Gatwick Airport to Oxford by Bus (2hrs 35GBP)
The main operator of direct buses from London Gatwick Airport to Oxford is the Oxford Bus Company which operates a service called "The Airline", these can be booked through the National Express website. Buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from Gatwick to Oxford and at peak times the service is as frequent as every 60 minutes although during the night they only run every 2 hours. The cost of a period return ticket is approximately 35 GBP to Oxford although if you are a senior citizen you are entitled to 1/3 off. The travel time from Gatwick Airport to Oxford is normally 120 to 150 minutes but can vary depending on traffic on the Motorways.
Bus tickets for The Airline are booked online through National Express Use the form below to search timetables and prices.
(Please note: If you buy a bus ticket using the form above for a specific time and you are delayed, the ticket will still be valid for any bus between Gatwick and Oxford for 24 hours from the original departure time.)
Buses depart Gatwick Airport for Oxford from both Gatwick North and South terminals (calling at the North Terminal last). All the buses from Gatwick to Oxford take you direct to the centre of Oxford to the main bus station, Gloucester Green. There are a few other stops in Oxford on the way into the centre. The Airline pick-up and drop-off points can be seen on our map. .
Gatwick Airport to Oxford by Train (2hrs 30 GBP)
Gatwick Airport has its own railway station with trains connecting direct to London and other UK destinations. The trip to Oxford takes approximately 2 hours, requires one change in the city of Reading and costs approximately 30 GBP (if you are between 16 and 25 or a senior citizen you are entitled to 1/3 off with a railcard). Alternatively you could travel via London but this will require more changes and will take an extra half hour. The train can be an attractive alternative to the coach to Oxford because it avoids any issue with traffic and Oxford Station is just a 5 minute walk to Oxford City Centre.
If you choose to go by train from Gatwick to Oxford it is recommended that you purchase your tickets online in advance. Tickets booked online are cheaper than just turning up at the station and can be posted to you or picked up at the station from an automatic machine when you arrive.
Use the button below to search train times and prices.
Gatwick to Oxford by Car
If you are travelling to Oxford by car, you have several options on what to do with your car when you get there. If you are only visiting for the day then it is best to use the Oxford Park and Ride facilities (free parking) located North, South, East and West of the city centre. For more detailed information including maps see our guide to the Oxford Park and Ride. If you are just visiting for a few hours then you might want to use one of the car parks located within the City Centre. For more detailed information including maps see our guide to parking in Oxford. If you need to book a rental car when you get to Oxford there are several places to pick up a car. See our guide to renting a car in Oxford .
Use the button below to check availability and rental prices.
Gatwick Airport Hotel Accommodation
If you have a very early flight from Gatwick you may wish to spend the night before at a hotel near Gatwick Airport rather than spending the night on a bus!
With prices from as little as 35 GBP per night (cheaper than Oxford!) it is worth considering.
Private Taxi to Oxford
If you are travelling in a group you may find the most economic way to travel from Gatwick Airport could be by private taxi hire. Holiday Taxis have a secure website for you to check taxi prices from many different arrival points.
Click the button below to check prices (on their website if your destination is not listed use the address option):
Gatwick Planner
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Oxford Events
Blenheim Palace opens for 2012
(Mon 13th Feb, 2012)
Blenheim Palace opens for 2012, Palace, formal gardens and Pleasure Gardens.
Oxford Literary Festival
(Sat 24th Mar, 2012)
The Oxford Literary Festival runs from 24th March to 1st April 2012. It offers a range of talks, discussions, debates, readings and lunches from authors and literary heroes. The main location is Christ Church college.
Blenheim Easter Egg Challenge
(Sun 22nd Apr, 2012)
Annual Easter Egg Challenge at Blenheim Palace, including face painting and family fun.