How to Reach the Crown Jewels, London — Directions & Tips (2025)
Find the quickest routes to the Crown Jewels inside the Tower of London: nearest Tube & DLR stations, river boats, buses, airport links, parking notes and step-free pointers—plus time-saving tips.
Book Timed Entry (Crown Jewels)Quick Overview
Address: Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB (north bank of the Thames beside Tower Bridge).
Closest stations: Tower Hill (District/Circle), Tower Gateway (DLR), Fenchurch Street (National Rail).
River: Tower Pier for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to/from Westminster, London Eye & Greenwich.
Good to know: Arrive 10–15 min before your time slot; Jewel House is calmest right after opening and late afternoons.
Best First-Time Route
Take the District/Circle line to Tower Hill. Follow signs for the Tower underpass and walk 3–5 minutes along the moat path to the main entrance.
Scenic Alternative
Ride a river boat to Tower Pier. It’s a 2–4 minute walk to the gate with great views of the fortress and Tower Bridge en route.
Option 1 — From Popular London Hubs
Good if you’re staying near the centre or arriving via key interchanges.
- Westminster / Waterloo → Tower Hill: District/Circle via Embankment or Westminster (~12–18 min).
- Bank / Monument: It’s one stop on Circle/District or a 10–12 min signed walk via Monument.
- London Bridge: Walk 15–20 min over Tower Bridge for classic views, or 1 stop on the Tube to Monument then walk.
Tickets
Use contactless or Oyster for Tube/DLR/bus within Zones 1–2. Caps apply automatically on busy days.
Option 2 — Tube, DLR & National Rail
Tower Hill (District & Circle)
Fastest for most visitors. Signed underpass drops you beside the moat in ~3–5 minutes.
Tower Gateway (DLR)
Best from Docklands/City Airport. Exit toward Tower Hill and follow signs (~5–7 minutes).
Fenchurch Street (Rail)
~2–6 minute walk via Minories/Dukes Place—handy from Essex & the southeast.
Nearby Interchanges
Monument, Aldgate, Aldgate East are a short ride or 10–15 minute walk if you’re already on those lines.
Wayfinding
Look for Tower of London signs immediately from exits; maps show the moat path and gate entrances.
Option 3 — River Boats, Buses & Walking
If roads are busy, walking and river boats can be quicker—and more scenic—than buses through the City.
- River boat: Uber Boat to Tower Pier from Westminster, London Eye, Bankside & Greenwich (step-free at many times).
- Buses: Several routes serve Tower Hill/Tower Bridge Road/Minories—allow extra time at peaks.
- Walks: From London Bridge, cross Tower Bridge for iconic views; from Bank, it’s ~20–25 minutes via Monument.
Photo Tip
Approach across Tower Bridge for sweeping views back to the White Tower and riverside walls.
Option 4 — From London Airports
Heathrow (LHR)
Elizabeth line to Farringdon/Liverpool St → Circle/District to Tower Hill. Piccadilly line is cheaper but slower.
Gatwick (LGW)
Thameslink to London Bridge → Tube to Monument/Tower Hill or walk over Tower Bridge (15–20 min).
Stansted (STN)
Stansted Express to Liverpool Street → Circle/District to Tower Hill.
London City (LCY)
DLR direct to Tower Gateway (no changes). Easiest airport-to-Tower route.
With Luggage
Elizabeth line/Thameslink carriages have more space. Some interchanges have stairs—lifts are signed on station maps.
Driving, Drop-off & Parking
Congestion & ULEZ
The Tower sits within both zones on most approaches. Check charges/hours before you drive.
Parking
Very limited at street level. Use off-street car parks near Tower Bridge, Minories or the City and walk 8–15 minutes.
Drop-off / Taxis
Ask for Tower Hill or Tower Pier drop-offs; both are short, well-signed walks to the entrance.
Accessibility by Car
Blue Badge bays are limited in the area; check up-to-date City of London guidance before travel.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Arrival
Beat the Crowd
Book the first slot of the day or go after 15:00 on weekdays. Head to the Jewel House first, then explore the rest.
Step-Free Notes
Grounds are largely step-free; towers have historic stairs. Staff can advise on accessible routes and lift access where available.
Weather & Footwear
Parts of the site are exposed and cobbled—bring a layer/umbrella and wear comfy, grippy shoes.
Getting There Cheatsheet
Closest Stops
Tower Hill (District/Circle) • Tower Gateway (DLR) • Fenchurch Street (Rail) • Tower Pier (River)
Typical Times
Westminster/Waterloo → Tower Hill: ~12–18 min • London Bridge walk → Tower: 15–20 min via Tower Bridge.
Best Exit
From Tower Hill, follow signs for the Tower underpass; it drops you beside the moat path.
Tickets
Contactless caps fares automatically. River boats accept contactless but are priced separately.
Peak Hours
Weekday peaks: 08:00–09:30 & 17:00–18:30. Avoid cross-City bus routes at these times.
Family Tip
Buggy-friendly outdoors; baby carriers help in historic stairs. Baby-change facilities available on site.
Ready to Visit the Crown Jewels?
Pick the route that suits you and book timed entry for smooth arrival. Mobile tickets, easy scanning, and flexible options.
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