How to Get to Stonehenge

One of the most impressive engineering feats of ancient times, Stonehenge continues to draw visitors from around the globe. If you are planning a trip to England, Stonehenge is likely on your to-do list. Located near the towns of Amesbury and Salisbury, Stonehenge is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) west of London. You can get to Stonehenge by train, bus, car, or on a guided tour.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Going by Train

  1. Find the departure and arrival times for a trip to the Salisbury station, which is the station closest to Stonehenge. If you begin in London like most travelers, you will depart from the Waterloo train station. Trains run approximately every hour. [1]
  2. Ticket prices will depend on the season and how early you purchase your ticket. Buying in advance usually costs less than waiting until the day of. [2]
    • Child discounts are available, and elderly discounts may be available depending on your ticket preferences. [3]
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  3. The train ride should take less than 1.5 hours. Once you get to Salisbury, you’ll be 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) from Stonehenge.
  4. You will need to use a bus or hire a cab to travel the remaining distance to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. There is a local bus called the Stonehenge Tour Bus that runs every half-hour during the season and every hour during off-season. The bus runs from 10 AM until Stonehenge closes, and riders can hop on and off at their convenience. Your bus trip will take about half an hour.
    • On-season spans the months of April through September, and off-season runs from October through March. [4]
    • During on-season, Stonehenge closes at 7:00 PM (19:00), and during off-season it closes at 5:00 PM (17:00). The last entry is two hours before they close. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Going by Bus

  1. Both of these locations are at the center of London, which is where the public bus to Stonehenge originates. If you are starting from a different bus station or airport around London, you will need to first travel to one of these two sites. [6]
    • If you are not in London, check the bus schedule to look for a route to Amesbury, which is the destination for Stonehenge. [7] If you are unable to travel to Amesbury, then you will need to connect through London.
  2. Bus tickets are available on the bus, at the station, or from a ticket agent for the National Express. [8]
    • Taking the bus is the most economical option.
  3. The closest bus stop to Stonehenge is in Amesbury, which is just 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from Stonehenge. The ride from London takes about 2 hours, so plan accordingly so that you’ll have time to enjoy the site and get to your night-time accommodations. [9]
  4. You will need to travel the remaining two miles either on foot or by cab, depending on your preference. Walking to the site is a common method of reaching it. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Going by Car

  1. If you are a visitor or rely on public transportation for your mobility needs, then you will need to gain access to a car. Renting a car is a reliable option if you can’t borrow one. [11]
    • If you fly into England, it’s easiest to rent your car from the airport. [12]
    • If you are traveling from out of the country, you can use your driver’s license from your home country to rent the car, though you usually have to pay an extra insurance. [13]
  2. Visit the Wiltshire Council website at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ before driving to Stonehenge to check for road closures. [14] This is especially important during the warmer weather.
  3. Your trip should take about 2 hours from London by car, but it can take longer during the summer months when the roads are busy. [15]
  4. Depending on where you begin your journey, you will need to get directions from your starting point to Stonehenge. Because you are driving yourself, you can take your vehicle all the way to the site.
  5. Free parking is available if you have purchased a ticket to Stonehenge. The parking lot is located near Airman’s Corner, which is the intersection of A360 and B3086 above the A303. [16]
  6. A free shuttle bus will drive you from the parking lot to Stonehenge. The ride takes about 10 minutes and stops midway at Fargo Plantation. [17]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using a Guided Tour

  1. While there are Stonehenge only tours, many people choose to combine stops and see more of the countryside, including sites like Bath and Windsor Castle.
  2. Expect to spend at least a day of travel on your tour. You can also opt for a two day tour with an overnight stop.
  3. Touring companies offer tours of the English countryside, which is where Stonehenge is located. While many of the tours include it as a destination, make sure that your tour includes Stonehenge.
  4. You will need to acquire a ticket from the tour company you choose. Depending on the company, ticket purchasing options may vary; however, many touring companies offer online purchase options since international travelers are common. [18]
  5. Enjoy your visit to Stonehenge! Remember to keep up with the schedule for your tour group.
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      Tips

      • You can use cash and most major credit cards to purchase tickets at Stonehenge.
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      • If you are planning to visit Stonehenge from another country, you can fly to Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport in London. Other airports, such as Southampton and Bournemouth, are 1 hour away from Salisbury.
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      • Stonehenge is open most of the year, except December 24-26 and January 1; however, opening and closing times may vary.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/arrive.php
      2. ↑ https://www.raileurope.com/blog/8006-day-trips-from-london-how-to-get-to-the-stonehenge-salisbury-and-bath
      3. ↑ https://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/point_to_point/triprequest.htm
      4. ↑ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/prices-and-opening-times
      5. ↑ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/prices-and-opening-times
      6. ↑ http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/arrive.php
      7. ↑ http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/arrive.php
      8. ↑ http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/arrive.php
      9. ↑ http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/arrive.php
      1. ↑ http://www.stonehenge.co.uk/arrive.php
      2. ↑ http://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-stonehenge-england-32307.html
      3. ↑ http://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-stonehenge-england-32307.html
      4. ↑ http://traveltips.usatoday.com/travel-stonehenge-england-32307.html
      5. ↑ https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/
      6. ↑ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/plan-your-visit/
      7. ↑ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/directions
      8. ↑ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/directions
      9. ↑ https://www.londontoolkit.com/whattodo/stonehenge_tours.htm

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To get to Stonehenge, ride the train to Salisbury station and then take a bus or cab to the Stonehenge Visitor Center. You can also catch a bus from Heathrow Airport or Victoria Coach Station to Amesbury and then walk or take a cab from there. If you'd prefer to drive yourself to Stonehenge, rent a car and drive to Airman's Corner, where there's a free parking lot available for people with tickets to Stonehenge. To learn how to visit Stonehenge with a guided tour, scroll down!

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