Getting to the Houses of Parliament
The Palace of Westminster is in central London, postcode SW1A 0AA. Most visitors arrive by Tube at Westminster station, which is served by the Circle, District and Jubilee lines. The station is step-free, and station staff give help without a booking.
This site is an independent guide and does not run Parliament. Use it to plan your route, then follow the directions on your ticket on the day.
Which entrance do I use?
There are two places visitors go, and they are not the same.
Cromwell Green
The main visitor entrance at the Palace of Westminster. It is where you queue for debates, Prime Minister's Questions and committee hearings held in the Palace. Allow time for the security check, and leave large bags behind.
Watch a debate →Ticket Office at Portcullis House
The ticket office is at Portcullis House on Victoria Embankment, postcode SW1A 2LW. Most tours can be bought there as well as online. Committee hearings held at Portcullis House use the Victoria Embankment entrance.
Tickets →Routes compared
What each way in involves.
| Route | Details |
|---|---|
| Tube | Westminster station, Circle, District and Jubilee lines. Step-free. |
| Train, then walk | About 20 minutes on foot from Victoria, Charing Cross and Waterloo |
| Bus | Routes 11, 24, 26 and 148 are among those serving Westminster. Stops differ by direction. |
| Boat | Westminster Pier on Victoria Embankment. Some ramps are steep. |
| Car | Street parking is scarce. Congestion Charge and ULEZ may apply. |
Westminster tours and river trips
Guided walks, bus tours and river cruises that start close to Parliament, with live prices and availability.
On foot and by Tube
Westminster Bridge is the nearest bridge across the Thames. Walking from Waterloo, Charing Cross or Victoria takes about 20 minutes. If you prefer the Tube from Waterloo, the Jubilee line runs straight to Westminster. The ride itself takes about a minute, but add the walk through the stations and the wait for a train.
Buses 11, 24, 26 and 148 are among the routes at Westminster. The stop depends on the direction you travel, so check your journey planner before you leave.
Fares in 2026
Examples for adults paying as you go.
| Fare | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tube, Zone 1 single, peak | £3.10 |
| Tube, Zone 1 single, off-peak | £3.00 |
| Daily cap, Zones 1 and 2 | £8.90 |
| Bus single in 2026 | £1.75 (£1.85 from 1 November 2026) |
| Bus daily cap in 2026 | £5.25 (£5.55 from 1 November 2026) |
The Zone 1 Tube fares apply from 1 March 2026. Other starting points can cost more, so check your own journey. The bus Hopper fare lets you change buses within 1 hour of your first paid bus or tram journey.
If you drive
Most visitors leave the car at home.
Parking
Street parking near Parliament is scarce. For disabled bays in Star Chamber Court, ask at least 48 hours ahead. A bay is not guaranteed.
Congestion Charge
The charge is £18 if you pay in advance or on the day, and £21 if you pay by midnight of the third day after. It applies from 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and from 12:00 to 18:00 at weekends and bank holidays.
ULEZ
A car that does not meet the standard and is not exempt pays £12.50 a day. The zone runs 24 hours a day, every day except 25 December. Foreign-registered vehicles are included, and they must be registered with TfL even when they meet the standard.
Plan the rest of your visit
Before you set off.
Visitor rules and security
Bag size, what to leave behind and how long the check takes.
Where to stay in Westminster
Areas to compare by Tube line and walking distance.
Westminster Abbey
Prices, hours and how to pair it with Parliament.
Heading on to the royal palace? See how to get to Buckingham Palace. For river trips from Westminster Pier, see Thames cruises from Westminster.
Getting to the Houses of Parliament: frequently asked questions
What is the nearest Tube station?
Westminster, on the Circle, District and Jubilee lines. The station is step-free, and staff give help without a booking.
Can I walk from Waterloo, Victoria or Charing Cross?
Yes. Each is about a 20-minute walk. Westminster Bridge is the nearest bridge across the Thames.
Which entrance do I use?
Cromwell Green is the main visitor entrance at the Palace. The ticket office is at Portcullis House on Victoria Embankment, which is a different place.
How much is the Tube to Westminster?
A Zone 1 single costs £3.10 at peak and £3.00 off-peak for adults paying as you go in 2026. The daily cap for Zones 1 and 2 is £8.90.
Can I bring a suitcase or large bag?
No. Bags larger than 60 by 40 cm are not allowed, and there is no cloakroom. Leave luggage at your hotel.
Is parking available?
Street parking is scarce. Disabled bays in Star Chamber Court need a request at least 48 hours ahead and are not guaranteed.