Slough to Windsor & Eton Central Trains From £3.75*

Great Western Railway is the sole operator on this short branch line, with trains completing the journey from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central in around five minutes. The line connects directly with the heart of Windsor, putting Windsor Castle just a short walk from the station.

What amenities are there in the Great Western Railway Standard Class?

As a short branch line shuttle, facilities on this service are pretty straightforward, with Standard Class offering comfortable seating, overhead luggage racks and free Wi-Fi on most services.

Is there a Great Western Railway First Class option?

There is no First Class service available on this route, with Standard Class the only travel option on this Slough to Windsor branch line.

How much luggage space is there on Great Western Railway trains?

There is ample room for luggage on these services, and bags can be stored in overhead racks or in the spaces near the carriage doors for larger items.

Is there food and drink on Great Western Railway trains?

Unfortunately, there is no catering service on this route. But with a journey of just five minutes, you can either pick up any drinks or snacks for your journey at Slough before boarding, or at Windsor when you arrive.

At just over two miles, the branch line from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central is one of the shortest rail journeys in the country, but delivers you directly into the heart of one of Britain's most visited royal towns. Here are a few station tips and platform shortcuts to help the trip go smoothly at both ends.

Slough: Getting to the Platform

A Grade II listed station on the Great Western Main Line, Slough serves as the junction for the Windsor branch and is the natural starting point for the short hop to Windsor & Eton Central. The Victorian station building, rebuilt in 1882 in a distinctive Second Empire style, is remarkable for its scalloped roof tiles and decorative ironwork, which remains largely intact today. Step-free access is available to all platforms via lifts.

• The Platform Tip: Services for Windsor & Eton Central depart from Platform 1, the dedicated Windsor bay platform at the southern end of the station. Services run frequently, with three departures an hour, and the platform is easy to find from the main concourse.
• Pre-Departure: The station has refreshments, shops and a staffed ticket office, along with free Wi-Fi throughout. A large car park is available next to the station, and bus stops outside the main entrance on Brunel Way provide connections to both Heathrow Airport and the surrounding area.

Onboard trains from Slough to Windsor & Eton Central

Following a route built in 1849 partly to serve the Royal Family at Windsor Castle, this five-minute branch line journey crosses the River Thames before arriving directly beneath the walls of one of Britain's most iconic royal residences.

• The View Alert: Sit on the right-hand side as you head south for the best views on the approach to Windsor. The castle's towers will appear above the rooftops as the train nears the Thames crossing and pulls into the terminus.
• Key Landmarks: The crossing of the River Thames is one of the most dramatic moments on the route, with Windsor and its castle visible straight ahead, its Round Tower rising above the station and the surrounding streets.

Arriving at Windsor & Eton Central

Sitting within the Windsor Royal Shopping centre on Thames Street, Windsor & Eton Central terminus sets you immediately in the heart of Windsor's town centre. Windsor Castle is just a short walk up the hill, and the River Thames is only a few minutes away on foot.

• The Thames Street Exit: The main exit leads onto Thames Street and from there, directly into the town centre. Windsor Castle and the Long Walk are a short uphill walk away, with the town's main shopping streets branching off in either direction.
• The Windsor Bridge Route: Head towards the river for Windsor Bridge and the Thames Path, with views back towards the castle and Eton College across the water.
• Onward Travel: Much of Windsor can be easily reached on foot from the station, with the castle, town centre and riverside all within a short walk. Bus stops on Thames Street provide connections to Heathrow Airport and the surrounding area, and there is a drop-off point just outside the station entrance.