We are thinking of staying in Oxford for four nights this summer and using public transport to get around. We would have at least one day where we would need to take a train (to Bath). The hotels we are looking at are not near the train station. How easy and reliable are the buses in Oxford? Would this plan work? There are 7 of us, would it make more sense to hire a driver for the day?
Posted by
Los Angeles
1854 posts
When we were there pre-COVID we stayed at a B&B on Banbury Rd. a bit out from the center of town, near Summertown. It seemed like the bus came by every ten minutes or so, and we didn't feel isolated by staying away from the city center. We attended a performance at the New Theatre one evening, and the bus was running afterwards. A short walk from where the bus terminated in town to the train station.
Posted by
Somerset, UK
37 posts
Oxford is not large. It takes about twenty minutes to walk from the railway station in the west, to Magdalen Bridge, which is about as far east as any tourist will normally venture.
I would recommend you stay in this area, and just walk to places. It is much more enjoyable than some of the hotels stuck out on retail parks miles from the city centre.
But to answer your question directly, yes the bus system in Oxford is very good and reliable.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36594 posts
there are lots of frequent buses throughout Oxford.
But if they miss the hotel you are interested in then you may be less happy.
Perhaps if you share where they are we can help more precisely.
Posted by
3462 posts
We stayed in the east part of Oxford which was probably a 35 minute walk from the train station. We took a bus when we came in and it was easy. We also took a bus another day to catch the bus to Blenheim Palace. We walked to Oxford Colleges so we were not that far out.
Where we stayed was 1/2 block off the main road. I certainly would verify transit to wherever you are thinking of staying.