We will be traveling to Oxford from Heathrow T2 by bus on our arrival day. I'm wondering if I should purchase these tickets in advance, or if it's smarter to get them at the airport? We will be arriving at around 11:00 am in July, and I see there is a bus every 30 minutes. We will have to go through customs and pick up a checked bag, so it's hard to know what time exactly we'll be ready to board the bus. Do these buses typically sell out?
Posted by
Somerset, UK
26 posts
https://www.theairline.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/
They give you 24 hours either side of your scheduled departure time, so it's very flexible. The bus never sells out
Posted by
OP
Ontario, Canada
3 posts
Thank you SO much for this info and reply. I was looking at the National Express website. Is National Express like a 3rd party ticket seller? Is The Airline bus the direct company I'd be booking with? Also, is there an advantage to booking weeks in advance, or can I book just a few days in advance (I guess I'm asking if the price changes as time goes by)
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
36475 posts
The Airline and National Express are competitors.
The Airline is part of Oxford Bus Company which in turn is part of Go-Ahead.
National Express is the major coach network after privatization many years ago. It goes to hundreds of places around the country but not as conveniently on the Oxford - Heathrow run as The Airline which does one thing and does it very very well.
Despite being a shareholder of National Express, in this case I would suggest The Airline. I'd also suggest the Oxford Tube is needing a coach to London.
Posted by
Lake District, England
11353 posts
In this case National Express run a few of their own services (and I mean a few) from Heathrow to Oxford, but also sell The Airline tickets as a third party (at least at the same price).
This is to bulk up their services for those who want a through booking- for instance Southampton to Oxford (change at Heathrow).
They might not get the first half of the journey if the passenger then has to wait for hours at Heathrow for the next Nat Ex service, so it makes commercial sense.
However that means they are subject to National Express terms of carriage- which don't allow the 24 hour flexibility of tickets purchased direct.
As this is a standalone journey I can see no point to buying through Nat Ex.
As Olivia says I don't really see why you would buy in advance, as opposed to on bus from the driver (or the machines at Central Bus Station). On board you can pay by contactless card, or cash.
Posted by
OP
Ontario, Canada
3 posts
I appreciate you all explaining this to me. A big help. Thank you!