
- Download the Audio Guide: The official Stonehenge audio guide is available as a smartphone app. Download it before you go to get fascinating commentary and context as you walk around the site.
- Walk the Full Circle: Don’t just snap a picture from the first viewpoint. The paved 1.5-mile path around the monument offers constantly changing perspectives and compositions.
- Check the Weather & Dress in Layers: The Salisbury Plain is very exposed and can be windy and wet even on a sunny day. A waterproof jacket and an extra layer are always a good idea.
- Manage Expectations on Multi-Stop Tours: If you’re on a tour visiting 2 or 3 sites, remember that your time at each will be limited. It’s a “taster” experience, so prioritise what you want to see at each stop.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
- Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable.
- A waterproof jacket or umbrella, just in case.
- Layers like a sweater or fleece that you can easily add or remove.
- Camera and/or smartphone to capture the memories.
- A portable power bank for your devices.
- A reusable water bottle and some snacks.
- Your pre-booked tickets (either digital on your phone or printed).
Budget Breakdown: How Much Does a Day Trip Cost?
Here’s a rough estimate of the per-person cost to help you plan.
| Expense | DIY Budget (Train) | Mid-Range (Tour) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | £40 – £80 | Included in tour |
| Stonehenge Ticket | ~£25 | Included in tour |
| Lunch & Snacks | £15 – £25 | £15 – £25 |
| Souvenirs/Extras | £10+ | £10+ |
| TOTAL (per person) | £90 – £140 | £85 – £185+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you do Stonehenge as a day trip from London?
Yes, absolutely! With travel times ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours each way, it’s one of the most popular and feasible day trips from London, whether you drive, take a tour, or use public transport.
What is the best Stonehenge tour from London?
The “best” tour depends on your interests. For a comprehensive experience, the Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath tour is the most popular. For a more relaxed pace, the Stonehenge and Bath combination is an excellent choice.
Can I visit Stonehenge by train from London?
Yes. You can take a direct train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (approx. 90 mins), and then connect to the dedicated Stonehenge Tour Bus which takes you from the station to the visitor centre (approx. 30 mins).
Can you touch the stones at Stonehenge?
No. To preserve the ancient monument and the fragile archaeological landscape, visitors must stay on the designated pathway, which circles the stones from a short distance behind a rope barrier. The only exceptions are for pre-booked special access “Inner Circle” tours or during the Summer and Winter Solstice celebrations, which require special tickets.
How long do you need to spend at Stonehenge?
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the complete experience. This gives you enough time to explore the excellent museum exhibits in the visitor centre, take the shuttle bus to and from the stones, and walk the full circumference of the monument at a leisurely pace.
A day trip to Stonehenge from London is more than just seeing a pile of rocks; it’s a journey into a deep and mysterious past. Standing before a structure built by people 5,000 years ago is a humbling and unforgettable experience. With a little planning, you can easily make this iconic trip a highlight of your time in the UK.
Have you visited Stonehenge? Share your top tips or favourite memories in the comments below!
Too Long; Didn’t Read (TLDR)
- Is it doable? Yes, a day trip to Stonehenge from London is very popular and easy to plan.
- Easiest Way: Take an all-inclusive organised coach tour. The Stonehenge, Windsor & Bath tour is a classic.
- DIY Option: Take the 90-min train from London Waterloo to Salisbury, then the 30-min Stonehenge Tour Bus.
- Time Needed: Allow 2-3 hours at Stonehenge itself. The whole day trip will be 6-12 hours, depending on your transport and itinerary.
- Top Tip: Book everything (entry tickets, tours, trains) online in advance to save money and guarantee entry.
- What to Wear: Comfortable shoes and layers. The site is exposed, so a waterproof jacket is essential.
