By Bus in Thames Valley with Oxford

If you haven't rented a car, traveling by bus is the second best way to explore the Thames Valley. The Oxford Bus Company, Megabus and the Oxford Tube offer service to Oxford several times an hour during rush hour, and hourly throughout the night. Pick-up points in London are Victoria train and bus stations, and Baker Street and Marble Arch by the Underground stops. The Oxford Bus Company also offers "The Airline," round-trip shuttle service from Oxford to Gatwick (£25) and Heathrow (£18) every half hour.

Other local bus services, such as Stagecoach, link the towns between Oxford and Henley with services to Heathrow Airport and London. Reading Buses also connect Oxford and Reading to the airports, and First of Bracknell serves the smaller towns of Berkshire. For information about buses and other forms of public transportation, contact Traveline.

Cutting Costs

The Oxford Bus Company offers a one-day ticket (£4) and a seven-day Freedom ticket (£12), for unlimited bus travel within Oxford.

Fares & Schedules

Information

First (01344/868688. www.firstgroup.com). Megabus (www.megabus.co.uk). Oxford Bus Company (01865/785400. www.oxfordbus.co.uk). Reading Buses (0118/959-4000. www.reading-buses.co.uk). Stagecoach Oxford Tube (01865/772250. www.stagecoachbus.com/oxfordshire). Traveline (0870/608-2608. www.traveline.org.uk).