A trip london to arundel takes you to a small town that looks bigger than it is: a hilltop castle, a cathedral spire and a river below, all within sight of each other. There is a direct train, so we explain that option first and then show where a car helps.
London to Arundel: train, coach or private driver?
Train. Trains run from London Victoria to Arundel, some with a change on the way. For one person with a flexible plan, an advance ticket is the cheapest and simplest option. The station sits below the town, and the castle is a short walk uphill. Check times and fares on National Rail.
Coach. National coach services run along the south coast, but they do not usually stop in Arundel, so you would change at a larger town.
Private driver. We collect you at your London address and drive the 64 miles in about 1 h 50 min without traffic. We set you down near the castle, the bags stay in the car and you can stop somewhere pretty on the way.
| Train | Private driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Door to door | No | Yes |
| Walk up to the castle | Yes | Set down nearby |
| Departure | Fixed times | Your choice |
| Add Chichester or the coast | Hard | Easy |
| Cost for four people | Four fares | One fixed price |
How long is the drive from London to Arundel?
The distance is 64 miles (103 km), about 1 h 50 min with free-flowing roads. The time is long for the distance because the route leaves London on the A24 or A3 and finishes on the A27, which has several slow sections. Summer weekends and Friday evenings add time, and the A27 around Arundel is a known pinch point. National Highways lists live incidents, and you can preview the route on Google Maps.
What to see in Arundel
Arundel Castle dominates the town. It is the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, and the family still lives there, while parts of the castle and gardens open to visitors in the season. It has appeared in films and television, including The Young Victoria. Opening days and ticket details change, so check the official Arundel Castle site before you plan.
Arundel Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in a French Gothic style, built in the 19th century, and the Fitzalan Chapel next to the parish church holds the tombs of earlier Dukes of Norfolk. The high street is lined with antique shops and tea rooms. Below the town, the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre offers a quiet walk among the birds, and the river path leads to the South Downs. See the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust for details.
A sample day in Arundel
An early start from London puts you in Arundel by late morning. Begin with the castle, take a walk around the town and have lunch on the high street. If you are interested, stroll down to the river, or drive to the wetland centre in the afternoon.
Three hours in Arundel suits the castle and a walk. The alternative is a shorter visit and a second stop, such as Chichester, which is a short drive west. Our estimate allows three hours in Arundel, but we can adjust the plan for the sights you like.
What a London to Arundel private driver costs
Our hourly rate outside London, beyond the M25, is £70 in an E-Class, £85 in an S-Class or V-Class and £105 in a Range Rover, with a four-hour minimum.
For a day trip, 1 h 50 min each way plus three hours in Arundel comes to seven hours of hire. That is £490 in an E-Class, £595 in an S-Class or a V-Class and £735 in a Range Rover. VAT is included and the price is agreed before you book. It covers the whole car, however many of you are in it.
A one-way transfer, a longer day or an overnight stay is quoted on request. The full rates are on our prices page.
When a car makes sense
A car helps most when:
- you are three or more, so one car replaces several rail fares;
- you want Arundel and another stop, such as Chichester, in one day;
- someone in the group finds a steep walk from the station hard;
- you are carrying luggage for a stay on the coast;
- you would like to leave London at your own time.
If you are alone and the plan is the castle alone, the train is cheaper, and we would rather say so.
Combine Arundel with another stop
Chichester is a short drive west, with a cathedral and Roman walls. Brighton is east along the coast, and Winchester is inland to the north-west. If you want to see Goodwood, our Goodwood chauffeur page explains how race and festival days work. Mention the extra stops when you enquire.
Which car for Arundel?
- Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 Series: up to 3 passengers.
- Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series: up to 3 passengers.
- Mercedes V-Class or VW Transporter: up to 8 passengers, the usual choice for a family or group.
- Range Rover: up to 4 passengers.
Practical tips for Arundel
Arundel is hilly, and the walk from the station to the castle is uphill, so comfortable shoes help. The town is small, with limited parking close to the castle, so a driver who sets you down near the gate saves time. Check the castle’s opening days before you choose your date, since it does not open every day throughout the year, and the cathedral has its own services.
The A27 around Arundel is busy, and a summer afternoon can add a long delay on the way home. We suggest leaving at a sensible hour or building in an hour’s margin. If you plan a late dinner in the town, say so when you book and we build the return around it.
How to book your London to Arundel driver
- Use the form below or the contact page to give the date, your London pick-up address, the number of passengers and your luggage.
- Say whether you want a day trip, a one-way transfer or an overnight stay.
- We send a fixed price, VAT included, with the car that fits your party.
- Your chauffeur arrives at the time agreed and, on a day trip, waits while you explore.
For other days out by road, see our guide to the best day trips from London by car.
Last updated 22 October 2026.
