Choosing an area near the palace
You can stay within walking distance of Buckingham Palace in several parts of central London. Each area has a different feel, and each connects to the palace and the rest of the city through different Tube lines. This guide compares the areas by location, not by hotel quality or price.
It is an independent guide with no link to any hotel, booking site or the palace. Room prices depend on dates, number of guests and the rate you choose, so this page names no hotels and quotes no nightly prices. Compare rates for your own dates, and check cancellation terms before you pay.
The areas compared
Location and connections, not price.
| Area | Nearest stations | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Victoria: Circle, District, Victoria lines | Many hotels around the railway station, close to the palace |
| Mayfair and St James's | Green Park: Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines | Historic and upscale hotels between Green Park and Piccadilly |
| Westminster | St James's Park: Circle, District lines | Near the park and The Mall, a base for the area around the Houses of Parliament |
These are location notes. They do not mean one area is always cheaper, quieter or safer than another.
Palace and London tours
Palace visits, walks and sightseeing trips around the palace, with live prices and availability.
Area by area
What each base is good for.
Victoria
Victoria has many hotels around the station, and the walk to the palace takes about 10 minutes. The station is a rail and coach hub, which helps if you arrive by train. The Circle, District and Victoria lines run from here.
Getting there →Mayfair and St James's
Mayfair lies between Park Lane, Piccadilly, Regent Street and Oxford Street. St James's lies between Green Park, Piccadilly, Haymarket and The Mall. Both areas have historic hotels and upscale places to stay. From Green Park station the walk to the palace takes about 9 minutes, through the park of the same name.
St James's Park →Westminster
Westminster is a good search area if you want to be near St James's Park station, where the Circle and District lines stop. From there the park leads toward the palace. If you plan to see the clock tower and the abbey too, see the guide to where to stay near Big Ben.
Best time to visit →What to check before you book
Points that matter more than the name of the area.
Look at the exact distance to the nearest Tube station, not only the area name. Compare breakfast, cancellation terms and access features for your own dates. If you need step-free rooms or lifts, ask the hotel directly, because this guide does not rate rooms.
Match your stay to your plans. For the State Rooms, book the timed slot first and then choose the hotel. For the guard ceremony, Green Park and St James's Park stations are the closest. The ceremony is usually at 11:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as the guard page explains.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that help you pick dates and tickets.
Where to stay: frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay near Buckingham Palace?
Victoria, Mayfair with St James's, and Westminster all work. Victoria suits train arrivals, Mayfair and St James's suit a walk through Green Park, and Westminster suits a base near St James's Park station.
Is it better to stay in Victoria or Mayfair?
It depends on your plans. Victoria has many hotels near the station and is about 10 minutes from the palace on foot. Mayfair has historic and upscale hotels, and Green Park station is about 9 minutes away on foot. This guide does not rank them by price.
Do you recommend a specific hotel?
No. This site names no hotels and gives no nightly prices. Compare rates for your own dates and check breakfast and cancellation terms.
Which Tube lines serve the hotel areas?
Victoria has the Circle, District and Victoria lines. Green Park has the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. St James's Park has the Circle and District lines.
Do I need to stay close to see the palace?
No. Four Tube stations are within walking distance, so you can stay elsewhere in central London. The getting there page lists the routes.