The quickest way from Heathrow to Slough is the Elizabeth line, which runs direct with no changes in around 20 to 25 minutes, with fares typically around £13 to £16 for an anytime single. National Express coaches and taxis also cover the roughly 6-mile route. Checked 2026.
How Far Is Slough From Heathrow
Slough sits a short distance northwest of Heathrow, around 6 miles depending on the exact route, and is best known as home to the Slough Trading Estate, one of the largest business parks in Europe, which is why a fair share of this route's traffic is business travellers rather than tourists. Despite the short distance, it isn't served by a quick walk or a single bus hop, so it's worth knowing your options before you land.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Typical journey time | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth line | Around 20 to 25 minutes | Roughly £13 to £16 single | Direct, no changes, from Heathrow's rail stations |
| National Express coach | Longer than rail, traffic-dependent | Budget option | Departs Heathrow Central Bus Station |
| Taxi or rideshare | Around 20 to 30 minutes | Not fixed, meter or quoted | Fastest door-to-door option |
| Driving | 15 to 25 minutes off-peak | N/A | Via the M4, direct route |
The Elizabeth Line: The Fastest Way
The Elizabeth line runs from all of Heathrow's rail stations, serving Terminals 2 & 3, 4 and 5, and connects directly through to Slough without needing to change trains. Independent fare-tracking data shows journeys of around 21 to 26 minutes for the roughly 11km trip, with single fares typically averaging around £13 to £16, cheaper if you book in advance or travel off-peak. Trains run frequently through the day, and all Heathrow's rail stations are step-free from platform to street, which is useful if you're travelling with heavy luggage.
Heathrow's own website confirms Elizabeth line fares from the airport start from £13.90 where the journey starts, ends or passes through Zone 1, though a Heathrow-to-Slough trip (which stays outside Zone 1) is usually priced differently and can come in a little cheaper than that headline figure, particularly with contactless pay-as-you-go or an Advance ticket booked ahead. Check the current price with TfL's fare finder or a ticket retailer before you travel, since fares are reviewed periodically.
For a comparison of the Elizabeth line against other options into London itself, rather than out to Slough, see our guide to Heathrow Express versus the Elizabeth line.
Coach and Bus Options
National Express runs coach services from Heathrow Central Bus Station, located between Terminals 2 and 3, and Heathrow's own website lists National Express among its coach operators. A coach will typically take longer than the direct train given road traffic, but it's a reasonable budget option if you're not in a hurry and want to avoid a taxi fare. Check current times and fares directly with National Express before you travel, since coach schedules change more often than rail timetables.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
For a short, direct trip like this, a taxi or ride-hailing app remains a solid choice, particularly with luggage or in a group. Black cabs wait at marshalled ranks outside each terminal's arrivals hall, while ride-hailing apps pick up from a designated point in each terminal's short-stay car park. Given the short distance, this trip will typically be well under the fares quoted for central London runs; for general Heathrow taxi guidance and pickup points, see our taxi pickup points by terminal guide and the taxis overview.
Driving From Heathrow to Slough
By car, Slough is a straightforward run along the M4, typically 15 to 25 minutes outside peak traffic. If you're picking up a rental car at Heathrow, this is one of the more direct short hops available from the airport, without the congestion charging zones that apply if you're heading into central London instead.
Why People Travel Between Heathrow and Slough
Most journeys on this route are business-driven. Slough Trading Estate houses offices and distribution operations for a large number of multinational companies, and the town's proximity to both Heathrow and the M4 corridor makes it a common overnight stop or day-trip destination for business travellers landing at the airport. It's also a practical, cheaper base for anyone wanting to be close to Heathrow without paying central London hotel prices, given the fast direct rail link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Slough?
Yes. The Elizabeth line runs direct with no changes, typically taking around 20 to 25 minutes.
How much does the train from Heathrow to Slough cost?
Fares typically average around £13 to £16 for an anytime single, with cheaper options available if you book in advance or travel off-peak. Check TfL's fare finder for the current price on your travel date.
Does National Express run coaches from Heathrow to Slough?
Yes, National Express operates coach services from Heathrow Central Bus Station, and Heathrow's own website lists National Express among its coach operators for this kind of route.
Is it faster to drive from Heathrow to Slough than take the train?
Driving can be quicker off-peak, around 15 to 25 minutes via the M4, but traffic and parking make the train a more predictable option for most travellers.
Why do so many people travel from Heathrow to Slough?
Slough is home to the Slough Trading Estate, one of Europe's largest business parks, so a large share of the route's traffic is business travel rather than tourism.
Which Heathrow rail station should I use for Slough?
Any of Heathrow's Elizabeth line stations works, serving Terminals 2 & 3, 4 and 5, since the service runs direct from each of them.