Passengers travelling from Oxford to Heathrow and Gatwick airports are set to benefit from faster journeys after timetable improvements to an airport coach service were introduced ahead of the summer holiday period.
The revised timetable for the airline coach service, operated by Go Thames Valley, came into effect on Sunday 19 July and aims to reduce journey times between Oxford and the two major London airports via High Wycombe.
The operator said improved traffic conditions in and around Oxford following the introduction of Oxfordshire County Council’s temporary congestion charge had enabled the service to make timetable enhancements.
Read more: Oxford’s temporary congestion charge
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Go Thames Valley, said the changes reflected “faster journeys and reduced traffic” experienced by passengers.
Read more: Oxford Bus Company owner unveils new Go Thames Valley brand
“Our passengers can look forward to quicker daytime trips to Gatwick Airport, a reflection of the better daytime traffic conditions currently experienced,” he said.
Heathrow stop changes introduced
Alongside the timetable update, changes have also been made to the Heathrow Airport stops served by the coach service.
Coaches terminating at Heathrow will now serve stops on the departures level at Terminal 5, with the aim of streamlining passenger arrivals and onward travel.
The operator has also introduced revised fares, although adult and group ticket prices remain unchanged when booked in advance.
Passengers travelling via High Wycombe can now also access Heathrow and Gatwick connections through Carousel Buses’ new airline flyer ticket.
£4m investment in new coaches
The timetable changes come as Go Thames Valley continues a major investment programme in its airport coach operation.
Earlier this year, the group announced a £4 million investment in 13 new Mercedes Tourismo coaches to mark the airline service’s 40th anniversary.
The first two vehicles have now entered service, with the remaining coaches expected to arrive during the second half of 2026.
The new vehicles include laptop and tablet seat trays, USB charging points, journey progress displays, climate control, free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access and increased luggage storage.
The operator said the investment forms part of its wider plans to improve passenger facilities, including upgrades to its Gloucester Green travel shop and coach station.
Key transport link for Oxfordshire travellers
The Oxford airport coach service provides a direct public transport connection between Oxford and two of the UK’s busiest airports, making it a key service for holidaymakers, international visitors, students and business travellers.
With the summer holiday season underway, the timetable changes are expected to benefit passengers travelling at some of the busiest times of the year.
Go Thames Valley is the parent group behind Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses, Pulhams, Pearces Coaches and City Sightseeing Oxford, employing around 1,300 people and operating more than 500 vehicles across the region.
