To ask for your help with buses/coaches between Gatwick and Oxford

[JunieSpoony]

Arrive at Gatwick north terminal mid-morning on Friday. Just been notified that my train is cancelled as a result of the strike (even though it's not a strike day!). If we can get to Oxford we can get a lift to our destination.

There are lots of options for bus/coach travel between Gatwick and Oxford. Will I be ok if I just show up and buy a ticket or do I need to book in advance (and will I have to buy a new ticket if the plane is delayed and we miss our coach)? Is there a best option among the different companies? Do they all go from the same place? We will have one large suitcase and two full-size carry on bags.

I used to do this journey direct by coach but it was quite a few years ago. It was very straightforward and much simpler than taking the train. Just went down to the Gatwick bus station and got ticket on the bus. I think it was National express which you can Google or someone might come with more up to date information.

This is the best most frequent option. Don’t normally need to book but since it is a train strike I probably would. Re cancellation etc terms and conditions are on the website.
www.oxfordbus.co.uk/airline/

Thanks both! @Delphigirl, I did wonder if the strikes would make a difference to booking.

What train were you planning on ? GWR to Reading should be running.

It's a multi-part journey to the middle of nowhere! The email notification didn't even tell me which part(s) were cancelled but just gave me the option of a full refund. Luckily some of the other people in the party are able to detour via Oxford.

Oxford Bus Company airline bus from Gloucester Green to Gatwick. Always just turned up and got on, but if getting on in Oxford then turn up early and get on at Gloucester Green to ensure a decent seat

I'd book in advance if you can, alternatives to trains are going to be very very busy.

Look at the option of train from Gatwick to London Victoria and then the Oxford Tube service (its a coach for those unaware)..

Are you able to check which parts are running? Normally you could go LGW, Reading, Oxford by train. Is there National Express direct to Oxford or via Heathrow?

The National Express goes direct from Gatwick to Oxford bus station. It’s an easy journey. We used it in preference to rail services.

Normally there would be so many options. But, I don’t know how rail strikes and such may affect your journey. But, basically:

if you can get into central London:
Oxford Tube from Victoria (first stop so good chance of good seat). Stops at Marble Arch, somewhere near Holland Park (if memory serves) and by the shopping centre i can’t remember the name of near Notting hill.
£20 return. Pay on entry usually not busy out of commuting times. Never done one-way, but think about a tenner probably (usual concessions apply).

there used to be an X90 that did a similar route from Victoria to Oxford via Baker Street. Quicker and more convenient (but less comfortable). I preferred this.
same price. And like tube. Return was valid for a week.
however, I think this has been cancelled.

But, the Oxford bus company (who ran the x90), also run Gatwick and Heathrow express coaches. I’ve not used them personally, but they are well rated and run very regularly without the need to book.

train wise: I prefer to go from Paddington to reading (can get a 28 min train) then get an x39, x40 from outside station.
the journey from reading to Oxford isn’t great, but cheap and lets you see a bit. Takes about 45 mins - 1 hour depending on the driver change over at Wallingford.

There is absolutely no need to go via London. Especially as you would need a train to get there in the first place. The coach from Gatwick to Oxford is really very good. No changing, motorway nearly all the way, you just sit back till you get to Oxford bus station.