Travel information

The most convenient airport for Oxford is London Heathrow - the Airline coach leaves from the Central Bus Station-bay 14A- (Terminals 1, 2, 3) every 30 min (20 min later from Terminal 5) and takes 1.5 hrs (if arriving at Terminal 4, take the free "Heathrow connect" to Terminal 1,2,3). From London Gatwick the Airline coach leaves every hour (stopping at both North and South terminals) and takes just over 2 hrs. If arriving at London Luton, it takes 3-4 hrs to get to Oxford by National Express coach (typically via London or Heathrow) while from London Stansted there is a direct 757 coach every 2 hrs which takes ~3 hrs to Oxford.

There are two frequent coach services to/from London - the Oxford Espress and the Oxford Tube - taking ~1.5-2 hrs. Fast Trains to/from London Paddington take ~1 hr (beware of stopping trains that can take ~2 hrs).

Do not consider driving as parking is both difficult and expensive in Oxford (neither University College nor the Physics Department can provide parking). If you wish to take a taxi from the airports (convenient for Luton or Stansted) it is cheaper to prebook one from a local company (e.g. CCB Cars, Executive Travel, OxiCars) who will meet you at Arrivals. If you must drive, then you can park in the "Park & Ride" outside Oxford.

If coming by coach from London/Heathrow/Gatwick/Luton you can conveniently get off at "Queen's Lane" (tell the driver when he stows your luggage) and walk ~100m following the coach - you will pass a large wooden gate on your left, the next one is the main entrance of University College. Otherwise you will have to walk (~10 min) or take a taxi (~£5) back from the final stop at Gloucester Green Coach Station (where the coach from Stansted also stops). If arriving at Oxford by train, you can walk from the station (~15 min) or take a taxi (~£5).

The College main gate is usually kept closed but there is an inset door. Please collect your room keys from the "Porters" in the Lodge on your right as you enter (notwithstanding their name, they will not carry your luggage!) Note that this door is locked at 9.30 pm - if you arrive later then just ring the doorbell (the Porters will provide the code for the entry lock for subsequent use). If you expect to arrive very late please say so on the Registration Form.

If coming directly to the meeting, take a taxi (~£5) to "Clarendon Laboratory, South Parks Road" Walking will take ~15 min from the Bus Station and ~20 min from the Railway Station. You can also take Bus 10C or 14/14A from the Railway station and get off at "St Giles" then walk down Keble Road.

See How to Get to Oxford University for more details and maps.

Photos credit: Derek Langley

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Last updated 16 June 2008