Buckingham Palace is a world-famous tourist attraction located in London.
This iconic building is the official residence of the British monarch and is a must-visit for anyone visiting the city.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Buckingham Palace, including ticket prices, timings, what to expect, how to reach, and the best time to visit.
Top Buckingham Palace Tickets
# State Rooms Entrance Ticket
# Buckingham Palace Tour with Royal Walking Tour
Table of contents
- What to expect at Buckingham Palace
- Where to buy Buckingham Palace tickets
- How the online ticket works
- Cost of tickets for Buckingham Palace tour
- The Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms entrance ticket
- Buckingham Palace and Royal Walking Tour tickets
- Buckingham Palace: The Royal Mews entrance tickets
- Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour tickets
- Changing of the Guard Walking Tour tickets
- How to reach Buckingham Palace
- Buckingham Palace timings
- How long does Buckingham Palace take
- Best time to visit Buckingham Palace
- Know before you go
What to expect at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a beautiful building with a rich history.
Visitors can explore the palace’s State Rooms, which are used by the Queen for official and state occasions.
The State Rooms are decorated with beautiful artworks and furnishings and provide a glimpse into the lives of the British royal family.
The palace’s stunning gardens are also open to the public during the summer months, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful landscapes and sculptures.
Where to buy Buckingham Palace tickets
Tickets for Buckingham Palace can be purchased online.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer months, as the palace can get busy.
Also, you get great discounts on online tickets.
How the online ticket works
On the ticket booking page, select the tour date and the number of tickets and buy them right away!
Visitors will receive an e-ticket that they can present at the palace’s entrance.
Visitors should ensure they have a valid ID and the credit card used to purchase the ticket with them when visiting the palace.
Cost of tickets for Buckingham Palace tour
The cost of tickets for the Buckingham Palace tour depends on the tour option you select.
The State Rooms entrance ticket is priced at £30 for adults (25+ years), £20 for youths (18 to 24 years), and £17 for children (5 to 17 years).
Infants can visit for free.
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour tickets are priced at £16 for adults aged 18 years and above.
Children in the age group of 5 to 17 years get a discount and pay only £14 for entry.
The Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms entrance ticket
The Buckingham Palace and the State Rooms tour offer access to the State Rooms, where official ceremonies and state occasions occur.
Visitors can explore some of the palace’s most grandiose rooms, such as the Throne Room, Music Room, and White Drawing Room, and learn about the palace’s role in British life and the history of the monarchy.
The tour also features a multimedia guide to the palace’s collections, including masterpieces by well-known artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto, as well as sculptures by Canova.
Guests can also enjoy exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.
During the tour, visitors will also gain insight into the preparations for official visits to Buckingham Palace.
Finally, guests can visit the popular Garden Café to relax and enjoy views of the famous lawn.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (25+ years): £30
Youth Ticket (18 to 24 years): £20
Child Ticket (5 to 17 years): £17
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Buckingham Palace and Royal Walking Tour tickets
This 2.5-hour tour begins at the Duke of York Column, where you’ll meet your guide.
You’ll embark on a royal walking tour before heading to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll get to see the opulent State Rooms, including the Throne Room, Music Room, and White Drawing Room.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the monarchy and the palace’s role in British life.
Note that photography is not permitted inside the palace but is allowed in the gardens.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): £64
Child Ticket (5 to 14 years): £59
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Buckingham Palace: The Royal Mews entrance tickets
Get ready to experience one of the finest working stables in existence with the Royal Mews entrance ticket.
Not only will you get to marvel at some of the most spectacular coaches and carriages in history, but you will also get to see some of The King’s horses that draw the coaches and carriages.
The Royal Mews is responsible for providing road transport for The King and members of the Royal Family, both by horse-drawn carriage and motor car.
The Royal Mews entrance ticket includes an audio guide available in nine languages and a chance to see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, the Gold State Coach, and the Irish State Coach used at every coronation since 1821.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (25+ years): £15
Youth Ticket (18 to 24 years): £10
Child Ticket (5 to 17 years): £9
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour tickets
The Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour is a guided walking tour that takes you through some of London’s most famous and historical landmarks.
You’ll explore Royal London, witness parades by the King’s Guards, and visit iconic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
The tour is led by an expert guide who has in-depth knowledge of London’s political, royal, and cultural history.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the Kings, Queens, rogues, and villains who shaped this wonderful city.
The tour is suitable for all ages and includes two-and-a-quarter-hour experiences.
However, it’s not recommended for people with heart problems.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony can be canceled without notice due to the discretion of the British Army or bad weather.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18+ years): £18
Youth Ticket (13 to 17 years): £10
Child Ticket (5 to 12 years): £7
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour tickets
The Changing of the Guard Walking Tour takes you on a journey through British history and tradition with a knowledgeable local guide.
Highlights include experiencing the Changing of the Guard ceremony and learning about the significance of every color, button, mascot, symbol, and movement.
You’ll also get the opportunity to follow the guards’ journey to Buckingham Palace on foot and take some amazing snapshots.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18+ years): £16
Child Ticket (5 to 17 years): £14
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
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How to reach Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is in the city of Westminster.
Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom. Get Directions
You can use public transport or a car to reach the palace at your convenience.
By Train
You can take the train to either London Victoria or London Charing Cross stations.
For more information on times and fares, visit the National Rail Enquiries website.
By Tube
The palace is accessible from several underground stations, including Victoria, Green Park, St. James’s Park, and Hyde Park Corner.
For more information, visit the Transport for London website.
By coach or bus
Bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 all stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
If you’re arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is just a 10-minute walk from the palace.
For more information, visit the Transport for London website.
By car
If you’re driving to Buckingham Palace, the palace’s official website recommends using the following address for GPS directions: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA.
Keep in mind that there is no parking available at the palace, so you will need to park at a nearby car park or on the street.
For more information on parking near Buckingham Palace, visit Westminster City Council’s website.
Buckingham Palace timings
Buckingham Palace is open to the public during the summer, from mid-July to the end of September.
From 14 July to 31 August, Buckingham Palace runs from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm with the last admission at 5.15 pm.
From 1 to 24 September, the palace is open for tours from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm with the last entry at 4.15 pm.
The State Rooms are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Palace operates a timed admission system for all guided tours, so pre-booking tickets is essential.
During the summer, the Garden Cafe is open at the end of the Palace visitor route.
How long does Buckingham Palace take
The length of time to tour Buckingham Palace depends on the type of visit.
A visit to the State Rooms, which are the most popular attraction, can take around 2 to 2.5 hours.
The duration of other tours, such as the Royal Mews or Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, is shorter, ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Best time to visit Buckingham Palace
The best time to visit Buckingham Palace is during the summer months when the State Rooms are open to the public.
However, as this is the peak season, it can be crowded and busy, so it is advisable to book tickets in advance and arrive early.
Also, we highly recommend you start your tour early morning when the palace opens around 9 am to avoid crowds.
The exclusive guided tours during winter and spring are also a great time to visit for a more intimate and less crowded experience.
Know before you go
– It is important to note that visitors are required to pass through airport-style security checks upon arrival, so it is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time of your guided tour.
– All tours involve some walking, so wearing comfortable shoes is advised.
– Wheelchairs are not permitted in the State Rooms, but baby-care facilities are available at the start and end of guided tours.
– On most of the tours, baby strollers are not allowed.
– It is prohibited to take photographs within the State Rooms, and visitors are not allowed to eat or drink inside the Palace building, except for bottled water.
– Visitors are advised to check the official Buckingham Palace website for the latest information on opening times and ticket prices.
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