Plan your visit
Stonehenge opening hours by season, the shuttle timetable from Salisbury, and the best departure time to make the most of your visit.
English Heritage
⚠️ Always verify with English Heritage before travelling — times can change for events and maintenance closures.
The first shuttle from Salisbury departs at 10:15 and arrives at Stonehenge at approximately 10:40. This is the best departure for visitors wanting to arrive early, beat the tour groups, and see the stones in the quieter morning light. It books out first on summer weekends.
Most visitors spend 1.5–2.5 hours at Stonehenge including the Visitor Centre, exhibition, and the walk to the stones. Allow at least 90 minutes if you want to see everything comfortably. The 15:15 outbound shuttle gives approximately 60–75 minutes on site before the last return at 16:30.
Tour coaches from London typically arrive between 11:30 and 14:00. The 10:15 shuttle puts you there before the largest groups arrive. Alternatively, the 14:15 or 15:15 shuttle catches the post-lunch lull when many day-trippers are leaving.
Book your Stonehenge entry ticket for the same timed slot as your shuttle arrival — English Heritage entry is timed, and the 10:15 shuttle lands at approximately 10:40.
Daily departures
| Departs Salisbury | Arrives Stonehenge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:15 | 10:40 | First departure — best for avoiding crowds |
| 11:15 | 11:40 | Popular mid-morning service |
| 12:15 | 12:40 | Midday departure |
| 13:15 | 13:40 | Afternoon departure |
| 14:15 | 14:40 | Good for a half-day visit |
| 15:15 | 15:40 | Last outbound — allows ~1 hour at the site |
Return from Stonehenge: last departure 16:30 · arrives Salisbury ~17:05. Full timetable →
Stonehenge opens at 09:00 in summer (mid-March to October) and 09:30 in winter (November to mid-March). It closes between 17:00 and 20:00 depending on season. Always check English Heritage for the exact date you are visiting.
The first shuttle departs Salisbury at 10:15. This arrives at Stonehenge around 10:40 — well within the opening window. There is no earlier direct option without a taxi.
The last shuttle departs Stonehenge at 16:30, arriving back in Salisbury around 17:05. Check the full timetable for current departure times.
Stonehenge is closed on 24 and 25 December each year. It is also closed for private events on certain dates — always check the English Heritage website before travelling.