Getting the train to Tower of London: Nearest station and Popular Routes

The nearest train station to the Tower of London is Fenchurch Street Station, located on the north bank of the Thames and around a 10-minute walk away. From the station, exit onto Fenchurch Place, then follow Seething Lane south towards Tower Hill to reach the imposing Tower of London.

Located beside the remains of the Roman London Wall, Tower Hill Underground station is served by the District and Circle lines and is just a few minutes’ walk away, making it the nearest Tube station to the Tower of London.

There are several other train stations within easy reach of the Tower of London, including London Bridge station, which sits just across the River Thames. From here, walk east along Tooley Street, turn left onto Tower Bridge Road, and cross Tower Bridge for a scenic approach with striking views of the Tower from the river.

Thanks to excellent Underground and train connections, getting to the Tower of London from anywhere in central London is quick and easy. Here’s a handy guide on how to reach the Tower from some of the city’s main rail stations:

From King’s Cross

For King's Cross Station to Tower of London journeys, hop on the Circle line eastbound and ride six stops directly to Tower Hill Station. From there, it’s just a 12-minute walk to the Tower via Tower Hill Terrace and Tower Bridge Approach.

From Paddington

Take the Circle line eastbound from Paddington station straight through central London to Tower Hill. You can follow the same walking route as above to reach the Tower. Journey time is around 30 minutes with Tube fares from approximately £2.80.

From Victoria

Board the Circle or District line at Victoria and travel eastbound to Tower Hill station. From there, it’s the same short walk to the Tower of London. You can expect the journey to take around 30 minutes and cost around £2.80.

From Waterloo

From Waterloo, take the Jubilee line eastbound for just two stops to London Bridge station, then exit onto Tooley Street and enjoy a scenic walk across Tower Bridge, with striking views of the Tower of London rising above the Thames. The journey should take around 25 minutes.

Thanks to London’s extensive rail network, reaching the Tower of London from most major UK cities is relatively straightforward, with most long-distance routes connecting via London Euston or London King’s Cross stations and a short Tube ride.

From Manchester

Travelling from Manchester to London, you can take a direct Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly and arrive in London Euston in just over two hours. From Euston, walk to Euston Square and board the Circle line eastbound to Tower Hill. From here, the Tower of London is a 10-12 minute stroll away.

From Birmingham

With journey times of around 1 hour and 20 minutes, you can travel from Birmingham to London quickly and easily aboard a direct train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston with either Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Railway. From Euston, take either the Circle line to Tower Hill, or hop on the Northern line to Bank and enjoy a historic 15-minute walk down to London Bridge and along the Thames to the Tower.

From Edinburgh

If you’re travelling from Edinburgh to London, you can reach the capital in one of two ways – either making the journey from Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross with LNER in just over four hours, or aboard an Avanti West Coast service to London Euston in around six. From King’s Cross, take the Northern line to Bank and walk approximately 15 minutes to the Tower, or travel directly to Tower Hill via the Circle line from either King’s Cross or Euston Square.

From Leeds

If you’re travelling to London from Leeds, there are direct LNER trains from Leeds station to London King’s Cross that take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. From King’s Cross, you can change onto the Northern line for the short Tube journey to Bank, then follow the river for a 10-minute walk along the Thames to the Tower of London.

Visiting the Tower of London doesn’t have to cost the Crown Jewels. These smart train-travel tips will help you keep costs down and avoid queues for a smoother, more relaxing journey.

For easy travel around London, tap in on rail and Tube services with a contactless bank card or Oyster card. You’ll automatically benefit from daily fare caps, ensuring you never pay more than necessary, while skipping the hassle of buying paper tickets at busy stations.

You can also save significantly by using a UK Railcard. Options such as the Senior, 16-25, Two Together and Network Railcards offer around a third off standard adult fares. Link your Railcard to your Oyster card to unlock additional savings on London Underground travel too.

To get the best prices on longer journeys, book your train tickets well in advance. Advance fares are usually released around 12 weeks before departure and are often far cheaper than purchasing tickets on the day. Whenever possible, travel off-peak to enjoy lower fares and quieter trains, particularly outside morning and evening rush hours.

Offering a rare chance to step inside nearly a thousand years of British history, the Tower of London remains one of the capital’s most compelling and enduring attractions. Founded in 1066 and shaped by generations of medieval kings, this formidable 11th-century fortress still stands proud on the banks of the Thames as a powerful symbol of coronations, conspiracies and royal power. As you pass through its gates, you will feel like you’re crossing into another world, where ancient battlements, atmospheric courtyards and the White Tower bring the nation’s dramatic past vividly to life.

Inside, visitors can marvel at the Crown Jewels, explore royal apartments and prison cells, hear gripping tales from the Yeoman Warders, and spot the famous ravens that have guarded the Tower for centuries. Set beside Tower Bridge in one of London’s most historic riverside districts, the Tower of London is both easy to visit and perfect for combining with other nearby landmarks. A unique blend of history, legend and spectacle, the Tower of London remains an essential experience for any London visit.

When was the Tower of London built?

The Tower of London was constructed in 1066 during the Norman Conquest. Its central keep, the White Tower, was erected shortly thereafter, with work beginning around 1078. Most of the castle’s layout was already in place by the late 13th century.

Who built the Tower of London?

The White Tower, after which the whole fortress is named, was built on the orders of William the Conqueror. Its construction is credited to Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, a skilled Norman architect.

How long does the Tower of London take to visit?

Most visitors spend between 2-4 hours exploring the Tower of London. Seeing the Crown Jewels often requires queuing, and besides Yeoman Warder tours and spotting ravens, there are also many other areas to explore, including the battlements, White Tower, and medieval palace.

What time does the Tower of London close?

While closing times vary by season, the Tower of London typically closes around 17:30. Opening hours may vary, so always check the Historic Royal Palaces website before visiting for the most up-to-date daily opening times.

Is the Tower of London open during the Christmas holidays?

If you're wondering about Tower of London Christmas opening times, rest assured this iconic London landmark is open on most days throughout the festive season, although it does close from 24–26 December (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and on 1st January. Opening hours may vary over the Christmas period, so check the official website before visiting.

What is there to do near the Tower of London?

The Tower of London sits in a lively riverside area along the Thames with plenty to explore nearby, including Tower Bridge just a five-minute walk away, historic landmarks within the City of London, St Katharine Docks, scenic walks along the Thames Path, and attractions such as HMS Belfast, Borough Market and The Shard, all easily accessible by foot, by Tube or by riverboat.

How much are tickets for the Tower of London?

Ticket prices vary by date and age, but as a general guide, adult tickets start at around £35, with tickets for under-18s typically priced from around £18. Concessions are also available, but as prices can be higher on peak days, booking online in advance is recommended to secure the best rate and your preferred entry time.

Can I see the Crown Jewels during my visit?

Yes, entry to the Crown Jewels is included in your Tower of London ticket. The collection is housed in the Jewel House and features coronation regalia that is still used by British monarchs today. During peak times, you can expect queues, but the exhibition is fully accessible and open all throughout the day.

Want to get the most out of your Tower of London visit? A little advance planning can help you avoid crowds, save time and enjoy this historic fortress at a more relaxed pace.

Book your tickets in advance

The Tower of London is one of the UK’s most popular attractions, and tickets often sell out on busy days. Booking online in advance secures your preferred entry time, helps you skip ticket queues, and ensures you don’t miss out, especially during weekends, school holidays and peak summer months.

Visit off-peak for a quieter experience

Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can make a big difference. Quieter periods mean more space to explore the White Tower, Crown Jewels and battlements, as well as better opportunities to hear the Yeoman Warders’ talks without so many crowds.

Check the weather before you go

The Tower of London is largely an outdoor site, with cobbled courtyards, open walkways and riverside paths between buildings. London weather can be variable, so bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

Know what you can bring inside

All visitors pass through security checks upon entering the Tower, and large bags, suitcases and certain items are not permitted. Checking the Tower of London’s bag policy in advance will help you travel light and avoid unexpected delays at the gates.

Stay nearby for ease and flexibility

If you want to combine your visit with Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks or enjoy relaxed, evening walks along the Thames, staying overnight within walking distance of the Tower of London might make your trip more convenient and enjoyable.

• Sitting right beside the historic Tower of London, Leonardo Royal Hotel London City offers stylish 4-star comfort with a full-service spa, indoor pool and Mediterranean dining. With spacious rooms and excellent transport links, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Tower, as well as Tower Bridge, Borough Market and London’s riverside attractions.
• Citizenm Tower of London is just steps away from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and offers chic, modern rooms designed for comfort and tech-forward convenience. With stylish social spaces, canteenM dining, a relaxed bar and excellent transport links, it’s an ideal base for exploring historic and central London.
• Close to both the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London offers modern comfort with stylish rooms, a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline and easy access to Tube and rail connections, making it the perfect base from which to explore London’s historic and contemporary sights.