Travel to Oxford with megabus

Take the bus to Oxford and you’ll find yourself in a diverse city steeped in tradition. The ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ won’t fail to inspire you with its literary roots, honey-toned buildings and cobbled lanes. Spend time exploring the University of Oxford’s world-famous colleges or enjoy a relaxing punt down the river. Then end the day with a pint and some hearty food at one of the city’s historic pubs. What’s not to like?

Oxford: top 3 things to do

1. Take a punt on the river

Hire a punt on the river for a classic Oxford experience. You’ll find most punts underneath Magdalen Bridge by the Botanic Gardens. If you’re feeling brave you can give punting a try yourself, or just sit back, relax and get a chauffeur to do the work for you. Punts can fit up to five people. Or you can go bigger and try a 50-minute sightseeing river cruise which also gives you 10% discount at The Folly restaurant. Bonus.

2. Tour the university colleges

The University of Oxford has no less than 44 colleges dotted around the city. To get an insider’s look at campus life, take a guided tour by a former student with Oxford Walking Tours. You’ll explore some of Oxford’s oldest colleges including Balliol and Christ Church. The latter is known for its starring role in Harry Potter, plus famous alumni like Lewis Carroll and Albert Einstein.

3. Explore Blenheim Palace

Just outside Oxford you’ll find Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Blenheim sits in over 2,000 acres of glorious parkland, and inside you’ll find rooms preserved with their original furniture and some of the finest antiques in Europe. Take an S3 bus from Gloucester Green bus station right up to the gates – the journey takes 25 minutes.

Oxford: getting around

To make sure your coach journey to Oxford with megabus is easy and comfortable, we’ve thought of all the finer details – like free Wi-Fi and charging points. And once you arrive in Oxford, getting around couldn’t be easier.

Your bus to Oxford will arrive into Gloucester Green, the city’s main coach station. It’s just off George Street. From there, you can easily walk to the city’s shops, main attractions, bars and restaurants.

Oxford is a very flat city, so another great way to see the sights is by bike. You can hire one from Bainton Bikes, at Walton Street Cycles on Walton Street. Pick up a map from the Oxford Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street or just use your phone’s GPS to plot your route.

Oxford: best for nightlife

There are two ways to tackle Oxford’s nightlife. Firstly, you can make like a bona fide student and hole up in one of the many traditional pubs with a pint of something cold. The Turf Tavern is nestled by the Bridge of Sighs, and has beamed ceilings and a cosy fireplace. Or, if you’re looking for a more sophisticated night on the town, the Varsity Club rooftop bar has arguably the best views and cocktails in the city. For an evening at the theatre, head to the Oxford Playhouse in Beaumont Street, which features West End musicals and famous comedians.

Oxford: best for shopping

Oxford’s famous Covered Market is the place to go for anything from delicious cooked breakfasts and freshly-made sandwiches, to jewellery and gifts. This Victorian market is open seven days a week. For all your high street favourites, head to Cornmarket Street, High Street and Queen Street. You’ll also find plenty of smaller independent shops and boutiques right alongside them.

If studying is on your mind, check out the book shops on Broad Street. Alice in Wonderland – written by Oxford local, Lewis Carroll – is referenced all over the city. So what better place to pick up a copy?

Oxford for free: our top 3

1. Visit the Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean is Britain’s oldest public museum, and it’s free to get in. Founded in 1683, it’s chock-full of Ancient Egyptian art, Greek and Roman statues, and paintings by the likes of Turner. For a panoramic view of the city, have lunch in the glass-walled dining room on the rooftop.

2. Swot up in the Bodleian Library

Harry Potter fans should make a beeline to the Bodleian Library. Its sweeping corridors and stacks of leather-bound books featured in the films, along with the Divinity School below the reading rooms. As one of the oldest libraries in Europe, it’s well worth a visit.

3. Have a picnic in South Park

South Park is the largest park in Oxford, and comes with a magnificent view of the towers and spires. On sunny days you’ll find it full of people playing sports, eating picnics and lazing on the grass. The park even has a fitness trail if you’re feeling particularly energetic. It’s all a five-minute walk from Cowley Road in the east of the city.

To book your Oxford coach travel, use the journey planner to find cheap megabus tickets before they sell out.

We serve Oxford from a number of routes including:

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