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Best app for getting around, and getting to Windsor Castle

Posted by on

Good Day!
Two part question: We're 59 year old couple, going to London for first time (wife), and my 2nd time but not since 1994. We're staying at Hilton Curio Westminster. I'm trying to learn the tube language again before I go. I remember in 1994 it was so easy once you understood the logic. But I'm thinking they have some great apps that will be like using "Google Maps" except for Tube?? Love to hear some recommendations.

Second part: I read a post about the 2 ways to get to Windsor (and Castle) as follows:
Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, requires change in Slough (45 mins); or Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside direct (1 hr). Go with whichever London station is most convenient to you.

That said, when I try to look up best route from our HOTEL to Windsor, it gives a ton of options. It strikes me that what I probably ought to do is figure out how to get to our hotel to Paddington or Waterloo station right? Or is there some wonderfully easier way, given our starting location, to get there that does not involve the above?

Thanks again

Posted by
5895 posts

Dont overthink things. KISS principle works. Tfl (transport for London) is the official site for Greater London transport, using the Plan a Journey feature. Or use Google Maps. We used a combination of the 2 to get around London last fall, by bus, tube, train, and on foot.

Google Maps can give you all the options for getting from your hotel to Windsor Castle, based on day and time of day. Pick the one that is fastest or has the fewest connections, or the least amount of walking - depending on your needs.

Posted by
187 posts

There is an official app for the tube (and buses) called TFL Go that can also help you plan your journey. Google maps also has accurate info on public transport for most of the UK.

Posted by
2820 posts

Paddington Station to Windsor is a 35 minute ride with a quick change in Slough. When you arrive in Windsor as you exit the train turn to your left, walk up to High Street (3 minutes) and the castle is right there across the street. If you take the train from Waterloo when you get there you will have to walk up a steep incline.
From your hotel go to Westminster tube station, take the Circle Line to Paddington, it very easy.

Posted by
954 posts

I'll also give a plug for the CityMapper app. I have used it for a number of years to get around London and other cities.

Posted by
10 posts

Thank you so much. These are the most articulate and useful replies. We are certainly "overthinkers" by nature and we're both nearly paralyzed with the planning process, but I keep reminding myself, and my wife, "Never have I heard anyone say that their trip to London was anything but delightful and easy once they hit the ground." Our biggest fear now is not getting tickets for tours and such, so fleshing our itinerary today, posting it for critique in a few spots, then booking! (Already lost out on Big Ben, but hoping for a nice tour of Windsor Castle). Cheers!

Posted by
16783 posts

Citymapper all the way. It has never let me down anywhere. And I've used it in a lot of cities.

It gives "live" information regarding upcoming buses and tube trains as well as suggestions as to which part of the train to travel.

I find that the TFL journey planner will default to the fastest way which may not be the cheapest.

Google Maps has made mistakes--at least for me.

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