Driving from Heathrow to Oxford

Old Apr 18th, 2012, 07:19 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Driving from Heathrow to Oxford

Hi, will be visiting the UK in July to visit my daughter who is studying at Oxford this summer. We will be flying into Heathrow, and want to rent a car while we are there to do some driving trips around the region. Would it make more sense for us to rent a car at Heathrow and drive to Oxford - or to take the bus to Oxford and rent a car there? One concern I have is if I will be in any shape to make the drive after an overnight flight, particularly on the left side of the road and particularly if it is a high traffic trip (I have driven in Paris and a lot of major areas). Any thoughts, suggestions or experiences would be welcome! TIA!
lawafamily is offline  
Old Apr 18th, 2012, 08:21 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's so easy to take the direct bus from Heathrow to Oxford when you arrive.
As you probably will stay busy day 2 exploring Oxford anyway, you can save the hassle and money to rent a car at least until day 3.
You may also want to check what sights you plan to see in the area and if you really need a car or can do with the local or regional public buses.
Cowboy1968 is offline  
Old Apr 18th, 2012, 09:59 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wouldn't have a car in Oxford - it's infamous for a confusing road system and people getting fined for ending up in bus lanes.

And given your itinerary it would mean paying for three days car hire plus car parking for the 1 hour trip from the airport.

It also means you won't be driving when jet-lagged which in the UK isn't a good idea.

Just take the bus - http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/main.php?page_id=24
alanRow is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2012, 02:36 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the thoughts. You are reinforcing the direction I was leaning as I research more.
lawafamily is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2012, 08:27 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also you'll likely save by NOT renting at the airport as the rates are usually noticeably higher. As the others said, you probably won't be needing a rental day 1-2. Enjoy your visit!
mirolex is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
marianss
Europe
19
Jun 19th, 2015 11:17 AM
jobya
Europe
13
Mar 28th, 2010 09:55 AM
Keeksm
Europe
2
Apr 16th, 2008 01:50 AM
europeandream
Europe
4
Jan 25th, 2008 09:16 AM
monica
Europe
5
May 28th, 2002 09:53 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -