Slough Station, Berkshire

Slough Station is a major railway station located in the town of Slough, in the county of Berkshire. Serving as an important commuter hub, it provides direct access to central London and other key destinations via the Elizabeth Line. This station plays a crucial role for both local residents and travellers heading to or from the west of England.

Historical Background

Slough Station was originally opened on 4 June 1838 by the Great Western Railway. At the time, it formed part of the pioneering railway route from Paddington to Maidenhead, which was engineered by the famed Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The station has undergone several renovations since its inception, most notably for its integration into the Elizabeth Line.

The station has always borne the name "Slough," derived from the town itself. The name is believed to originate from the Old English word "slōh", meaning a muddy or marshy place—likely describing the area's historic landscape.

Location and Access Points

Slough Station is situated on Brunel Way, just off Wellington Street (B416), a short walk from the heart of Slough town centre. The main entrance is housed in a modern ground-level building, which also includes a ticket office, retail outlets, and a waiting area for passengers. Additional exits provide access to nearby bus stops and taxi ranks, enhancing its connectivity.

Distance from Charing Cross

By road, Slough Station lies approximately 22 miles (35 kilometres) west of Charing Cross, one of the key reference points for measuring distances to and from London.

Rail Services at Slough Station

Elizabeth Line

Slough is served by the Elizabeth Line, which connects Reading in the west to Abbey Wood and Shenfield in the east via central London. The preceding station to Slough heading west is Burnham, while the next station eastbound is Langley. The Elizabeth Line has dramatically improved east–west connectivity through London, offering direct, high-frequency trains into the City and beyond.

National Rail Services

In addition to the Elizabeth Line, Slough Station is also served by Great Western Railway (GWR), which operates services between London Paddington and destinations including Oxford, Didcot Parkway, and Bristol. Some long-distance services stop at Slough during peak hours, providing wider rail access across southern England.

London Underground

Although Slough is not served directly by the London Underground, passengers can connect to the Underground at Paddington, which is accessible from Slough via the Elizabeth Line or GWR. From Paddington, passengers can transfer to several Underground lines including the Bakerloo Line, Circle Line, District Line, and Hammersmith & City Line. For a full overview, see London Underground Stations.

Fares and Journey Times

Slough to Reading Station

Slough to Abbey Wood Station

Slough to Charing Cross Station

Fun Fact

Slough Station is famously featured in literature and media. It appears in the Sherlock Holmes story "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans" and has a cameo in episodes of "The Office" (UK), which is set in Slough. Interestingly, Slough once had a dedicated platform for royal trains servicing Windsor Castle, reflecting its historic importance in royal logistics.

Quick Facts

Slough Station is on the Map of Berkshire Underground


Painting of Slough Station, Berkshire

Painting of Slough Station, Berkshire (View image in full size)

Page Details

This page was created on 29 May 2025.

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