Getting to Oxford

Getting to and from Oxford isn’t a problem. We have great public transport within the city and great links from further afield.

By Train:

Oxford train station has frequent trains from London Paddington and Birmingham. Taxis can be taken from the station forecourt. Book tickets in advance for the best price at www.thetrainline.com

By Coach from London:

The ‘Oxford Tube’ operates a 24 hour service to and from Central London. The ‘Oxford Espress’ stops running at half past midnight and resumes at 4:30 a.m. They both stop at the Thornhill Park and Ride, in Headington and at the bus station in the city centre. Tickets can be bought directly from the driver.

By Air:

London Heathrow is the closest airport, with a transfer time of about one hour 20 minutes. London Gatwick is a little further with a transfer time of two hours.  Birmingham International airport is also close with a transfer time of about one hour.

The Airline operated by The Oxford Bus Company provides a transfer service from London Heathrow every 30 minutes and London Gatwick every hour. Buses go from the central bus station and terminal 5, stopping at the Thornhill Park and Ride, in Headington and at Gloucester Green in the city centre. Tickets can be bought directly from the driver.

From Birmingham International airport’s train station there are direct trains to Oxford. They depart at 13 minutes past the hour throughout the day and night.  The journey takes approximately 1 hour and costs approx 40 GBP return.

National Express operates bus services linking Birmingham International airport via Birmingham city centre to Oxford. Take the courtesy bus from Birmingham Airport to Digbeth Coach Station in Birmingham City Centre. You can then catch a coach direct to Oxford, Gloucester Green. The journey will take approximately 2-4 hours.  The cost of a single ticket from Birmingham Digbeth (central bus station) to Oxford is approximately 9.25 GBP.  We suggest you book in advance online as buses can be very crowded.

By Car:

Oxford is easy to get to from London, the south east and the Midlands via the M40, Bristol and the south west via the M4.

Getting around Oxford

By Car:

Oxford is not a very car-friendly city. Pay and display car parks are expensive (around £2 per hour) but they are available at Westgate in the city centre and in Headington. Check with your hosts whether they are able to offer parking outside their home.

There are five Park and Ride sites around the edge of Oxford. They either cost £1 per day or they are free of charge. There are regular buses into the city centre. You can park at Thornhill or Water Eaton for up to 72 hours for free.

By Bicycle:

To live like a true Oxfordian, the best way to get around the city is by bicycle.  If your host doesn’t have one you can borrow, you can hire a bike at Bainton Bikes www.baintonbikes.com

By Bus:

Oxford has two main bus companies, Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach. Routes for both companies run into and out of the city centre. A Plus+Pass card allows unlimited travel with both of these companies and others. A 24 hour pass costs £6 and can be bought from the driver.

On Foot:

Oxford is a small city.  It’s cheap, easy and fun to stroll the streets on foot. We have tried to locate the venues within walking distance of the city centre.