Queen's funeral and lying-in-state: How to get there from Sussex, which is the nearest tube, where can I park

The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it Lies in State inside Westminster Hall. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Thousands of people from Sussex are expected to join those who have flocked to London to pay their respects to the Queen – as well as line the streets for her funeral.

The Queen will be lying in state at Westminster Hall until 6.30am on the day of her funeral, which is taking place on Monday, September 19. During the lying-in-state period the hall will be open for 24 hours a day to allow members of the public to file past the coffin and pay their respects.

The queues are already long with people queuing through the night last night to file past the Queen’s coffin. There is also tight security around the area as well as limitations on items which will be allowed inside.

Queen lying in state: full list of banned items you must not take with you when ...

Members of the public stand in the queue for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II on September 14, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Those people planning to visit are also being asked to dress appropriately and will not be allowed to use mobile phones, take photos or film within the security search area or the Palace of Westminster.

How to get there

A large number of people are expected to get the train into London with most people from Sussex arriving via London Victoria or London Bridge. The nearest tube stations for Westminster Hall are Westminster station (Jubilee, Circle and District lines) and St James’ Park station (Circle and District lines). Victoria station (Victoria, Circle and District lines) is also a short walk away.

Several bus routes pass directly outside the building with buses 11, 24, 148 and 211 the closest and buses 3, 12, 53, 53X, 87, 88, 109, 159 and 453 stopping nearby.

King Charles III, Prince Edward, Duke of Wessex, Princess Anne, Princes Royal and Prince Andrew, Duke of York hold a vigil at St Giles' Cathedral, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. (Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

If you are planning to drive the building is within the central London Congestion Charge zone with charges in place every day. There are several carparks nearby including Abingdon Street, Horseferry Road, Rochester Row and Semley Place although some closures may be in place depending on how many people travel to London.

Funeral details and where to see the procession

On Monday, September 19 the funeral - which is being overseen by the Duke of Norfolk - will start at 11am, and at 10.44am that morning the coffin will be taken in a short procession from the Palace of Westminster to the West Gate at Westminster Abbey . Among the guests expected will be her family, senior UK politicians and heads of state from across the world, as well as representatives from the charities she supported.

Following the funeral, the coffin will travel in procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, which is expected to be lined with thousands of people who wish to pay their respects.

It sets off at 12.15pm following the route of Broad Sanctuary Parliament Square (south and east sides), Parliament Street, Whitehall, Horse Guards including Horse Guards Arch, Horse Guards Road, The Mall, Queen’s Gardens (south and west sides), Constitution Hill and Apsley Way. It is expected to arrive at Wellington Arch at 1pm.

For more details see Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral: Key timings for state funeral as nation prepares to says ‘goodbye’

The Queen’s coffin will then travel to St George's Chapel in Windsor Chapel, where a committal service will take place before the coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault and interred in the King George VI memorial chapel.

To watch a live stream of the funeral click here