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Heathrow guide Updated 22 October 2026 · 6 min read
Windsor is only about 12 miles from Heathrow, so it's one of the easiest trips from the airport, whether you're visiting Windsor Castle, staying in town or heading home. This guide compares the direct buses, the train and a door-to-door transfer, with typical journey times and what works best with luggage.
Heathrow to Windsor: All Options Compared
| Option | Changes | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Bus service 8 | None from Terminal 5 | Up to 1 hour | Low-cost, direct travel |
| Bus route 703 | None from Terminal 5 | Check the timetable | A fast, direct bus link |
| Train | 2, at Hayes & Harlington and Slough | About 50 min | Travelling light |
| Pre-booked transfer | None | Depends on traffic | Luggage, families, groups, late arrivals |
By Bus from Heathrow Terminal 5
Both direct buses to Windsor leave from Terminal 5.
- First Bus service 8: a direct service from Terminal 5 to Windsor town centre, with departures up to every 30 minutes and a journey of up to an hour.
- Route 703: a fast, direct link between Heathrow Terminal 5, Windsor and Bracknell. Check the current timetable before you travel.
- Paying: on First Bus services, pay with the First Bus app or by contactless card when you board.
- Luggage: buses have space for luggage, but it's shared with other passengers, so large or multiple cases can be awkward at busy times.
Buses run seven days a week, from early until late. For live times, use Traveline or the operator's app.
By Train via Hayes & Harlington and Slough
There's no direct train from Heathrow to Windsor, but the rail route takes about 50 minutes with two changes.
Heathrow to Hayes & Harlington
Take a train from Heathrow to Hayes & Harlington.
Train towards Reading to Slough
Change for a westbound train towards Reading or Oxford, and get off at Slough.
Slough to Windsor & Eton Central
Take the short branch line to Windsor & Eton Central, in the town centre close to the castle.
Two changes with luggage can be tiring after a long flight, so this route works best if you're travelling light.
By Pre-Booked Transfer from Heathrow
With Windsor only about 12 miles away, a pre-booked transfer is a short, simple journey from your terminal to your hotel or home, with no bus stops or station changes. Journey time depends on traffic, particularly around the M4 and M25 at busy times. It's usually the easiest option when:
- you're arriving at Terminals 2, 3 or 4, which have no direct bus to Windsor;
- you have heavy luggage, a pushchair or sports equipment;
- you're travelling as a family or group;
- you land late at night or very early in the morning.
Book a Heathrow to Windsor transfer
Banana Cars runs transfers from London to Windsor from every Heathrow terminal, with TfL-licensed drivers and flight monitoring when you add your flight number. Add Meet & Greet to be met in arrivals. Choose a vehicle in our fleet, or see group transfers.
Get Instant Fare QuoteStarting from Terminals 2, 3 and 4
The direct buses to Windsor leave from Terminal 5. If you land at Terminal 2, Terminal 3 or Terminal 4, use Heathrow's free trains and buses between terminals to reach Terminal 5 first, or take the train route from your terminal's station. A pre-booked transfer collects you at your own terminal.
Flying from Terminal 5? Read our Heathrow Terminal 5 guide. Being met by a driver? See how airport pickups work.
Visiting Windsor Castle from Heathrow
Windsor's closeness to Heathrow makes it a popular first or last stop on a UK trip. Windsor & Eton Central station and the town-centre bus stops are a short walk from the castle. If you're arriving with luggage, drop your bags at your hotel before you visit, so you're not carrying cases around town.
Check Windsor Castle's opening times and book tickets on the Royal Collection Trust website before you travel, as the castle can close at short notice.
Which Option Suits You?
- Landing at Terminal 5, travelling light: First Bus service 8 or route 703, direct to Windsor.
- Travelling light from another terminal: the train via Hayes & Harlington and Slough.
- Families and groups: one vehicle for everyone and all your bags.
- Business travellers and special occasions: see our executive chauffeur service.
Windsor to Heathrow: Getting Back
The same options work in reverse. Heathrow advises arriving two hours before UK and European flights and three hours before long-haul, so allow time for traffic or connections. If you're dropped off by car, Heathrow charges £7 for every vehicle entering a terminal drop-off area; see our guide to airport drop-off charges.
Heading further afield? Read our guide to Heathrow to Oxford.
Frequently asked questions
Heathrow to Windsor FAQs
About 12 miles, which makes it one of the closest towns to the airport.
Yes. First Bus service 8 runs from Terminal 5 to Windsor town centre up to every 30 minutes, taking up to an hour, and route 703 links Terminal 5 with Windsor and Bracknell.
No. Change at Hayes & Harlington for a train towards Reading, then at Slough for Windsor & Eton Central. It takes about 50 minutes.
Terminal 5, where the direct buses to Windsor start. From other terminals, use the free inter-terminal trains and buses, take the train route, or book a transfer from your terminal.
On First Bus services, yes. Pay with the First Bus app or by contactless card when you board.
Yes. Enter your terminal, Windsor address, date and time to get an instant quote, and add your flight number so your pickup can follow your arrival time.
Heading from Heathrow to Windsor?
Get an instant quote for a door-to-door transfer from your terminal to Windsor, with flight monitoring and 24/7 booking.
See all Heathrow transfers.
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