Kew Explorer Train: Easy Garden Access from Richmond
Kew's land train makes garden visits gentler on your feet
The Kew Explorer land train winds through the Royal Botanic Gardens like a gentle ribbon, carrying visitors past towering glasshouses and ancient trees without the strain of covering 330 acres on foot. For Richmond residents who know the gardens well, this hop-on service transforms a familiar walk into a comfortable tour, particularly welcome during longer visits or when the weather turns unpredictable.
The land train service operates year-round, offering multiple stops throughout the gardens with commentary from knowledgeable drivers.
How the Explorer works
The land train follows a circular route with designated stops near major attractions including the Palm House, Princess of Wales Conservatory, and Kew Palace.
Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access throughout your garden visit. The service runs every 20-30 minutes during peak times, with reduced frequency in winter months. Commentary from drivers highlights seasonal displays and points of interest that even regular visitors might overlook, making familiar territory feel fresh. The open-sided carriages provide excellent views while offering some shelter from light rain.
The real value lies not just in saving steps, but in discovering corners of Kew you might otherwise walk past.
Best times to board
Morning departures tend to be quieter, ideal for photography enthusiasts wanting unobstructed views of the gardens.
Peak afternoon hours see more families aboard, creating a livelier atmosphere but potentially longer waits at popular stops like the Treetop Walkway. The service proves particularly valuable during spring bulb season when crowds gather around specific displays, and in autumn when leaf-peeping draws larger numbers. Winter journeys offer cosy comfort when paths become muddy or icy, though the reduced schedule requires more planning. Regular garden visitors often use the train strategically, walking their favourite routes and riding to distant sections.
Timing your journey with the gardens' natural rhythms makes each trip feel purposeful rather than purely practical.
What this means for you
Book your Kew Explorer ticket at the Victoria Gate entrance or online with your garden admission. Check current timetables on the Kew Gardens website before your visit, as winter schedules can vary. Consider combining the train with walking for longer visits, using it to reach distant attractions like the Japanese Gateway or Bamboo Garden, then exploring on foot.
The Kew Explorer offers Richmond residents a fresh perspective on familiar territory while making longer garden visits more comfortable. Whether you're introducing visiting family to Kew's highlights or simply fancying a gentler pace through the grounds, the land train adds both convenience and discovery to your day out.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the Kew Explorer in advance?
- No advance booking required. Buy tickets on the day at Victoria Gate or online with your garden admission. Payment accepted by card or cash.
Can I use the train with mobility aids or pushchairs?
- Yes, the train accommodates wheelchairs and pushchairs with assistance from staff. Folding wheelchairs may need to be collapsed depending on carriage occupancy.
Does the service run in all weather?
- The train operates in light rain but may suspend service during severe weather for safety. Check the Kew Gardens website or ask at the gates for current status.