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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Southwest England, England

Air Travel

Major Airports

Stonehenge does not have its own airport. Visitors arrive via major international airports located within a reasonable distance.

Closest Hubs

  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Approx. 60 miles (96 km) east. Widest range of international flights.
  • London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Approx. 90 miles (145 km) east. Large international airport.
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Approx. 40 miles (64 km) west. Mainly European destinations.

Flight Information

Flights are generally more frequent and expensive during the peak summer season (June-August) and around major holidays. Book flights well in advance for the best rates.

Airlines & Routes

  • LHR & LGW serve major international airlines globally (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, etc.).
  • BRS & SOU mainly serve budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet for European flights.
  • Lower prices and potentially fewer direct options exist during off-peak seasons.

Price Trends

Flights are generally more frequent and expensive during peak summer and holidays. Off-peak offers lower prices.

Flight Deals

Discover flight deals through Dollar Flight Club or compare fares on Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

Major UK airports feature extensive shops, restaurants, duty-free, lounges, car hire, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfers to Salisbury

From Heathrow LHR

  • Train: RailAir coach to Woking, then train to Salisbury (2-3 hrs). Or via central London.
  • Bus: National Express to Salisbury, often via Southampton (2.5-3.5 hrs).
  • Car Rental: Desks at all terminals.
  • Taxi/Private Transfer: £100-£150 for door-to-door convenience.

Other Airport Transfers

  • From Gatwick (LGW): Train via London Victoria/Clapham Junction to Salisbury (2.5-3.5 hrs).
  • From Bristol (BRS): Airport Flyer bus to Bristol Temple Meads, then train to Salisbury (1.5-2 hrs).
  • From Southampton (SOU): Direct train from Airport Parkway station to Salisbury (30 mins).
  • Check schedules for specific routes and changes.

Car Rental & Driving

Requirements

Drivers generally 21+, with a valid license. Credit card for deposit. IDP recommended/required based on license origin. Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar are available.

Driving Laws & Roads

Drive on the left. Seatbelts mandatory. No mobile phone use while driving. Well-maintained motorways and A-roads. Stonehenge accessible via A303.

Parking & Traffic

On-site parking at Stonehenge Visitor Centre. Parking included with pre-booked tickets. Traffic on A303 can be heavy during peak season. Consider booking a car with DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Salisbury (SAL) is the most convenient railway station for Stonehenge. Direct trains from London Waterloo are frequent.

Train Information

  • Main Route: London Waterloo to Salisbury (approx. 1.5 hours) via South Western Railway.
  • Other Connections: Direct trains to Bath, Bristol, Southampton, Exeter for wider regional tours.
  • Tickets from London Waterloo to Salisbury (return): £30-£60, varies by booking time.

Long-Distance Buses

National Express is the main long-distance coach operator in the UK, serving Salisbury from many major UK cities.

Bus Information

  • National Express coaches serve Salisbury from London Victoria Coach Station (approx. 2.5-3 hrs).
  • Megabus offers limited services to Salisbury, often at competitive prices.
  • Check websites for routes and schedules.

Sea/River Arrivals

While Stonehenge is an inland site, visitors arriving by sea connect to it via land transport from major UK ports.

Port Connections

  • Direct ferry/cruise services to Stonehenge do not exist.
  • Major ports like Southampton and Portsmouth connect to the wider UK transport network.
  • From these ports, onward land travel (train or bus) to Salisbury is necessary.

Departure Information

Be aware of any fees, recommended timing, and available airport facilities for your departure.

Departure Essentials

  • No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing travelers. Air Passenger Duty is typically included in your ticket.
  • For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure for check-in, security, and immigration.
  • Airports/stations feature duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and VAT refund services.

Important Travel Notes

  • Traffic on the A303 to Stonehenge can be heavy during peak tourist season and holidays.
  • Remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road in the UK.
  • Always confirm vehicle details for pre-booked taxis/minicabs before entering.
  • Rural roads near Stonehenge can be narrow; careful driving is necessary.
  • Speed limits are clearly signposted and strictly enforced.
  • Book flights and car rentals well in advance for peak season travel.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Salisbury, the hub for Stonehenge visitors, mainly uses a bus network. There are no metro or tram systems in Salisbury or at Stonehenge.

Bus Services

  • Salisbury features a local bus network operated by Salisbury Reds.
  • The dedicated "Stonehenge Tour" bus offers direct, convenient service from Salisbury.
  • Purchase Stonehenge Tour Bus tickets online, from Salisbury Reds bus station, or from the driver.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer flexible, on-demand transport, useful for direct routes or when public transport is less convenient.

Options & Safety

  • Look for licensed "hackney carriages" or pre-book "private hire" minicabs.
  • Taxi from Salisbury city center to Stonehenge: £25-£40 (one-way).
  • Uber is available in Salisbury, though availability varies compared to major cities.

Walking Friendly

Salisbury city center is very pedestrian-friendly. Stonehenge offers designated paths and a circular route for varied viewpoints.

Cycling

Cycling to Stonehenge from Salisbury (10 miles) is possible via quiet roads and cycle paths. Wear a Helmet.

Accessibility

Stonehenge Visitor Centre and shuttle buses are accessible. Paths around stones are generally accessible, but may be uneven.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

Be aware of any fees, recommended timing, and available airport facilities for your departure.

Fees & Timing

  • No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing travelers. Air Passenger Duty is usually included in your ticket.
  • For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Allow extra time during peak travel periods or if you have special needs.

Airport Facilities

Major UK airports offer a wide range of facilities for departing travelers, enhancing your wait time before departure.

Services Available

  • Duty-free shopping (for international flights).
  • Various restaurants and cafes.
  • Lounges and currency exchange services.

VAT Refunds

Eligibility

VAT refunds are for eligible non-EU visitors on purchases made in the UK.

Procedure

Complete any VAT refund forms and have them stamped before security at the airport.

Assistance

Airport staff or dedicated refund points can assist with the process.

Departure Tip

Always confirm with your airline or transport provider for specific timing recommendations, especially during peak travel periods.
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