- Must visit
Ashmolean Museum
The University of Oxford’s world-class museum of art and archaeology, known for major collections from Ancient Egypt to modern art.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Watford to Oxford
Showing times and prices for Jun 22
Cheapest price
$0.00
Average price
$9
Fastest journey
2 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 21 m
Buses per day
34
Distance
60 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Watford to Oxford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Watford to Oxford without transferring at least once.
5:57 AM2h32Watford8:29 AMOxfordFind prices1 transfer- 6:49 AM2h50Watford9:39 AMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
- 7:50 AM2h39Watford10:29 AMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
- 8:57 AM2h32Watford11:29 AMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
- 10:01 AM2h28Watford12:29 PMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
9:03 PM2h15Watford11:18 PMOxfordFind prices2 transfers- 11:01 PM2h17Watford1:18 AMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
- 10:11 PM2h22Watford12:33 AMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
- 8:25 PM2h23Watford10:48 PMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
- 11:03 AM2h26Watford1:29 PMOxfordFind prices1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Watford to Oxford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Oxford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $20.
Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 55m Average total duration 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Oxford is a bus with an average price of $20 (€16).
This is compared to other travel options from Watford to Oxford:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Oxford costing on average $49 (€40).
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Oxford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 38m.
Other travel options to Oxford take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Watford and Oxford including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Watford to Oxford among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Watford to Oxford Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 06:13AM | Duration 2h03 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 07:13AM | Duration 1h58 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 05:57AM | Arrival Time 08:29AM | Duration 2h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 06:09AM | Arrival Time 09:19AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 06:49AM | Arrival Time 09:39AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 10:09AM | Duration 3h14 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 10:29AM | Duration 2h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 11:09AM | Duration 3h04 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 08:57AM | Arrival Time 11:29AM | Duration 2h32 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 09:26AM | Arrival Time 12:09PM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 10:01AM | Arrival Time 12:29PM | Duration 2h28 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 10:26AM | Arrival Time 01:09PM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 11:03AM | Arrival Time 01:29PM | Duration 2h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 11:26AM | Arrival Time 02:09PM | Duration 2h43 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 12:03PM | Arrival Time 02:29PM | Duration 2h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 12:26PM | Arrival Time 03:19PM | Duration 2h53 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 01:03PM | Arrival Time 03:39PM | Duration 2h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 01:26PM | Arrival Time 04:19PM | Duration 2h53 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 02:03PM | Arrival Time 04:44PM | Duration 2h41 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 02:26PM | Arrival Time 05:24PM | Duration 2h58 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 03:02PM | Arrival Time 05:49PM | Duration 2h47 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 03:26PM | Arrival Time 06:14PM | Duration 2h48 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 04:09PM | Arrival Time 06:54PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 04:31PM | Arrival Time 07:34PM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 05:09PM | Arrival Time 07:54PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 05:42PM | Arrival Time 08:34PM | Duration 2h52 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 06:09PM | Arrival Time 08:49PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 06:19PM | Arrival Time 09:04PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 06:49PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 2h36 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 07:17PM | Arrival Time 09:48PM | Duration 2h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 07:24PM | Arrival Time 10:18PM | Duration 2h54 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 10:48PM | Duration 2h23 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator Metroline Travel | Departure Time 09:03PM | Arrival Time 11:18PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 09:16PM | Arrival Time 11:48PM | Duration 2h32 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 10:11PM | Arrival Time 12:33AM | Duration 2h22 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator First Berkshire & The Thames Valley | Departure Time 11:01PM | Arrival Time 01:18AM | Duration 2h17 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Live departures
Watford to Oxford bus times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Oxford buses for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:57 AM Watford | 2h32 | 8:29 AM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
 | 6:09 AM Watford | 3h10 | 9:19 AM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 6:49 AM Watford | 2h50 | 9:39 AM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 6:55 AM Watford | 3h14 | 10:09 AM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 7:50 AM Watford | 2h39 | 10:29 AM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 8:05 AM Watford | 3h04 | 11:09 AM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 8:57 AM Watford | 2h32 | 11:29 AM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 9:26 AM Watford | 2h43 | 12:09 PM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 10:01 AM Watford | 2h28 | 12:29 PM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 10:26 AM Watford | 2h43 | 1:09 PM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 11:03 AM Watford | 2h26 | 1:29 PM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
| 11:26 AM Watford | 2h43 | 2:09 PM Oxford | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Oxford by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Jun 22
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Why should you book Watford to Oxford buses with Omio?
National Express as well as First Berkshire & The Thames Valley, Metroline Travel, Arriva UK and more offer buses services from Watford to Oxford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Oxford.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of First Berkshire & The Thames Valley, Metroline Travel or Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Oxford.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford to Oxford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Oxford.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Watford to Oxford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Watford to Oxford run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:05, the last at 22:25. The fastest bus covers the 37 miles (60 km) distance in 1h 58m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 37 miles (60 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 1h 58m |
First bus 6:05 AM |
Last bus 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: National Express, First Berkshire & The Thames Valley, Metroline Travel, Arriva UK from Watford to OxfordYou can travel by bus between Watford to Oxford with National Express, First Berkshire & The Thames Valley, Metroline Travel, Arriva UK for as low as $20 (€16). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
$46 (€38)
National Express frequency
19 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
First Berkshire & The Thames Valley
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 58m
First Berkshire & The Thames Valley frequency
14 a day
Metroline Travel
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 15m
Metroline Travel frequency
1 a day
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest Price
$20 (€16)
Arriva UK frequency
11 a day
Complete guide to Oxford
Things to do in Oxford
Discover the best of Oxford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Oxford trip today.
- Must visit
Pitt Rivers Museum
A distinctive anthropology and archaeology museum famous for densely displayed cases of global cultural objects and scientific curiosities.
- Must visit
Museum of Natural History
Oxford’s main natural history museum, noted for dinosaur skeletons, scientific specimens, and the striking neo-Gothic building.
- Must visit
Broad Street
A central historic street lined with major university buildings, bookstores, and classic Oxford views ideal for first-time visitors.
- Must visit
High Street
Often considered one of England’s most beautiful streets, with elegant facades, churches, and college entrances.
- Must visit
Radcliffe Square
The ceremonial heart of historic Oxford, surrounded by landmark buildings and one of the city’s most photographed spaces.
Oxford Sausages
A historic local pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and sometimes veal or beef, long associated with Oxfordshire pubs and colleges.
- Vegetarian
Banbury Cake
A famous Oxfordshire pastry from nearby Banbury, filled with spiced currants and raisins in flaky pastry; a classic regional sweet treat.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Oxford Marmalade
A traditional thick-cut orange marmalade associated with the city’s breakfast tables and old English pantry traditions.
Gee's Restaurant
An established restaurant in a Victorian glasshouse, serving Mediterranean-leaning dishes in one of Oxford’s most distinctive dining rooms.
Cherwell Boathouse
A respected fine-dining restaurant by the river, known for elegant European cooking, strong wine selection, and a refined Oxford occasion atmosphere.
The Trout Inn
A well-known historic riverside pub outside central Oxford, popular for classic British dishes, Sunday roasts, and a scenic traditional atmosphere.
Pound Sterling
Oxford is pricey by UK standards, especially for hotels and central dining, though pubs, chains, and takeaway options can keep daily costs lower.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip about 10-12.5% for good service. No tip needed for counter service. Round up taxis; hotel tips are optional.
Oxford Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station -> Oxford Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.9 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Tap-on with contactless card is accepted on Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel services, so you usually do not need cash.
- A day pass can be better value than single fares if you plan multiple bus trips in one day.
FAQs: Bus from Watford to Oxford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Oxford by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Oxford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Watford to Oxford can start from as little as $20 (€16) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Watford to Oxford is $20 (€16) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Watford to Oxford is 1h 58m to travel the 37 miles (60 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Watford to Oxford leaves at 6:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Watford to Oxford leaves at 10:25 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Watford to Oxford which require at least one change with National Express, First Berkshire & The Thames Valley, Metroline Travel, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Watford to Oxford, you can count on National Express, First Berkshire & The Thames Valley, Metroline Travel, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Oxford. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Watford and Oxford and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Oxford from Watford is worth doing with a journey time of 1h 58m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Watford to Oxford is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Watford and Oxford including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Watford to Oxford:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Watford to Oxford for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Oxford are:
- Radcliffe Camera, an iconic circular library building and a symbol of Oxford University
- Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe with an extensive collection of books and manuscripts
- Christ Church College, a historic college known for its stunning architecture and connections to Harry Potter
- Ashmolean Museum, the University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology with diverse collections
- Oxford Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in the UK featuring a wide variety of plants and themed gardens.
The best things to do in Oxford include:
- Visit the University of Oxford, explore the historic colleges and libraries of one of the world's oldest universities
- Tour the Ashmolean Museum, discover an extensive collection of art and archaeology at Britain's first public museum
- Walk through the Oxford Botanic Garden, enjoy the diverse plant collections in the oldest botanic garden in the UK
- Explore the Covered Market, browse through a variety of local shops and eateries in this historic market
- Climb the Carfax Tower, get panoramic views of Oxford from the top of this central landmark.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Watford to Oxford depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Watford to Oxford.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Watford to Oxford:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Watford to Oxford:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Watford to Oxford.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Watford to Oxford with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Watford to Oxford with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Watford to Oxford with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Watford nor Oxford are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Watford to Oxford among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Oxford, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and popular tourist sites. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed cabs or reputable ride-hailing apps. Be wary of unofficial street vendors offering overpriced or counterfeit tickets for attractions. Additionally, travelers should avoid unlicensed bike rentals and always secure personal belongings when exploring the city.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Watford to Oxford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Oxford and Watford
Most popular bus connections to Oxford
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