Getting to Oxford

Oxford is well served by road and rail networks that give fast and direct access locally, nationally and from Europe.

Getting to Oxford by Road

Oxford is connected to London, the M25 and the Midlands by the M40 motorway. Junctions 8 and 9 link directly to the city. The Oxford ring road provides direct access to the south and west coast ports of Southampton, Portsmouth and Bristol via the A34.

Visit the Transport Direct website to plan your journey to Oxford online.

Getting to Oxford from London using public transport

First Great Western operate a frequent direct train service from Oxford to London Paddington (approximately every 30 minutes).

Stagecoach run a 24 hour bus service to London called the Oxford Tube. The Oxford Bus Company run a similar service called the Oxford Espress. Both services leave from the Oxford Bus Station at Gloucester Green. Visit their websites for timetables and a full list of where each bus stops.

Getting from Heathrow/Gatwick/Stansted/Birmingham/Luton airport to Oxford using public transport

Oxford is easy to reach from all major airports:

• Gatwick Airport
• Heathrow Airport
• Stansted Airport
• Birmingham International Airport
• Luton Airport

The Oxford Bus Company runs a frequent bus service to Heathrow and Gatwick called The Airline. Visit their website for timetables and fares.

National Express service 757 runs a direct bus service between Oxford and Stansted. Visit the National Express website for full details. You should also visit this website for services to Luton Airport.

All of these services terminate at the Oxford Bus Station at Gloucester Green.

There is a direct train from Birmingham International to Oxford. Visit the National Rail Enquiries website for timetables and fares.

Parking in Oxford

There are access restrictions for cars within the city centre, particularly for traffic coming into the centre from the east, along the High Street.

For quick and easy access to the city centre you should use one of Oxford's 5 Park and Ride sites across the city. Visit the Park and Ride pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website for details of fares and locations of the sites.

Visit our Car Parks page for full details of parking in Oxford and locations of car parks in the city.

How do I get around Oxford once I am here?

If you are travelling within the boundaries of Oxford city, the two main bus companies are the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach. Visit their websites for a detailed list of their bus services and up-to-date timetables.

Visit the Timetables and Maps page of the Oxfordshire County Council website to see a full list of bus services in Oxfordshire and where to catch them in Oxford.

Where can I find more information on transport in Oxford?

Visit our Public Transport page for more information.

Page last reviewed 9 Feb 2010