Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments – and one of the most popular day trips from London. Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from around the globe who come to see its mysterious standing stones.
If you’re planning a visit, the key question is: what’s the best way to get to Stonehenge from London, especially if you don’t have a car?
Where Is Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is located around 90 miles (145 km) southwest of London, near the historic city of Salisbury. While the distance isn’t huge, reaching the site requires some planning – especially for visitors unfamiliar with UK transport.
Option 1: Visiting Stonehenge by Train
One of the most common independent options is to take a train from London to Salisbury, however keep in mind that the train is not direct to Stonehenge, so your journey is in two parts.
Firstly, you’ll need to take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, before taking either a bus or taxi for another 20-30 minutes to the site.
Whilst trains mean the journey is generally quite fast and there are regular departures from Waterloo station, it also has multiple steps requiring confident coordination and gives less flexibility once you’ve arrived at the site. Taking the train to Stonehenge from London is best for confident travellers comfortable navigating transport connections.
Option 2: Visiting Stonehenge by Bus or Coach
Whilst direct public transport options to Stonehenge are limited, we are delighted to be one of the few who run daily direct coach services to Stonehenge.
Our Stonehenge Half Day Tour allows you to sit back and relax on a superior coach before giving you the time to explore Stonehenge for 2 hours before heading back to central London. A direct coach journey is perfect for those short on time who still want to take in the mystery of Stonehenge.
Option 3: Visiting Stonehenge with a Guided Tour
For most visitors, a guided day tour is the easiest and most popular option, with many tours also including other highlights such as Windsor Castle, Oxford, or Bath, allowing you to see more in one day.
Not only does it include direct transport with no need to plan connections, your entry tickets to Stonehenge are pre-booked, and an expert guide is happy to answer your curious questions about the history of these unique stones.
By combining multiple sites in one experience, this option is ideal for first time visitors looking for a stress-free experience.
What to Expect When You Visit Stonehenge
Today, most visitors can take in the stunning sight of Stonehenge from a designated path surrounding the stones which, whilst slightly distanced, remains a very powerful experience.
For those wanting a truly intimate experience, there is also the option to tour the ‘Inner Circle’ in the very early morning or in the evening, once the crowds have gone (although this does mean a higher cost)
You can also access the Visitor Centre, managed by Historic England, featuring interactive exhibitions, archaeological displays and reconstructed Neolithic houses.
Is Stonehenge Worth Visiting?
For many travellers, Stonehenge is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. Its origins remain a mystery, and its scale and setting are still impressive thousands of years after it was built.
If you’re short on time or want to avoid logistical hassle, choosing a guided tour from London allows you to focus on the experience itself – rather than the journey.
