Compare Slough car hire

Located seven miles northwest of Heathrow, Slough is one of the closest towns to the UK’s largest aviation hub. It's easy to hire a car at Heathrow Airport (LHR). Major international brands, such as Budget, Hertz, Avis and Sixt, are located in the arrivals hall. The drive to Slough takes around 20 minutes, and you can be exploring beautiful Henley-on-Thames and the rest of Berkshire in under an hour.

The drive to Slough is also very simple. From the Central Terminal Area at Heathrow, head north onto the Inner Ring West, continue to the M4 following signs to Central London and the M25, at Junction 5 take the A4 towards Colnbrook, then continue on the A4 to Slough.

You'll find Heathrow Airport's car hire desks in the arrivals halls of all five terminals. When you're ready to go, make your way to the pick-up points in the various car parks. Car hire desk staff will be able to direct you.

Car rental companies that have desks at Heathrow Airport include:

• Hertz (Tel: +44843 309 3009)
• Avis (Tel: +44344 544 6000)
• Budget (Tel: +44344 544 4600)
• Sixt (Tel: +44844 499 3399)
• Enterprise (Tel: +4420 8897 2100)
• Alamo (Tel: +4420 8897 2100)

Slough stretches along the northern banks of the M4. Driving in the town centre is largely easy going, with most main roads wide and well signposted. However, navigating some of the many one-way systems can be a little tricky, especially during rush hour. Plan your route in advance, and track your progress by using a satnav or your GPS-enabled smartphone.

Slough is a busy working town with large industrial estates and retail parks, so there are often lots of large lorries and vans around. In the town centre, traffic can build up during the day and especially at rush hour. It’s advisable to avoid these main stretches at busy times.

You'll find several multi-storey car parks in Slough town centre, as well as pay-and-display car parks and on-street parking bays. Some offer a cashless payment service – pre-registration required – as well as traditional coin payments. For free parking, you'll need to venture much further from the town centre. Try the streets around Lascelles Park and Salt Hill areas.

Windsor Castle

Driving time: 20 minutes

The site of many a royal celebration, Windsor Castle is Berkshire's biggest must-see attraction. With over 900 years of royal history, it is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. See the Changing of the Guard, Queen Mary's Dolls' House and St George's Chapel, and don't miss a stroll around Windsor Great Park – you never know who you might bump into.

Thorpe Park

Driving time: 30 minutes

Famously home to some of the highest, fastest and scariest rides in Britain, thrill-seekers will love a hair-raising day at Thorpe Park. This sprawling theme park has more than 30 rides, including Saw, Swarm and Derren Brown's Ghost Train. You’ll also find a manmade beach and water park, plus rides and attractions for young kids.

Henley-on-Thames

Driving time: 40 minutes

Crack open the champagne and strawberries for a day trip to the riverside market town of Henley-on-Thames. Located 16 miles west of Slough, it's home to the Henley Royal Regatta each July. Mug up on your coxswain calls at the River and Rowing Museum, take a stroll along the beautiful Thames Path or stop for a picnic by Henley Bridge.