Oxford’s Park & Ride system is a convenient and efficient way to visit the charming university town. But is it free? And is there more than one location where you can park your car? Let me explain everything you need to know about this system so you can get to Oxford stress-free and in no time.
What's The Oxford Park & Ride System?
The Oxford Park & Ride system is basically a lifesaver for anyone looking to explore Oxford without the headache of parking. This well-thought-out transportation solution allows you to leave your car in designated parking areas on the outskirts of the city and then hop on a bus that takes you right into the heart of Oxford.
In other words, you can enjoy all the historical and cultural wonders that Oxford has to offer without worrying about finding a parking spot or dealing with the city’s notorious traffic.
The Park & Ride system has multiple parking lots strategically located around the city, making it super convenient for visitors. You just park your car, buy a bus ticket, and let someone else do the driving. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and a real game-changer for anyone looking to make the most of their visit to this beautiful city.
Is Oxford Park & Ride Free?
Generally speaking, the concept of Oxford’s Park & Ride system is to offer affordable parking and convenient bus transportation into the city center. There’s typically a fee for the bus ride, but parking at the designated Park & Ride lots can be free or have a nominal charge.
At the time of writing this, the cost for car parking and one traveller is £4.00 and the cost for car parking and two adults is £5.00.
There are a few other options, too, if you plan on visiting Oxford frequently. Specifically, a parking permit is offered in monthly, quarterly, and annual options. The prices are as follows:
- Annual Permit £300
- Quarterly Permit £85 (valid for 13 weeks)
- 28 Day Permit £30 (valid for 4 weeks)
If you have an Oxford Park & Ride permit, you can park on any of the sites I’ll cover in the next section.
When Are The Oxford Park & Ride Sites Open?
All Park and Ride sites are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All vehicles can be left overnight. The maximum stay is 72 hours.
Oxford's Park and Ride Sites
At the time of writing this article, there are five Park & Ride sites around Oxford. These are:
- Oxford Parkway Park and Ride
- Pear Tree Park and Ride
- Redbridge Park and Ride
- Seacourt Park and Ride
- Thornhill Park and Ride
Let’s see each of these in some more detail.
Oxford Parkway Park and Ride
Located just north of Oxford, the Oxford Parkway Park and Ride offers a convenient starting point for those arriving from the north. It provides ample parking facilities and a quick, efficient bus service that connects you to Oxford’s city centre. Ideal for visitors coming in from the northern regions, it’s a stress-free way to begin your Oxford adventure.
Price:
- Car parking and one traveller: £4.00
- Car parking and two adults: £5.00
Pear Tree Park and Ride
Situated to the north of the city center, Pear Tree Park and Ride is a popular choice for visitors. With its accessible parking facilities, it provides a hassle-free way to access Oxford’s attractions via a well-connected bus service. Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for an easier commute, Pear Tree Park and Ride has you covered.
Price:
- Car parking and one traveller: £4.00
- Car parking and two adults: £5.00
Redbridge Park and Ride
Redbridge Park and Ride is conveniently situated to the south of Oxford, making it a great option for those approaching the city from that direction. It offers ample parking spaces and reliable bus services, making it a fantastic choice for both tourists and commuters looking to avoid city center congestion.
Price:
- Car parking and one traveller: £4.00
- Car parking and two adults: £5.00
Seacourt Park and Ride
Located on the western outskirts of Oxford, Seacourt Park and Ride provides a convenient entry point for visitors from the west. Its well-maintained parking facilities and frequent bus connections offer a smooth transition into the city center. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore Oxford’s historic streets and attractions.
Price:
- Car parking and one traveller: £4.00
- Car parking and two adults: £5.00
Thornhill Park and Ride
Thornhill Park and Ride, situated to the east of Oxford, is a great option for travelers arriving from the eastern regions. It offers ample parking space and dependable bus services, allowing visitors and commuters to access Oxford’s vibrant city center with ease. Whether you’re exploring the city’s history or heading to work, Thornhill Park and Ride has your transportation needs covered.
Price:
- Car parking and one traveller: £4.00
- Car parking and two adults: £5.00
Other Ways to Get Into Oxford
You can check this article to learn more about how to travel to Oxford.
Getting to Oxford by Bus or Coach
There are several direct services between Oxford and many other cities, too. If you’re coming from London, you can take the Oxford Tube (which is a bus line! Even though it’s named like the underground). These buses run 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday, so you won’t have much trouble finding one. Other important connections are maintained by National Express.
Getting to Oxford from the Airports
You can easily get to Oxford from any of the airports in England. The closest ones are Heathrow and Gatwick, both of which have coach services (called The Airline) that run 24 hours a day. If you’re coming from Stansted Airport, you can instead use the train (you’ll need to change trains at Paddington or Marylebone or use the National Express 737 coach).