Getting There & Away: Stratford Upon Avon

Air Travel

Major Airports

For international visitors, arriving by air is a common method. Several airports serve the region, each with different connections and transfer options to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Nearest & Major Hubs

Birmingham Airport (BHX): Closest major airport, ~30 miles (48 km) north. Good domestic and European connections, some international. Most convenient.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR): UK's largest international hub, ~90 miles (145 km) southeast. Excellent global connections.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Major international airport, ~120 miles (193 km) southeast. Popular for international and European flights.

Flight Tips & Transfers

Flight prices vary by season. Transfer options differ based on your arrival airport.

Booking & Ground Transport

Flight prices generally increase during UK school holidays (late July-August, Christmas, Easter). Book 3-6 months out for better rates. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or use Skyscanner.
From BHX: Train (Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International, then direct train). Journey ~1h 15m.
From London Airports: Train (express to central London, then Chiltern Railways to Stratford). Journey ~2.5-3.5h. Coach (National Express) is slower but budget-friendly.

Airport Facilities

All major UK airports offer standard facilities: currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental, baggage services, Wi-Fi.

Private Transfers

Taxis are available. Pre-booked private transfers are comfortable but more expensive. They offer door-to-door service.

Combined Tickets

When booking train tickets from London airports, purchasing a combined ticket (express train + onward journey) can simplify the process and sometimes offer savings.

Land Transportation

Train Services

From London: Direct services from London Marylebone by Chiltern Railways. Journey ~2h 20m, scenic.
From Birmingham: Frequent direct services from Moor Street and Snow Hill by West Midlands Railway. Journey ~1h.
National Rail Enquiries provides comprehensive UK train information. Booking in advance can secure cheaper fares.
Long-distance Bus: National Express is the main operator. Connects Stratford-upon-Avon to major cities. Economical, but slower than trains.

Self-Driving & Car Rental

Stratford-upon-Avon is accessible via M40 motorway, Junction 15.
Traffic drives on the left. Valid driving license required. IDP recommended if license not in English.
Roads are well-maintained. Be aware of speed limits (30/60/70 mph) and roundabouts. Check DiscoverCars.com for rentals.
Several pay-and-display car parks are available. Parking can be limited during peak season.

Sea & River Arrivals

Sea Arrivals

Stratford-upon-Avon is an inland town. Direct international sea arrivals are not possible. Closest major ferry ports are Dover, Portsmouth, and Southampton.

Connecting from Ports

Travelers arriving via ferry to the UK can connect to Stratford-upon-Avon by train or coach from these port cities.

River Transportation

The River Avon within Stratford-upon-Avon is for leisure boating and local river cruises. It is not a major transport route for arrival or departure from the broader region.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are charged directly to travelers when departing the UK from airports or other ports. Air Passenger Duty (APD) is included in airline ticket prices.

Airport Departure Times

International flights: Arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic/short-haul European flights: 1-2 hours is usually sufficient.
Allow time for check-in, baggage drop, security, and reaching your gate.

Station & General Info

For train or coach travel, station arrival times are more flexible.

Station & Airport Facilities

Train/Coach Stations: Arrive ~15-30 minutes before departure for platform/bay and boarding.
Airport Facilities: Retail shops (duty-free), restaurants, lounges, currency exchange.
Station Facilities: Waiting areas, restrooms, sometimes small shops or cafes.

Check Before You Go

A few final checks make for a smoother departure.

Departure Checklist

Double-check flight or train times 24-48 hours before departure.
Allow extra time for travel to airports during peak traffic hours.
Ensure all necessary documents are accessible for departure formalities.

Luggage & Customs

Familiarity with luggage allowances and customs regulations simplifies departure.

Baggage & Regulations

Confirm luggage allowances with your airline to avoid excess baggage fees.
Familiarize yourself with customs regulations for items you plan to take home.
Certain goods have restrictions or require declarations upon entry to your home country.

Important Reminder

Failure to declare restricted items can result in penalties.
Do not carry items for others without inspecting their contents.
Ensure your identification documents are readily accessible for security checks.

Personal belongings should be securely packed to prevent loss during transit.
Consider packing a small, empty bag for souvenirs if you plan on shopping.
Stay updated on airport security regulations (e.g., liquids, electronics).

Local Transportation Overview

Public Transportation

Navigating Stratford-upon-Avon is straightforward due to its compact size and various transport options. The town relies on local bus services for public transport.

Bus Services

Network: Local buses connect the town center to residential areas and attractions like Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's Farm.
Hubs: Main bus station is centrally located on Riverside. Routes are clearly signposted.
Ticketing: Single fares or day tickets. Contactless card payments are widely accepted.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing offer convenient, door-to-door transport, for shorter distances or with luggage.

Hailing & Safety

Licensed Taxis: Black Cabs (Hackney Carriages) are hailable or at ranks. Private Hire Vehicles require pre-booking.
Fares: Black Cabs are metered. Private Hire fares are pre-agreed. Cash and card usually accepted.
Ride-Sharing: Uber operates in Stratford-upon-Avon, providing fare estimates and driver tracking.

Walking

The town center is highly pedestrian-friendly. Most major attractions are within easy walking distance. Enjoy self-guided walks or local operators' tours.

Cycling

The Stratford Greenway provides a dedicated, traffic-free path for cycling. Several local shops offer bicycle rentals.

Tour Buses

City Sightseeing Stratford-upon-Avon offers a hop-on hop-off open-top bus service, a convenient way to see major attractions with commentary.

Transport Tip

Take advantage of Stratford-upon-Avon's walkability. Many central attractions are close, saving on transport costs and allowing enjoyment of the town's atmosphere. For attractions further afield, the hop-on hop-off bus presents a convenient way to visit them without a private car.

Getting There & Away