About this experience
This hop-on hop-off bus tour around Oxford provides you with a convenient and flexible way to explore one of the world's greatest university cities. Design a personalised itinerary with several possible stops, including the University of Oxford buildings, Oxford Castle, Bodleian Library, and Carfax Tower. With audio guides available in multiple languages, you can learn about the city's rich history and culture as you travel at your leisure.
Why you'll love it
What's included
What's included
Not included
What to expect
- 1
Stop 1 – Railway Station
The natural starting point: board here straight off the train and begin your tour without a transfer.
- 2
Stop 2 – Park End Street
A central city stop convenient for the western edge of the historic core.
- 3
Stop 3 – Gloucester Green Bus Station (Bay 7)
Useful interchange stop near the covered market and independent shops.
- 4
Stop 4 – Oxford Castle
Alight for Oxford Castle & Prison, a 1,000-year-old landmark with guided tours of its own.
- 5
Stop 5 – Westgate Shopping Centre
Step off for Oxford's main retail hub, also close to the castle quarter.
- 6
Stop 6 – John Lewis
Central stop with easy access to cafés and the pedestrianised shopping streets.
- 7
Stop 7 – Speedwell Street
Gateway to the southern reaches of the city centre.
- 8
Stop 8 – Christ Church
Disembark for Christ Church College, one of Oxford's most visited and photographed colleges, with its famous cathedral and meadow.
- 9
Stop 9 – The Radcliffe Camera
The heart of the university: the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre are all within a short walk.
- 10
Stop 10 – The Queen's College
Alight for Queen's College and the elegant sweep of the High Street.
- 11
Stop 11 – The Plain
Currently out of service — remain on board and continue to the next stop.
- 12
Stop 12 – St. Cross Road
Access point for the quieter eastern residential streets and St Cross Church.
- 13
Stop 13 – South Parks Road
Convenient for the University Parks and the Natural History Museum.
- 14
Stop 14 – Wadham College
Alight for Wadham College, one of the university's most handsome seventeenth-century foundations.
- 15
Stop 15 – Trinity College
Step off for Trinity and Balliol colleges, side by side on Broad Street.
- 16
Stop 16 – Parks Road
Another access point for the University Parks and the science area.
- 17
Stop 17 – Banbury Road
Serves the leafy north Oxford Victorian suburbs.
- 18
Stop 18 – Woodstock Road
Useful for travellers staying in north Oxford or heading towards Blenheim Palace.
- 19
Stop 19 – St. Giles Church
Broad, tree-lined St Giles' is home to the Eagle and Child pub, once frequented by C.S. Lewis and Tolkien.
- 20
Stop 20 – Martyrs' Memorial
The final landmark stop, marking the site of the Oxford Martyrs' execution and a short walk from the Ashmolean Museum.
Hop on and off at any stop along the route.
Meeting point
Oxford Railway Station, Oxford, OX1 1HS
You can board at any designated stop along the route — no need to start at Stop 1. The most convenient first boarding point is Oxford Railway Station (Stop 1) if you're arriving by train. Present your mobile ticket to the driver when boarding.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Your mobile ticket (no print-out required)
- A layer for the open top deck — Oxford weather can be changeable
Know before you go
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Your ticket is delivered to your phone and can be shown on screen when boarding. No printing required.
Where does the tour start?
You can board at any of the designated stops. Oxford Railway Station (Stop 1) is the most popular starting point, but there is no fixed departure location — simply hop on at whichever stop suits you.
Is Stop 11 (The Plain) currently running?
No. Stop 11 is currently out of service until further notice. Stay on the bus and the route continues to Stop 12 – St. Cross Road.
Can my young child travel for free?
Children under 5 travel free of charge, though they are not entitled to their own seat. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
What is the difference between the 24-hour and 48-hour tickets?
Both tickets allow unlimited boardings on the route. The 24-hour ticket is valid for one full day from first use; the 48-hour ticket extends this to two days, giving you more time to revisit stops or explore at a slower pace.
What does the Carfax Tower bundle add?
The bundle combines your hop-on hop-off bus pass with admission to Carfax Tower — the highest publicly accessible viewpoint in central Oxford. Note that children under 5 are not permitted inside Carfax Tower.
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Free cancellation.Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your selected travel date. Cancel within 24 hours of the date and the ticket is non-refundable.