Independent travel to Stonehenge using Salisbury as your gateway
To embark on a solo journey from London to Stonehenge using public transport, you can start by heading to Salisbury, which has the closest railway station to Stonehenge.
Salisbury is located 9 miles away from Stonehenge. While there aren’t any public buses on a regular schedule, a tour bus specifically for Stonehenge operates on a hop-on, hop-off basis. This bus connects Salisbury train station to Stonehenge and also stops at nearby attractions like Old Sarum and Salisbury Cathedral.
Trains from London’s Waterloo station operate frequently, typically with two departures every hour. The journey usually takes around 80 to 90 minutes.
London – Salisbury trains – full details
Salisbury
Salisbury itself is also well worth a visit in its own right.
The city of Salisbury is a historic market town with roots in the medieval era. In the heart of the city, you can admire numerous wooden-fronted buildings from that time, and the market continues to thrive, taking place twice a week.
The big attraction is Salisbury Cathedral officially known as the Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has several remarkable features, including one of the four surviving original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta. Additionally, the Cathedral boasts the tallest spire in Britain and the oldest working mechanical clock in the world.
Visiting Salisbury find out more
The Stonehenge tour bus – from Salisbury rail or bus stations
The Stonehenge tour bus is the sole regular shared transport service directly to Stonehenge. It typically operates at least once an hour, with increased frequency during the summer season. Additionally, the tour bus offers a stop at Old Sarum, which is definitely worth a visit, along with the option to explore Salisbury Cathedral.
The trip is truly picturesque. The Stonehenge tour bus departs from Salisbury Rail Station and also makes a stop at Salisbury Bus Station.
Hop-on, hop-off
The bus works on a hop on, hop off principle. You can spend as long as you like at Stonehenge or Old Sarum, you do not have to ride on a particular schedule.
Buses leave Salisbury Station every hour starting at 10am, with daily service that aligns closely with the closing time of Stonehenge. Please note that this service is not available for Special Access visits outside of Stonehenge’s regular opening hours.
Double-decker buses offer fantastic views of the countryside, so make sure to sit on the upper deck. You’ll also enjoy an informative commentary along the way, covering topics like Stonehenge, Salisbury, and much more.
Check opening times
It’s a good idea to verify the opening hours of the Stonehenge Visitor Centre and Old Sarum before you head out. Keep in mind that Old Sarum has seasonal hours, and there are sometimes special events at Stonehenge that can change the usual opening times.
Priority access at Stonehenge for bus ticket holders
Your ticket provides priority access at Stonehenge, meaning you do not have to worry about booking a particular time slot as you would do normally.
Visit 3 attractions
Exploring all three attractions makes for a truly fulfilling day. If you plan to visit them all in one go, it’s best to set aside at least five hours. After your adventures, take some time to wander around the town center and consider stopping by a pub or restaurant to unwind before catching a late train home.
Purchase tickets on-line or on the day
You can purchase tickets both on-line in advance or from the bus itself on the day. There are three ticket options.
1. Bus direct to Stonehenge
2. Bus, Stonehenge and Old Sarum
3. Bus, Stonehenge, Old Sarum and Salisbury Cathedral.
Private Stonehenge tours from Salisbury visiting Woodhenge, Durrington Walls and much more
A typical visit to Stonehenge is 90-120 minutes restricted to viewing the monument and visitor centre.
To set your experience in context and get a more informed insight into Stonehenge then you should also see other features of the Stonehenge landscape to enhance your understanding. Especially Durrington Walls and Woodhenge where the most recent archaeological discoveries were made.
With your own local guide from Salisbury you follow in the footsteps of our Neolithic ancestors with a fully guided walk across the Stonehenge landscapes. By the time you reach Stonehenge you will have a thorough insight in the activities of the Neolithic people who built Stonehenge and be able to make an informed visit to Stonehenge itself.
Your tour stops off at Woodhenge and Durrington Walls where the builders of Stonehenge are believed to have lived, plus visits the ancient burial mounds around Stonehenge.
You’ll see the impressive Cursus and take a walk along the Avenue the same approach to enter Stonehenge that the Neolithic people used all those years ago.
Stonehenge private tour – more details
Salisbury by train
It is quite an attractive proposition to take a three or four day tour of the main English attractions. There are frequent trains connecting Salisbury, Bath and Oxford.
Salisbury is a good base for visiting Stonehenge as well as being an worthwhile town to visit in its own right. North of Salisbury are the Cotswolds, and just a bit further north still is Stratford Upon Avon. Oxford is 70 miles from Salisbury to the north east; Bath is 40 miles to the north west.
Frequent trains run from London’s Waterloo station taking approximately 90 minutes to do the journey to Salisbury.
There are normally two trains an hour operating up until very late evening.