Hello! As a first-time visitor to England I notice that the coach and train tickets from Oxford to Heathrow are much higher than other routes. Hope someone can tell me why, and which transport would be advisable. Thanks!
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1795 posts
There’s always a premium to pay for travel to and from an airport. I don’t know why though.
Posted by
Land of La
9749 posts
Odd title to your post.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10039 posts
Buses to all destinations from Heathrow are more expensive than from London. Partly it is charge what the market will bear, partly the operators have to pay an access charge to the airport.
Same as with many airports in the US.
The same is true of the trains, including the tube.
On the tube you pay a £2.20 premium, because people will pay it, not knowing or wanting to know how to avoid it. And a visitor, by definition, has more money than many locals.
On the Elizabeth Line the decision was taken to impose a £8 or so premium to partly offset construction costs. The locals know how to avoid that, takes a bit longer though.
Same for the bus to Oxford. The market rate is charged but you can pay about £10 less on a more scenic route, however it will take a good while longer.
To Oxford clearly the direct bus is the easiest option.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5573 posts
The return trip at £31.50 is rather cheaper than 2 singles (2 * £25). Plus there are included onward trips on local Oxford Bus Company buses but I'm not sure if this is only offered starting in Oxford.