The Royal Observatory is at the top of a steep hill in Greenwich Park. There are two routes through Greenwich Park to the Royal Observatory.
The main walking route to the Royal Observatory from the National Maritime Museum follows the path directly up the hill and takes around 10-15 minutes to walk. This includes a short pause to take in the view of the city halfway up the path. This route includes a steep hill and some steps.
The less steep route, which we recommend for wheelchair users, takes approximately 25 minutes. This timing is based on an adult pushing an adult wheelchair user and taking a short break along the route.
Transport options: what's near Royal Observatory Greenwich
Greenwich Park, where the Royal Observatory is based, is served by several TfL bus routes.
The Observatory is within 20-minutes' walking distance of Blackheath, Greenwich and Maze Hill railway stations.
The Royal Observatory is also accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR): the closest station is called 'Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich'.
The nearest car park to the Royal Observatory Greenwich is in Greenwich Park, around 5 minutes' walk from the site.
Accessible bus travel to the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Frequent bus routes operate around Greenwich. The Royal Observatory is served by the following buses:
- 53, 54, 202, 380 buses all take you closest to the Royal Observatory and stop at the top of Greenwich Park, avoiding the hill climb
- 129, 177, 180, 188, 286, 386 and N1 buses take you to the National Maritime Museum bus stop. From there, it's a 10-15-minute walk up the hill to the Royal Observatory
Accessible train travel to the Royal Observatory Greenwich
The nearest station to the Royal Observatory Greenwich on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is ‘Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich’. The station has step-free access. Visit Transport for London to find out more. It is 0.6miles (1km) from the Observatory; this includes a steep uphill walk and steps.
Maze Hill station is the closest mainline train station to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. It is 0.6miles (1km) from the Observatory; this includes a steep uphill walk and steps. Visit Maze Hill station to find out more.
Greenwich train station is 0.8 miles (1.3km) from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Visit Greenwich station for full access information. This route includes a steep uphill walk and steps.
Both Maze Hill and Greenwich station platforms have step-free access via ramp, lifts or underpass. The ticket offices and car parks at these stations are also step free.
If you wish to travel by train AND avoid hills, choose Blackheath Station. Blackheath Station is a longer walk to the Observatory – 1.2miles (2km) – but avoids climbing the hill up to the Observatory. Visit Blackheath station for full access information.
Accessible travel by boat to the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Greenwich Pier is 0.7miles (1.1km) from the Royal Observatory Greenwich; it takes around 20 minutes to walk from the river to the Observatory. You can catch an Uber Boat by Thames Clipper from the following locations:
Canary Wharf; London Bridge; Bankside; Blackfriars; Embankment; London Eye
The full timetable is here: thamesclippers.com/booking
Accessible parking near the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Use the car park in Greenwich Park (postcode: SE10 8QY; w3w: ///point.shock.onions) for parking near the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
The car park in Greenwich Park runs along Blackheath Avenue from the Blackheath Gates entrance down to the Royal Observatory. It's open seven days a week during park opening hours.
The car park is around 0.3miles (500m) from the Royal Observatory; this route avoids the steep hill walk. Parking is metered and managed by Royal Parks.
There is also car parking available at the Royal Museums Greenwich car park at the National Maritime Museum (postcode: SE10 9NG; w3w: ///twice.leaned.either.) Booking parking at the Maritime Museum does not avoid hills and is on average a 15 to 20minute walk to the Observatory.
There are six designated Blue Badge spaces in the Royal Museums Greenwich car park, which Blue Badge holders can use on any day of the week. The dimensions of these bays are 235cm x 490cm.
The Royal Museums Greenwich car park is only open to the public at weekends. Spaces cost £14. This can be paid online or at the booth in the car park. Limited pre-booked spaces are available: call 0208 858 4422 or email bookings@rmg.co.uk to book a space.
