Regardless of which section of the Thames Path you’ll be attempting, we’ve provided guidance on the transport links available for each trailhead. Bear in mind that some sections of the Thames Path are quite remote, so make sure to account for the additional mileage/cost of reaching the start points in these sections. Pick a section below to get started!
Section 1: The Source to Cricklade
This rural stretch has limited transport links. The nearest mainline stations are at Kemble (a short taxi ride from the Source) and Swindon (with bus connections to Cricklade). Car parking is available in Cricklade for those starting or finishing there.
Section 2: Cricklade to Lechlade
Both Cricklade and Lechlade are small towns with bus services linking them to Swindon, Cirencester, and Oxford. There are car parks in each town, though train access is less direct. The closest train stations are Swindon and Kemble.
Section 3: Lechlade to Newbridge
This is one of the more remote stretches. Buses serve Lechlade, but options thin out towards Newbridge, which has only limited parking and no train station. Many walkers arrange pickups or use local taxis at Newbridge.
Section 4: Newbridge to Oxford
Public transport improves as you approach Oxford. Newbridge has some car parking but no rail link, while Oxford has excellent train services to London, Birmingham, and beyond. Regular buses also serve Oxford, making this section relatively easy to plan.
Section 5: Oxford to Abingdon
Both Oxford and Abingdon are well connected by buses, including frequent services between the two towns. Oxford has a major railway station, and car parking is available at both ends.
Section 6: Abingdon to Wallingford
This section is served mainly by buses, with frequent routes connecting Abingdon, Didcot, and Wallingford. The nearest train station is Didcot Parkway, with links to London, Reading, and Oxford. Car parks are available in Abingdon and Wallingford.
Section 7: Wallingford to Goring
Wallingford is accessible by bus from Didcot Parkway. Goring has its own railway station on the main line between Reading and Oxford, making it a convenient point for walkers. Parking is available in both towns.
Section 8: Goring to Reading
This section is particularly well served. Goring and Reading both have railway stations, with Reading offering excellent national connections. Local buses also run between the towns, and there are multiple car parks at both ends.
Section 9: Reading to Henley
Reading is a major rail hub, and Henley has a branch line connecting to Twyford and London Paddington. Buses also serve the route between the towns, and both have ample parking.
Section 10: Henley to Marlow
Henley and Marlow both have railway stations on branch lines connecting to the mainline at Twyford and Maidenhead respectively. Local bus routes are available, and there are car parks in both towns.
Section 11: Marlow to Windsor
Marlow and Windsor are connected by trains (Marlow to Maidenhead, Windsor to London Waterloo or Paddington via Slough). Buses run between the two towns, and both have plentiful parking.
Section 12: Windsor to Shepperton
Windsor has two railway stations with frequent services to London, while Shepperton has a station on a suburban line to Waterloo. Bus services are available between the towns, and parking is straightforward in Windsor and Shepperton.
Section 13: Shepperton to Richmond
Shepperton and Richmond are both served by suburban rail services into London. Richmond is also on the London Underground and Overground networks, making it a very accessible section. Parking is possible at both ends, though more limited in Richmond.
Section 14: Richmond to Westminster
This entirely urban stretch is exceptionally well connected. Numerous Underground stations, buses, and riverboat services line the route. Both Richmond and Westminster are served by multiple rail and Tube lines, making transport simple.
Section 15: Westminster to the Thames Barrier
Like the previous section, this is central London walking with extensive transport links. The route passes many Tube and rail stations, and the Thames Clipper riverbus serves several piers along the way. Parking is limited, but public transport makes it unnecessary.