A Bus Trip: Gatwick To Oxford, How Long?

If you're planning a trip between Oxford and Gatwick, you may be considering travelling by bus. The average bus journey between these two locations takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest trip can be as quick as 1 hour and 52 minutes. There are several bus companies that offer this route, with prices starting at £1.50. The first bus from Oxford to Gatwick leaves at 1:30 am, and the last bus departs at 11:30 pm.

Fastest route: 1 hour 52 minutes

The fastest bus route between Oxford and Gatwick takes 1 hour and 52 minutes. This route is provided by The Airline and costs $44. The departure point in Oxford is Thornhill Park and Ride, and the arrival point at Gatwick is the South Terminal. This route is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

The Airline also offers a slightly slower route, taking 2 hours and 20 minutes, which is available at a cheaper rate of $37. This route departs from Gloucester Green in Oxford and arrives at the North Terminal at Gatwick. This route is also available every day of the week.

Other bus companies such as National Express and Oxford Bus also provide services between Oxford and Gatwick, with journey times ranging from 2 hours and 10 minutes to 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Average journey time: 2 hours 35 minutes

The average journey time between Oxford and Gatwick by bus is 2 hours 35 minutes. This time can vary depending on the day of the week, traffic conditions, and the bus company. For example, the fastest journey time is 1 hour 52 minutes, while the longest is 4 hours 5 minutes.

Bus Companies

Several bus companies provide services between Oxford and Gatwick, including The Airline, Oxford Bus, National Express, and Megabus. These companies offer different amenities and benefits, such as luxury coaches, direct connections to the terminal, competitive fares, extra legroom, USB charging, and free WiFi.

Timetables and Frequency

Buses from Oxford to Gatwick typically run throughout the day and night, with some companies offering up to 19 or 23 services per day. The first bus usually departs around 1:30 am, and the last bus leaves around 11:30 pm. It is recommended to arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Pricing

Ticket prices for the bus from Oxford to Gatwick vary depending on the company and the type of fare. They can range from as low as £1.50 to around £44 for a one-way trip. Some companies offer discounts and flexible tickets that allow changes to your booking.

Planning Your Journey

When planning your journey between Oxford and Gatwick by bus, it is important to consider the time needed for transfers, potential traffic delays, and check-in times at the airport. It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before your flight's check-in time to account for any unexpected delays.

Recommended arrival time for flights: 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international

The bus journey from Oxford to Gatwick Airport takes between 1 hour 52 minutes and 4 hours 5 minutes, depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and the bus company. On average, the journey takes 2 hours 35 minutes.

When planning your trip from Oxford to Gatwick Airport, it is important to keep in mind the recommended arrival time for your flight. For domestic flights, it is generally advised to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance. For international flights, the recommended arrival time is 3 hours before the scheduled departure. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, and security procedures.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to plan your journey carefully and allow for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances. Here are some recommendations and things to keep in mind when travelling by bus from Oxford to Gatwick Airport:

• Compare different bus companies and their schedules to find the one that best suits your needs. Some companies offer direct connections to the terminal, while others may have multiple stops.
• Book your bus ticket in advance whenever possible. This can help you secure a seat and avoid last-minute rushes.
• Aim to arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This will help you board the bus without any haste.
• Consider the time of day and traffic conditions when planning your journey. Allow for potential delays, especially during peak travel times or rush hour.
• Keep yourself updated on the bus's real-time location and any delays or schedule changes using mobile apps or live departure boards.
• Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents and that your luggage complies with the bus company's regulations.
• In case of any special requirements, such as wheelchair accessibility or travelling with pets, contact the bus company in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

By following these suggestions and allowing for the recommended arrival time at the airport, you can help ensure that your journey from Oxford to Gatwick Airport is comfortable and stress-free.

Cheapest option: from £1.50

Travel from Oxford to Gatwick on a Budget

Travelling between Oxford and Gatwick on a budget is possible with bus tickets starting from as little as £1.50. Here's what you need to know about this cheap option:

Megabus

Megabus offers an incredibly affordable way to get from Oxford to Gatwick with tickets starting at just £1.50. Here are the key details:

• Journey Time: The fastest journey time with Megabus is 2 hours 12 minutes. However, the journey can take up to 2 hours 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
• Departure Points: Buses depart from Gloucester Green Bus Station in Oxford city centre.
• Arrival Points: The bus will drop you off at Gatwick Airport's South Terminal.
• Frequency: There are up to 19 services per day, with the earliest bus departing Oxford at 1:30 am and the latest at 11:30 pm.
• Booking: You can book your ticket on the Megabus website.

National Express

National Express is another budget-friendly option for travelling between Oxford and Gatwick:

• Journey Time: The fastest journey time is 1 hour 30 minutes from Gatwick North to Thornhill. The average journey time is 2 hours 35 minutes.
• Departure Points: Coaches depart from Gatwick Airport's South Terminal.
• Arrival Points: Coaches arrive at Oxford Bus Station.
• Frequency: There are up to 23 services per day. The first coach leaves Gatwick at 12:55 am, and the last one departs at 10:55 pm.
• Price: Tickets start at £23 for a one-way journey.
• Booking: Book your ticket on the National Express website to get the best price.

Most expensive option: £78

Travelling from Oxford to Gatwick by Bus: Most Expensive Option (£78)

Overview

The average bus fare for a one-way trip from Oxford to Gatwick is £46, with the cheapest option being as low as £1.50. However, the most expensive option can cost up to £78. The journey time varies from 1 hour 52 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes, depending on the service chosen.

The Airline

The Airline offers a bus service between Oxford and Gatwick Airport. While their standard fares are usually around £44, they also provide flexible tickets that allow passengers to return within 12 months. This flexibility comes at a cost, with prices reaching £78 for a one-way ticket.

National Express

National Express provides a coach service from Oxford Bus Station to Gatwick Airport. While their standard fares start at £23, they offer fully flexible tickets that allow for changes close to the departure time. These flexible tickets are amendable, but excess fees may apply. The exact cost of these flexible tickets is not specified but can be found on their tickets page.

Oxford Bus

Oxford Bus Company operates a direct bus service from Queens Lane in Oxford to Gatwick Airport's South Terminal. While their standard tickets cost around £39, they also offer flexible tickets that allow passengers to return within 12 months. The flexibility of these tickets may result in a higher price, potentially reaching the upper range of bus fares for this route.

Megabus

Megabus offers an affordable and convenient option for travelling between Oxford and Gatwick Airport. With fares starting at just £1.50, they provide excellent value for money. However, their flexible tickets, which allow changes to bookings, may incur additional costs, potentially reaching the higher end of bus fares for this route.

Frequently asked questions