How To Get To Wimbledon

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transport guide for wimbledon

Image Credit: Doyle of London CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re planning a visit to the Wimbledon Championships, knowing how to get to Wimbledon efficiently can make your day far smoother. During The Championships, thousands of spectators travel daily to the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, so planning your route in advance is essential.

Whether you’re travelling by train, London Underground, bus, car or taxi, this guide explains the best ways to reach Wimbledon and what to expect on arrival.

Where Is Wimbledon Tennis Played?

The tournament takes place in southwest London, in the district of Wimbledon (postcode: SW19).

The nearest main transport hub is Wimbledon Station, which connects to central London and surrounding areas. From there, spectators typically complete the final stretch by walking, shuttle bus, or taxi.

How to Get to Wimbledon by Train

Travelling by train is one of the most popular and convenient options.

Mainline Rail Services

Wimbledon Station is served by:

South Western Railway (direct from London Waterloo – approx. 17 minutes)
Thameslink services (from London Bridge, Blackfriars, and beyond)

From Wimbledon Station to the grounds:

Around 25–30 minutes’ walk
Or a short shuttle bus ride (frequently running during The Championships)

If you’re staying in central London, this is usually the fastest and simplest route.

How to Get to Wimbledon by Tube

The London Underground provides another reliable option.

Wimbledon Station is the southern terminus of the District Line (green line).

Journey times from central London:

From Westminster: approx. 35–40 minutes
From Victoria (via change): approx. 30–40 minutes

Trains run regularly, though they become very busy during peak tournament hours (late morning).

Arriving early is strongly recommended, particularly if you’re queueing for tickets.

Tram Services to Wimbledon

The Tramlink network connects Wimbledon to areas such as Croydon and Beckenham.

If you’re staying in south London, trams can be a convenient alternative to rail services.

Trams arrive directly at Wimbledon Station, where you can continue on foot or via shuttle bus.

Getting from Wimbledon Station to the All England Club

Once at Wimbledon Station, you have three main options:

Walking

Approximately 1.2 miles
25–30 minutes
Clearly signposted during the tournament

Walking allows you to enjoy the atmosphere and avoid bus queues.

Shuttle Bus

A dedicated shuttle bus operates between Wimbledon Station and the tournament entrance throughout The Championships.

Runs frequently
Small fare applies
Can become busy mid-morning

Taxi

Licensed taxis operate from outside Wimbledon Station.

Journey time:

Around 5–10 minutes (traffic dependent)

Note that local roads become congested, particularly around midday.

How to Get to Wimbledon by Car

Driving to Wimbledon is generally discouraged unless you have pre-booked parking.

Key Points:

Very limited public parking near the grounds
Local road closures during The Championships
Heavy traffic in SW19

Pre-booked parking spaces are sometimes available for ticket holders, but these must be arranged well in advance.

If you are travelling from outside London, many visitors choose to park at outer London stations and continue by train.

Is There Parking at Wimbledon?

There is no general public parking at the All England Club without prior arrangement.

Accessible parking may be available for visitors with disabilities, but this must be pre-arranged directly with organisers.

Always check parking confirmation before travelling by car.

Getting to Wimbledon from Major London Locations

From Central London

Train from London Waterloo (fastest option)
District Line Underground to Wimbledon

From Heathrow Airport

Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express to central London
Connect via Underground or mainline rail

From Gatwick Airport

Thameslink direct to Wimbledon (in some cases)
Or train to central London, then onward connection

Public transport remains the most efficient choice from all major entry points.

What Time Should You Arrive?

Gates typically open:

Around 10:30am for outside courts
Centre Court & No.1 Court matches usually begin at 1:00pm

If you plan to join The Queue for on-the-day tickets, many spectators arrive very early (some before 6:00am).

For pre-purchased show court tickets, arriving 60–90 minutes before play begins is sensible to allow for security checks.

Accessibility & Step-Free Access

Wimbledon Station provides step-free access, though certain Underground routes may require planning.

The All England Club offers accessible entry points and assistance for visitors with mobility needs.

Checking your route in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times.

Travel Tips for Wimbledon Visitors

Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for public transport.
Allow extra travel time during peak morning hours.
Follow official signage — volunteers and stewards assist throughout the area.
Consider weather conditions (walking in heavy rain can be less pleasant).

Planning your return journey in advance is equally important, as post-match departures can be crowded.

The Best Way to Get to Wimbledon

So, how do you get to Wimbledon?

For most visitors, public transport — particularly train or Underground to Wimbledon Station — is the fastest, simplest and most reliable option.

Driving is rarely advisable unless you have confirmed parking. Walking from Wimbledon Station is straightforward and adds to the atmosphere of the day.

By planning your route in advance, arriving early, and allowing for busy conditions, you can ensure your journey to one of the world’s most iconic sporting events is smooth and stress-free.