Big Ben to Westminster Abbey: The 5-Minute Walk
- From
- Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower)
- To
- Westminster Abbey, North Entrance on Parliament Square
- By
- On foot across Parliament Square
- Time
- About 5 minutes (311 m)
- Cost
- Free
Open directions in Google Maps
Big Ben and Westminster Abbey face each other across Parliament Square. The walk from the foot of the Elizabeth Tower, which holds the bell called Big Ben, to the Abbey is 311 m, about 5 minutes, according to TfL's journey planner. From the London Eye, cross Westminster Bridge and it is about 920 m, or 15 minutes. You do not need any transport. The only thing to get right is the door: sightseeing visitors use the North Entrance on Parliament Square, not the Great West Door.
Step by step
- 1
Start at the foot of the Elizabeth Tower, on the corner of Bridge Street and Parliament Square
This is the corner nearest Westminster station and Westminster Bridge. If you are coming from the London Eye, cross Westminster Bridge first; the tower is straight ahead at the end of the bridge.
- 2
Walk along the Parliament side of the square, with the Houses of Parliament on your left
Use the pedestrian crossings; the roads around Parliament Square are busy. You pass St Margaret's Church on the lawn, the small church between Parliament and the Abbey.
- 3
Go to the Abbey's North Entrance, facing Parliament Square
This is the visitor entrance, with walk-through security and a bag check. Bags must be no larger than 40 × 30 × 20 cm. Have your timed ticket ready. The Great West Door, round the corner under the twin towers, is for services.
Tips
- No tour sold on this site goes up Big Ben. UK Parliament sells Elizabeth Tower tours itself; its site lists £55 for adults, minimum age 11, with more than 300 steps.
- A short Westminster loop: Big Ben, Parliament Square, the Abbey, then the Jewel Tower across Abingdon Street and back along the river past Victoria Tower Gardens.
- The Abbey's last sightseeing admission is 3:30pm on weekdays and 3:00pm on Saturday; Sunday is worship only.
- If you arrive too late to sightsee, the usual pattern is Evensong at 5pm on weekdays and 3pm on Sunday, free, via the Great West Door. Check the Abbey's service listing for your day.
Other ways to get there
| Method | Time | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| From the London Eye on foot | About 15 minutes (about 920 m) | Free | Walk over Westminster Bridge to the Elizabeth Tower, then across Parliament Square to the Abbey. |
| From Westminster station | About 4 minutes (about 300 m) | Free from the station; Zone 1 Tube fare to get there | The station is at the foot of the Elizabeth Tower, so the walk is the same as from Big Ben. |
| On a guided walking tour | 3 to 4 hours | From $44 | The Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace tour links the sights with a Blue Badge guide. Choose the 4-hour option to go inside the Abbey; Big Ben is seen from outside. |
Frequently asked questions
How far is Westminster Abbey from Big Ben?
311 m, about a 5-minute walk across Parliament Square, according to TfL's journey planner.
How far is Westminster Abbey from the London Eye?
About 920 m, roughly 15 minutes on foot over Westminster Bridge.
Can you visit Big Ben and Westminster Abbey on the same tour?
Yes, from outside. The Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace walking tour (from $44) goes inside the Abbey on its 4-hour option and sees Big Ben from outside. Going up the tower is a separate tour sold only by UK Parliament.
Which Abbey door do I use coming from Big Ben?
The North Entrance, on the Parliament Square side of the Abbey. That is the sightseeing entrance. The Great West Door is for services.
Sources