Getting around Slough
Slough sits in the Thames Valley, close to Heathrow and within easy reach of central London, which makes it a convenient base for visitors. The town is compact and its main transport hubs are clustered together, so most journeys are straightforward once you know which mode to use.
Arriving by train
Slough railway station is the anchor of the town's public transport. It has a direct service from London Paddington, Reading, Oxford, Worcester and Hereford, and it also sits on the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), which links the town to Shenfield and Abbey Wood. For visitors coming from London, the Elizabeth Line is a simple, turn-up-and-go option, while the direct services toward Reading and Oxford make Slough easy to combine with other stops in the region.
Buses and coaches
Local buses serve the Slough area from Slough Bus Station, which is only a short two-minute walk from the railway station. That proximity makes switching between train and bus quick and convenient. For longer journeys, National Express coaches run to London, and buses toward nearby Reading continue on to Cheltenham and Gloucester. The X74 bus serves High Wycombe, which is useful if you are heading north.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Uber and local taxi services are available in Slough, giving you a flexible option for trips that are awkward by bus or when you are travelling late or with luggage.
Walking and cycling
The centre of Slough is walkable, and the short distance between the bus station and the railway station means you can cover the main transport connections on foot. A public cycle hire scheme is also available if you would rather explore on two wheels.
Getting there from the airport
Heathrow Airport is the most convenient airport for Slough. You can reach the town by buses 60, 61, 71, 75, 76, 77 and 78, by National Express coach, or directly via the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail).
Other airports involve a change of some kind:
- Luton Airport: National Express bus to High Wycombe and then the X74, or train with a change in London.
- London City Airport: London Underground services to London Paddington, then continue by train.
- Stansted Airport: National Express bus to High Wycombe and then the X74, or train with a change in London.
- Gatwick Airport: train with a change in London or Reading.
- Birmingham Airport: train with a change in London.
- Bristol Airport: direct train from Bristol Temple Meads station, with a shuttle bus to the airport.
- Southampton or Bournemouth Airport: train with a change in Reading.
- East Midlands Airport: train with a change in London.
Practical tips
- Use Slough railway station as your starting point: it connects the Elizabeth Line, direct regional trains, and the bus station just a two-minute walk away.
- For Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line is the simplest direct link, with several local bus routes and National Express coaches as alternatives.
- Buying tickets for the train is easiest at the station or through the relevant operator's app; for buses and coaches, pay on board or book National Express in advance.
- If you are arriving from an airport other than Heathrow, plan for at least one change, usually in London or Reading.