London to Hampton court

Train from Waterloo station.

I also have taken train from Waterloo. You can use your Oyster card for this and would not have to buy advance tickets.

If you have time and like to see the local minutiae you can take the underground District line to its end in Richmond and then a local bus TfL to the palace - tell the driver you want the palace because there aren't usually visitors on the bus, and staff who work there get off at a different stop. Nice way to combine a look 'round Richmond.

This is not time-efficient route, let me point out.

We planned to take the train to Hampton Court but on Sunday the schedule didn’t work for us. We took a taxi, much easier. I think it was in the £35 range each way, so about £18 each (in September). We stayed near Victoria Station.

From Victoria Station, the quickest way is to take the Victoria line (Underground) two stops to Vauxhall and then get a South Western Railway train to Hampton Court.

Another way is to take the District Line (Underground) from Victoria Station to Earls Court. Switch to a different District Line train to Wimbledon. From there get the South Western Railway train to Hampton Court.

From Hampton Court rail station to Hampton Court is about a five minute walk.

No need to buy these train tickets in advance as they are commuter rails. You can use your Oyster Card for either route. Dont forget to tap in and out Hampton Court as the machines are on the side of the entrance to the tracks.

Trying to get to Waterloo means a change in underground trains to get the same train that stops at Vauxhall.

Be aware.....some of the London buses will not be operating on that day as the drivers will be on strike that day. Others might go out as well but you will know by Nov. 25 at the latest. Transportation workers are required by law in the UK to give at least 14 days notice of a strike.

Victoria Line to Vauxhall, escalator or steps up to the train, get the one to Hampton Court, get off - tap out - cross the bridge, turn right. Absolutely easy, and no bus issues.

I just want to be annoying by pointing out that the route I mentioned means that you can get off the District line in Richmond, traipse about the Richmond Green with the snacks or brekkie you get from Waitrose or a café and get on the R68 bus,
and after a mere 33 stops you will be at the gates of the Hampton Court palace. Easy peasy. And you'll meet local characters on the way, much preferable to the heritage-hunting tourists using the more direct routes.

If decent weather, consider catching the water taxi for your return. The embarkation point is at the rear of the court and the taxi has top side and interior seating. You get to travel the path and mode utilized by royalty and enjoy a journey via the Thames (even go through a couple of locks). Recommend getting off at Richmond to see if you can find Ted Lasso! Richmond is a lovely place and we enjoyed an early dinner there. You can then catch the train back into London.

If you like sewing/quilting, then read up on the school offered at Hampton Court and make a stop at their shop.

Ditto last post. Train is certainly most efficient. But the Thames River Cruise is so worth the trip.

The River Cruise is nice however it is not running in December.

And would you really want to take a River cruise in December?