We will fly into Heathrow Terminal 3 in early October. We will only have carry on luggage. We plan to take a bus to Oxford. What is the best way to purchase tickets for 2 adults? There appears to be different companies. If you would miss your time, will they still honor your ticket?
Question two - following a few days in Oxford, we will take the train to Bath. Same question about purchasing a train ticket. Easiest way to purchase?
Thank you for suggestions.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10450 posts
There is only really one bus company - the Oxford Airline. National Express run a handful of services a day (a very few), but most of the time they are resellers for the airline.
Just buy on the bus.
If you do buy direct ahead of time (direct) the ticket is valid for any other service 24 hours before or after, subject to space. Not so with National Express as a reseller. They are set departure only.
Oxford to Bath- there is no cost benefit to pre booking.
Just buy from the machine or clerk at Oxford station on the day.
If you want to save money and see more of the countryside Oxford to Bath can be done on local buses- the S6 every 20 minutes to Swindon, the 55 Swindon to Chippenham every 20 minutes, the X31 Chippenham to Bath every hour. £3 per bus.
To give all options you can go from Heathrow to Oxford by local bus. It takes a lot longer, but also costs much less at just £9. The 703 every 30 minutes to Bracknell then the 4 every 20 minutes to Reading, then the X40 every 30 minutes to Oxford. A very scenic route from Reading. Double decker buses all the way.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the bus information. It simplifies the process and sounds easy.