The National Archives is located just off the South Circular road, near to the M4. There are several options for reaching us by public transport, and we also provide bicycle racks for those arriving by bike.
We charge a fee to park in our visitor car park. We provide free parking for motorbikes and bicycles, and accessible parking bays for disabled visitors.
The National Archives is located within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Most vehicles, including cars and vans, need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or their drivers must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.
A map of our wider area, showing our transport links.
For our location, see our local map, which also shows accessible routes for disabled people, and a map of the wider area, or visit Streetmap.co.uk for a scalable map.
Our address is: The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU.
For sat navs use the postcode TW9 4AD (Bessant Drive).
We are fully accessible to disabled visitors. See more information about access for disabled people.
Car
The AA journey planner can help you plan your route and check the latest traffic updates. If you are arriving or departing by car or taxi, please note that our sat nav postcode is TW9 4AD and that access is via Bessant Drive.
We charge a fee to park in our visitor car park, which is payable on site at the end of your visit (the pay points can be found inside our building):
- Up to two hours: £2.50
- Up to four hours: £4.50
- Over four hours: £7.00
Our visitor car parking payment system will not accept cash from Monday 27 March.
Charges apply to all visitor parking except for ‘Blue Badge’ holders, who will continue to be able to park without charge in designated parking bays. (The ‘Blue Badge’ scheme helps you park closer to your destination if you’re disabled: find out more).
Bicycle
The National Archives is located next to the Thames Path, part of the National Cycle Network (Route 4). Bicycle sheds are provided, although bicycles are left at your own risk. Bicycles, including folding bicycles, are not permitted inside the building.
Some of the entrances to our site, and some of the paths in our grounds, are for shared pedestrian and cycle use. Please take extra care when cycling around our site.
Get more information on planning your journey by bicycle.
Motorbike
There is a dedicated motorbike parking area in the car park.
Public transport
The nearest stations are Kew Gardens, which is served by the District tube line and the London Overground line, and Kew Bridge, served by South Western Railway.
Use the Transport for London (if travelling within London) and National Rail websites to plan your journey via public transport.
Bus
The R68 bus route (from Hampton Court via Richmond) terminates by the entrance to The National Archives. Other routes stopping nearby include:
- 110 (Hounslow to Hammersmith via Richmond), alight on Mortlake Road near Kew Green (10-minute walk)
- 65 (Ealing to Kingston via Richmond), alight on Kew Road near Victoria Gate (15-minute walk)
- 237 (Shepherd’s Bush to Hounslow Heath via Chiswick), alight at Kew Bridge (20-minute walk)
- 267 (Hammersmith to Fulwell via Brentford), alight at Kew Bridge (20-minute walk)
Transport for London can help you plan your journey here by bus.