Once you arrive in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to make your way to Salisbury. The easiest option is to travel by train, which is covered on this page.

Instructions from Heathrow: This page includes instructions for traveling either directly from Heathrow to Salisbury, or traveling via Central London if you will be staying in London prior to making your way to Salisbury. If you are flying into an airport other than Heathrow, these instructions will not apply to you.

Consider printing a copy of this page before leaving home so that you have instructions to follow even if you encounter cell phone difficulties on arrival in the UK.

Arriving at Heathrow

Depending on your airline, you will arrive at Terminal 2, 3, or 5. Once you deplane, follow the signs and staff directions to passport control and use the eGates. Click here to learn more about immigration, passport control, and eGates from Heathrow’s website.

Once you have cleared passport control, follow signs for Baggage Reclaim if you have checked luggage. Be sure to check signs for your flight’s baggage claim number.

You will clear customs after reclaiming your bag. Most pilgrims will use the green channel (nothing to declare), which allows you to proceed directly to exit the airport.

Travel Direct from Heathrow to Salisbury

Use these instructions if you are traveling directly from Heathrow to Salisbury without a stop in Central London.

The easiest way to travel from Heathrow to Salisbury is via train on the South Western Railway. The nearest station is at Woking, which is what is covered in this section.

Step 1: Heathrow to Woking via Coach

After clearing passport control and customs, leave the terminal and look for the coach stands.

• At Terminal 2, go to stands 11/12
• At Terminal 3, go to stands 7/8
• At Terminal 5, go to stand 9

You will be taking the RailAir 2 (RA2-Guilford) bus to Woking. Tickets can be purchased on board using Visa or Mastercard contactless cards. The driver will load your luggage into the coach luggage bay. The ride to Woking Rail Station will take about 45 minutes, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

The RailAir 2 bus does not accept American Express. Make sure you have a Visa or Mastercard-branded card to pay for your fare.

Step 2: Woking to Salisbury via Train

At Woking Rail Station purchase a single (one-way) ticket to Salisbury (SAL). Tickets can be purchased in advance from the South Western Railway website, at the vending machine outside the station, or from the ticket counter.

Once you have purchased your ticket, go to Platform #4. It is on the opposite side of the tracks from the station entrance, which can be accessed by taking the lift (elevator) to the overhead walkway. If you are not sure where to go, then ask one of the station staff. They will direct you to the platform for your train.

Luggage storage is available at both ends of each train car. The journey from Woking to Salisbury takes about 2 hours, and there will be several stops between Woking and Salisbury. Be sure to pay attention so you don’t miss your stop. 

Travel from Heathrow to Salisbury via Central London

Use these instructions if you will be spending time in London before making your way to Salisbury.

Step 1: Travel from Heathrow to Central London

There are several options for getting from Heathrow to central London.

The London Underground (or “Tube“)

For more tips on riding the Tube, visit the UK Guidebook

• Heathrow Express: Fast, frequent trains operate from Heathrow to London Paddington Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and journey time is 15 minutes from Terminals 1 and 3, or 21 minutes from Terminal 5. Fare is £25 for a single (one way) ticket.
• London Underground: Piccadilly Line trains operate a frequent, inexpensive service into central London with a journey time of approximately 50 – 60 minutes. A single fare costs £6.70 (cash)/£5.60 (contactless AmEx or MasterCard credit card)/£5.60 (Oyster card).
• Elizabeth Line: An express train that will get you to central London quicker at about the same cost. 

National Express coach service

Coach (bus) service is available throughout the day from the Central Bus Station with journey times of between 40 and 80 minutes to Victoria coach station and many other destinations around London. 

Taxi 

London taxis are available outside each terminal. The cost to central London is £55 – £90 and the journey time is approximately one hour.

Uber/Lyft

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available in London. Pickups occur at designated areas in the Short Stay Car Parks per terminal:

• Terminal 2: Level 4, Row H (Short Stay Car Park 2)
• Terminal 3: Level 3, Row A (Short Stay Car Park 3)
• Terminal 5: Level 1, Row R (Short Stay Car Park 5)

Step 2: Traveling from Central London to Salisbury

Travel to Salisbury from London by train departing from Waterloo Station. Several trains depart each day. If you depart from Waterloo Station you will not need to change trains anywhere. 

Be aware that train service from London to Salisbury is on the South Western Railway, which is separate from the Tube and located in a different area of Waterloo Station.

At Waterloo Station purchase a single (one-way) ticket to Salisbury (SAL). Tickets can be purchased in advance from the South Western Railway website, at the vending machine outside the station, or from the ticket counter.

Monitors in Waterloo Station will show the time and platform for the next train to Salisbury, and you can also find timetables on the South Western Railway website (https://www.southwesternrailway.com/train-times/london-waterloo-to-salisbury). 

When your train begins boarding, go to the platform, board the train, store your luggage in the space provided at the end of the car, find a seat, and enjoy the ride. 

The average trip from London to Salisbury takes about an hour and a half. The train stops at seven stations before arriving at Salisbury, so pay attention and make sure you don’t miss your stop. 

Traveling from Salisbury Rail Station to Sarum College

The Salisbury Rail Station is on the west side of town, a short walk or taxi ride to Sarum College in the Close of Salisbury Cathedral.

If Walking:

1. Walk east on Fisherton Street
2. Right on Water Lane
3. Left on Crane Bridge Road
4. Right on High Street. Enter the close at the High Street gate
5. Once inside the close, turn left on North Walk. Sarum College will be on your left two blocks from the corner.

Pedestrian access to The Close is via:

1. The High Street Gate
2. St. Ann’s Gate at the junction of St. John Street and St. Ann Street
3. Harnham Gate in De Vaux Place

If taking a cab: 

Cabs are generally available outside the station. You should be able to provide them with the address and they will take you to Sarum College. The ride to Sarum College will cost around £5.