The popular airport coach service connecting Oxford with Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport is celebrating its 40-year anniversary with a £4 million investment in a new fleet of luxury coaches.
The service, operated by the Oxford Bus Company, has introduced 13 new executive Mercedes Tourismo vehicles to modernise its airport transfer fleet.
The investment will see 13 of the service’s 20 coaches replaced during the year, with the first new vehicles expected to begin operating this spring.
The new coaches are designed to offer a premium passenger experience while incorporating advanced safety and environmental features.
They meet ultra-low Euro 6 emissions standards and include a range of driver-assistance technologies such as digital camera mirrors, ‘Sideguard’ systems that detect pedestrians and cyclists, and Active Brake Assist.
Additional safety features include multi-lane monitoring designed to support safer motorway driving.
Passengers will also benefit from improved accessibility and security features, including hearing loops, audio-visual information systems and upgraded cyber-security software designed to protect onboard technology.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of the Oxford Bus Company, said the investment reflects the operator’s long-term commitment to the airline coach network.
“We’re proud of the heritage of our luxury airline service and to be celebrating such a milestone of helping people connect with and between the two airports,” he said.
“The airline service performs an important offering to our customers, providing a reliable, comfortable and great value for money way for people to travel to and from Gatwick and Heathrow.
“Built on a long-standing and hard-earned reputation, the airline remains the go-to service for those travelling to either Gatwick or Heathrow Airport via Oxford and High Wycombe.
“This significant investment in upgrading our airline fleet further underpins our commitment to the service. The new coaches are fantastic and include new technology making them the most modern and luxurious coaches in the UK.”
The airline coach service is the most frequent direct connection between Oxford and both London airports.
Coaches depart up to every 20 minutes to Heathrow and hourly to Gatwick throughout the day.
Typical journey times include:
- Around 80 minutes from Oxford to Heathrow Terminal 5
- Approximately 90 minutes to Heathrow Central Bus Station
- Between two hours and 15 minutes and two hours and 50 minutes to Gatwick South Terminal
The route serves several key stops across Oxford including Thornhill Park & Ride, Headington, Oxford Brookes University, St Clement’s, High Street and Gloucester Green.
Passengers using the service benefit from a range of onboard amenities, including free Wi-Fi and USB charging at every seat.
The coaches also provide direct drop-off outside airport terminals, helping travellers reach flights with ease.
Each adult passenger can bring two suitcases weighing up to 20kg each free of charge, alongside a small item of hand luggage. Children may bring one suitcase and one small item of hand luggage.
Larger items such as bicycles or skis can be carried if space allows, subject to a £5 surcharge.
Seats can be booked in advance through the airline service website.
