Kew is situated on the south bank of the River Thames near Richmond, about 10km south-west of London.

Kew can be reached easily by car but we recommend public transport for environmental reasons, and because it is usually most convenient. The "Tube" (London Underground) is the best way to get to Kew from the centre or West End of London. Buses serve those living north or south of Kew (Ealing down to Kingston) and the neighbouring suburbs. From north London, Silverlink trains run directly to Kew Gardens station.

By bus

Several buses come directly to the Gardens or stop at either of the two nearby railway stations, Kew Bridge and Kew Gardens

No. 65: Ealing Broadway Station (Thames Trains), South Ealing Station (Picadilly Line from Heathrow), Brentford, Kew Green (for Main Gate), Kew Road (for Victoria Gate), Lion Gate, Richmond, Ham, Kingston. Frequency: Monday to Saturday, every 10 minutes. Sundays, every 12 minutes.

No. 237: Hounslow, Isleworth, Brentford, Kew Bridge, Gunnersbury, Turnham Green, Stamford Brook, Shepherds Bush Green. Frequency: Monday to Saturday, every 10 minutes. Sundays, every 15 minutes.

No. 267: Hampton Court (summer Sundays only), Fulwell, Twickenham, Isleworth, Brentford, Kew Bridge, Gunnersbury, Hammersmith. Frequency: Monday to Saturday, every 12 minutes. Sundays, every 15 minutes.

No. 391: Richmond, Kew Gardens Station, Kew Green (for Main Gate), Kew Bridge, Stamford Brook, Hammersmith, Fulham Broadway. Frequency: Monday to Saturday, every 12 minutes. Sundays, every 20 minutes.

By London Underground ("Tube")

Travelcard zone: 3

To Kew Gardens station

District Line (the green one, take a Richmond train, not Ealing Broadway or Wimbledon) Frequency: Monday to Friday, every 10 minutes. Saturday, every 15 minutes. Sunday, every 20 minutes.

Silverlink Metro Train Services: North Woolwich, West Ham, Stratford, Highbury and Islington, West Hampstead, Willesden Junction, Gunnersbury, Kew Gardens, Richmond. Frequency: Monday to Saturday, every 20 minutes.

South West Trains: London Waterloo, Vauxhall, Queenstown Road (Battersea), Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Town, Putney, Barnes, Barnes Bridge, Chiswick, Kew Bridge, Hounslow, Isleworth, Syon Lane, Brentford. Frequency: Daily, every 30 minutes.

Rail or Tube travellers from central London who have mobility difficulties will find it easiest to go first to Richmond Station then change to a train or Tube going back to Kew Gardens; by doing this they can avoid the stairs at Kew Gardens station.

By bicycle

Bicycle racks are located just inside the Victoria Gate and outside the Main Gate (near phone box), and they may also be fastened to railings in Brentford Gate car park. Bicycles, like cars, are always left at owners' risk, and are not permitted in the Gardens.

Travelling by car or coach

Kew Gardens is well signposted from all the major local roads. The South Circular (A205) passes the north-east corner of Kew Gardens and Kew Road (A307) forms the eastern border. If coming from the west on the M4 (leave at Junction 2) or A4 take the A205 to the right (at the major Chiswick roundabout (A4 / A406 / A205 ) and follow the A205 across the River Thames at Kew Bridge.

If coming from the North Circular or from London on the A4 take the A205 southwards at the same roundabout. Immediately over the bridge, past Kew Green and continue to the next traffic lights on the A205 and fork right onto the A307 - then park (from about 500m onwards, after 10 am) on the right-hand side of the road.

Coming from the south or west on the A316 or M3 motorway (which becomes the A316) turn left at the Richmond roundabout onto Kew Road (A307). You will see the Pagoda and flagpole to your left - park in a permitted place, alongside the Gardens, on Kew Road.

Coming from the south on the South Circular Road you will pass Kew Retail Park and go under a railway bridge. Shortly afterwards, you will arrive at traffic lights where the A307 joins from the left, go slowly through the junction and immediately turn left into Kew Green (NOT back left into the A307 - it is a "no left turn" junction!).

Parking for cars

Free parking is available on Kew Road (A307) after 10 a.m. every morning. This provides easy access to our principal entrance at Victoria Gate. Limited free parking is also available on Kew Green, close to the Main Gate, and there are three further disabled parking bays adjacent to this entrance. Please note that restrictions apply on many of the residential streets around Kew, and we would ask our visitors to be considerate to the needs of local residents.

Parking for coaches

Coaches are advised to arrive at Victoria Gate and park on Kew Road (A307). Coaches are not allowed to park around Kew Green.