How to Reach British Museum, London – Directions, Transport & Tips

Find the easiest ways to reach the British Museum in Bloomsbury. Learn about the nearest Tube stations, bus routes, walking paths, airport transfers, and useful travel tips.

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Quick Overview

Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG (Bloomsbury). Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road (Central/Northern lines) or Holborn (Central/Piccadilly). Good to Know: The Museum’s main entrance is on Great Russell Street, near Russell Square Gardens.

Best First-Time Route

Take the Central Line to Tottenham Court Road station. Exit via New Oxford Street, walk east about 5 minutes, then turn left onto Great Russell Street—the Museum is clearly signposted.

From Holborn Station

From Holborn (Central/Piccadilly lines), walk west on High Holborn, then turn right into Museum Street—it leads directly to the main gates (~8–10 min walk).

From Popular London Areas

  • From Oxford Street / Soho: 10–12 min walk via Tottenham Court Road or New Oxford Street.
  • From Covent Garden: 12–15 min walk via Shaftesbury Avenue and Bloomsbury Street.
  • From King’s Cross / St Pancras: 15–18 min by foot via Euston Road and Upper Woburn Place.
  • From Waterloo: Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus → Central line to Tottenham Court Road.

Contactless Payments

Use any contactless card, phone or Oyster card on the Tube and buses. Daily caps apply, and no paper tickets are needed for single trips.

By Tube & National Rail

Tottenham Court Road

Closest and easiest stop (Central/Northern/Elizabeth lines). Walk ~5 mins east to Great Russell Street entrance.

Holborn

Central/Piccadilly lines. 8–10 mins on foot via Museum Street. Great for connections from Piccadilly Circus or Heathrow.

Russell Square

Piccadilly line. 8–9 min walk through quiet residential streets—good for families or hotel guests nearby.

Euston / King’s Cross

Both have direct bus and walking routes (~15–20 min). Ideal for travellers arriving by intercity rail or Eurostar.

Nearest Rail Links

Euston (West Midlands, Avanti), King’s Cross/St Pancras (LNER, Eurostar) — both within a short bus or taxi ride.

By Bus & Walking Routes

Several London bus routes stop close to the Museum’s Great Russell Street and Tottenham Court Road entrances. Walking is safe and pleasant through Bloomsbury’s leafy streets.

  • Bus Routes: 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98 stop nearby (ask for “British Museum” stop).
  • From Trafalgar Square: Take bus 24 or 29 northbound, then walk 5 mins.
  • On Foot: Bloomsbury, Covent Garden, Soho and Fitzrovia are all within 15 minutes’ walk.

Walking Tip

Approach from Russell Square or Bedford Square for excellent photo angles of the Museum’s grand Greek Revival façade.

From London Airports

Heathrow (LHR)

Take the Piccadilly line direct to Holborn or Russell Square (~55–60 min). Or Heathrow Express → Paddington → Elizabeth line → Tottenham Court Road (~45 min total).

Gatwick (LGW)

Gatwick Express or Thameslink to St Pancras, then 15–20 min walk or short taxi to the Museum.

Stansted (STN)

Stansted Express to Liverpool Street → Central line to Tottenham Court Road (~1 hr 10 min total).

Luton (LTN)

Train to St Pancras → short taxi or Piccadilly line to Russell Square (~1 hr).

Driving, Parking & Accessibility

Driving

Limited parking in central Bloomsbury. Use paid car parks at Bloomsbury Square or Bedford Way. Congestion & ULEZ charges apply daily.

Accessibility

The main entrance has level access. Step-free Tube options at Tottenham Court Road and King’s Cross. Wheelchairs available on request inside the museum.

Cycling

Santander Cycles docking stations are around Great Russell Street and Bedford Square. Bike racks available nearby (not inside Museum grounds).

Taxis

Black cabs and ride-shares can stop directly in front of the main gates on Great Russell Street.

Practical Tips

Best Visiting Times

Arrive early (10–11 am) or later in the afternoon to avoid school groups and tours. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Weather & Comfort

Bring an umbrella or light jacket. The museum itself is indoors, but queues can form outdoors under partial cover.

Food & Amenities

Cafés and restrooms inside the Great Court; many restaurants around Bloomsbury and Covent Garden.

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Tube Stations

Tottenham Court Road • Holborn • Russell Square

Typical Walk Times

Tottenham Court Road → Museum: 5 mins • Holborn → Museum: 8–10 mins • Russell Square → Museum: 9 mins

Bus Stops

Routes 1, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98 stop within a few minutes’ walk.

Accessibility

Step-free entrances and lifts inside. Assistance dogs welcome.

Parking

Paid parking nearby at Bloomsbury Square and Bedford Way. Avoid peak weekday hours.

Open Hours

Daily 10:00–17:00 (Fridays till 20:30). Free entry; ticketed special exhibitions vary.

Ready to Visit the British Museum?

Plan your route, book a guided highlights tour, or reserve a timed-entry exhibition ticket for a smooth Bloomsbury experience.

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