Going to northern Cotswolds for 7 days from london, then leaving UK on early AM plane from heathrow. I propose we take train from london to Oxford and pick up car rental there. When done visiting Cotswolds we turn car in at Oxford, stay overnight in Oxford and take one of their early morning buses to Heathrow for our flight. Does this sound like a reasonable strategy, any potential pitfalls? Thanks for any advice, alternatives,etc. Cheers, Dave
Posted by
8330 posts
Auto Europe allows pickup in Oxford.
This statement was on their website when I put in Oxford for pickup.
This car is only available at Oxford Downtown Office - Littlemead Business Park Ferry.
Posted by
California (Central Coast)
52 posts
I am also requesting input today on a rental car for the Cotswolds, so I've been searching this morning.
Oxford looks like a good place to me, at least on the map.
But while searching this morning, I came across this discussion elsewhere that you may find interesting http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/car-rental-for-travel-to-cotswolds.cfm
Several people there say that driving in Oxford is so awful that you should rent the car at Heathrow instead.
(I am undecided.)
Posted by
Oklahoma City, USA
51 posts
When we went to the Cotswolds we stayed by Paddington station when we first arrived. The next morning we took a train to Banbury. Enterprise delivered the car to the train station.
Maybe I'm wrong but I get the impression there aren't many car rental options in the Cotswolds.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34007 posts
Traffic in Oxford is never fun. Having an anti-car Council doesn't help. But it is a medieval town with medieval road layout, far too many cars, a lot of bicycles and students, and little (very expensive) parking, which all add to an unpleasant driving experience.
See Oxford on foot, or on a HoHo or scheduled bus, and then rent the car and immediately head onto the ring road and trunk routes.
No reason at all not to get a hire car in Oxford, preferably near the station.