Okay all you UK experts!

[JPenny]

I'm coming over there for the first time--a trip I never dreamed I'd ever make!!! When my sister and I arrive, we need to get from the London Heathrow airport to Oxford University (Keble College).

Since I'm no travel expert, and we're not using an agency to give us all our instructions, what info can you Brits give me about transportation? What's the quickest way to go? We'll be in a fog after a 10 hour flight overnight, with the time changes and all, so the simpler, the better!

Any pointers about making our way around and out of the Heathrow airport would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

jean :wave:

[kari]

What's the quickest way to go?

Erm ... walk! :lol:

It's a fair old trek but if money's no object I'd get a taxi.

[scaredy_cat]

What about the subway? I know it has stops at heathrow. There is a map of the subway lines online somewhere, if I find it, I'll post the link. You could check and see if it has stops where you're going. I travelled on it when I was in London three years ago, and as long as its not "rush hour" its no problem.

[scaredy_cat]

Try this website. It has a map of the tube, plus other info. that might be useful to you. London is great, you'll have a wonderful time!

http://map.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/maps-home.shtml

[kari]

The underground ain't gonna stop in Oxford :)

Because I'm feeling nice I've done some research for you. It seems that there is a direct train (although I'm not sure how frequently) from London Paddington to Oxford, so you'd have to get the tube from Heathrow to Paddington and then the train from there to Oxford. From Paddington to Oxford takes about an hour. www.thetrainline.com

Alternatively (and probably betterly) and surprisingly, there's a bus directly from Heathrow to Oxford, no changes, no faffing about, takes an hour and ten minutes. www.nationalexpress.com

[kari]

Ah, it's only 56 miles :)

[Falcon]

The Underground will get you to a major station such as Kings cross for a train. At Heathrow they are likely to have coaches that link up to other airports and towns, Oxford should be one of them. Looking at LHR website they might have a link on how to get there by bus. Voila.

[JPenny]

Thanks to all!!! I think we'll go with the bus, since it's fairly simple (right??). The only complication will be finding the bus terminal in Heathrow. We'll be going into Terminal 4, and the other three terminals are on the other side of the airport.

So maybe instead of a flight report, I should give a "how I got to Oxford from Heathrow" report when I get home!!

Cheerio!

Jean

[scaredy_cat]

I remember there being a bus terminal where you can purchase tickets, get on the bus, etc. outside the terminal close. My friend went with me on the tube to heathrow, terminal 4, and I remember we were able to sort his bus ticket back home just outside the terminal so I know its right out one of the doors. I'm sure anyone who works in the terminal could tell you how to find it. Just be sure to ask for the "coach" instead of the bus! :tongue:

[JPenny]

Are you serious? What will they think I'm talking about if I say "bus"? Or will it just immediately label me as an ignorant American???

And do I have to say "coach" with a certain accent, like "Cyeeeohch"?

:eek: :cool:

Jean

[kari]

And do I have to say "coach" with a certain accent, like "Cyeeeohch"?



Jean

LOL, if you do that, you'll be laughed out of the country! :lol:

Just ask for the coach/national express/bus to Oxford :)

[Expatbrit]

This is probably much too late but...you need the central bus station at Heathrow, it's very easy to find and not far to walk (10 mins?)
I've taken the bus from there to Oxford several times (and to other places). Very convenient, no hassle, and certainly no need to travel into London!

[JPenny]

We found the bus station at Heathrow, took the bus to Oxford, and actually walked to Keble College where we stayed all week. On the trip back, our flight left from Gatwick, so it was more complicated, since we had purchased round trip tickets from Heathrow. But it all worked out, and now I'm back home. My only regret is that we didn't have time to see London! Maybe I will get the opportunity to return someday. My trip was fantastic, and I LOVE England! Now I want to go to Ireland/Scotland as well.

Thanks!

Jean:wave: