Due to the impact of COVID-19, you are recommended to check travel restrictions from your government sources and contact local venues to verify any new rules

World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Oxford

Local time Oxford

Currency

Getting around Oxford

Public transport

Most of Oxford’s main sites are within easy walking distance so many visitors to Oxford choose to cover the city centre and even the environs by foot. The local bus network is very comprehensive however, and it is relatively easy to get on a bus in all parts of the city.

The majority of local buses into Oxford city centre are run by the Oxford Bus Company (tel: +44 1865 785 400; www.oxfordbus.co.uk) or Stagecoach (tel: +44 1865 772 250; www.stagecoachbus.com). Day passes cover all buses within the city.

Public transport in Oxford runs frequently throughout the day, but there are no night bus services. The city's main bus and coach station is at Gloucester Green.

Taxis

There are many taxi ranks throughout the city, and you can also hail taxis anywhere on the street.

Recommended taxi companies include 001 Taxis (tel: +44 1865 240 000), ABC Radio Taxi (tel: +44 1865 770 077) and Oxford City Cars (tel: +44 1865 703 030).

Driving

A number of one-way systems and a lack of abundant parking means that driving (and especially parking) in Oxford isn’t always easy. It’s not impossible – the number of cars on the street is testament to that – but most locals recommend using the efficient Park & Ride system.

Car hire

There are numerous car hire companies operating in Oxford, including Avis (tel: +44 844 544 6087; www.avis.co.uk), Enterprise (tel: +44 1865 202 088; www.enterprise.co.uk) and Hertz (tel: +44 1865 920 164; www.hertz.co.uk).

Bicycle hire

Oxford being the compact, student-centric place that it is, bicycles and cycle lanes are found widely.

Cyclo Analysts, 150 Cowley Road (tel: +44 1865 424 444; http://cycloanalysts.com), offers bicycle hire against a deposit. Summertown Cycles, 202 Banbury Road (tel: +44 1865 316 885; www.summertowncycles.co.uk), offers both short- and long-term bicycle hire.

OxonBike (tel: +44 1865 238 0138; www.oxonbikes.co.uk) is a small bikeshare scheme, although there are currently only a few stations, each with a handful of bikes. Most are outside the city centre however.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Renowned as one of the country's leading hotels, Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir is notable for far more than just its food. It's set in the village of Great Milton in the Oxfordshire countryside, and with just 32 guestrooms it's somewhere that emphasises attention to detail above mass-market appeal. Definitely one for special occasions.

YHA Oxford

A 4-star hostel within a minute's walk of the train station, YHA Oxford has 203 beds and, in keeping with the organisation's revamped image, a modern, welcoming feel. There are various en suite rooms, many of them geared specifically at families. Other features include a bar, a games room and cycle storage.

Victoria House Hotel

Housed in a modern building in the city centre, the Victoria House Hotel is a basic but comfortable and convenient hotel that sits directly opposite the New Theatre. All rooms are en-suite and come with shower or bath, phone and TV – but be aware that the hotel doesn't serve breakfast.

Remont Hotel

A family-run bed and breakfast with the feel of an upscale boutique hotel, the Remont is the hotel of choice for those who value style and individuality above a city-centre location. There are 25 en-suite rooms, as well as two communal areas and a garden area. Breakfast is included too.

Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel

The Oxford Spires is set in parkland, but still sits less than half a mile from the historic centre. The hotel has 174 well-appointed en suite bedrooms, some of which have four-poster beds. It also has a swimming pool, sauna, spa bath, beauty therapy room and gym as well a stylish restaurant and library bar.

Malmaison Oxford

Probably the most unique accommodation in the city, the Malmaison occupies the converted prison at Oxford Castle. Modern and sharply designed, it offers excellent dining, lively bars, complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable rooms with power showers, CD and DVD players and high-end toiletries, as well as an exercise room and a small meeting room.

Introducing Oxford

While you’re there

Plan your trip

United Kingdom Information