How to Get to Stratford Upon Avon. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

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 plus 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 vacations (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 pleasant but more expensive. They offer door-to-door service.

Combined Tickets

When booking train admission from London airports, purchasing a mixed ticket (express train + onward journey) can simplify the procedure and occasionally provide savings.

Land Transportation

Train Services

From London: Services without transfers 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 obtain 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 parking garages are available. Parking can be limited during peak season.

Sea & River Arrivals

Sea Arrivals

Stratford-upon-Avon is an inland town. Direct international arrivals by boat are not possible. Closest key ferry service ports are Dover, Portsmouth, and Southampton.

Connecting from Ports

Tourists who are arriving by boat 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 watercraft activities and local river cruises. It isn't a major transport path for arrival or departure from the broader region.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No particular 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 the price of tickets.

Airport Departure Times

International flights: Arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure.
Domestic/short-haul Intra-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 adaptable.

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 result in a smoother departure.

Departure Checklist

Double-check flight or train times 24-TWO days 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 baggage 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 on entering back to your home country.

Important Reminder

Not doing so 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 while traveling.
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 is based on public buses in the area 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 one-day passes. Contactless card payments are widely accepted.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing have convenient, door-to-door transport, for shorter distances or having 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. The majority of main attractions are within easy walking distance. Enjoy self-tours on foot or local operators' tours.

Cycling

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

Tour Buses

Touring The city 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 main attractions are close, saving on transport costs and allowing enjoyment of the town's atmosphere. For attractions more distant, the hop-on hop-off bus has a practical method to visit them without a private car.

How to Get to Stratford Upon Avon