Your quick travel guide to Oxford

Oxford: Between Ancient and Modern

Few cities can boast the same status as the bustling metropolis that is Oxford. Also known as The City of Dreaming Spires, Oxford conjures up romantic images of majestic buildings, awe-inspiring architecture and distinct royal connections. A hub of commerce and education, with the renowned Oxford University at its apex, the city is home to over 170,000 residents, and welcomes thousands of tourists every year. If you’re busy planning your next holiday in Oxford, transport will undoubtedly be foremost in your mind. Car hire in Oxford UK is surprisingly affordable and accessible.

Advantages of Car Rental in Oxford UK

Oxford is not equipped with an underground train system. Most of the locals find that the Oxford bus service serves them well enough for their daily commute, whilst most of the city centre is fairly easy to navigate on foot. This does not bode well for tourists, though, especially if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. Though there are plenty of attractions within the city centre, there is a lot more to see if you venture further afield, with North, South, East and West Oxford each holding a charm of its own.

The cheapest and most comfortable way of getting there is by hiring a car. There are plenty of options for the discerning traveller if you’re looking for cheap car hire in Oxford UK. Several main auto rental companies have stalls right at the airport or you can use our online comparison site for some great deals. At EconomyBookings.com, we’ll help you to find the cheapest, most reliable car rental companies within Oxford, providing safe cars enhanced with several free extras, including:

  • Air conditioning
  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Theft Protection
  • Free Amendments (unless otherwise stated)

Exploring Oxford: Things to see and do

Much like its eclectic inhabitants, Oxford is an exciting centre of diversity, cultural beauty and, of course, thrilling entertainment. Whether you’re here for breath-taking views, delectable cuisine or a hefty dose of culture, Oxford has it all. A climb up to Carfax Tower in the city centre is a good way of getting your bearings if you’re planning on driving during your stay. Standing 74 feet tall, and the last remaining part of the historic St Martin’s Church, the tower is the highest building in Oxford and offers up panoramic views of the city’s skyline. A cluster of other attractions lie within easy walking distance if you’re wary of driving your auto from the very first day. A peek at the famous Oxford University colleges is obligatory, as is a visit to the impressive Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre on Broad Street.

Outside the city centre you’ll find that open air and green spaces abound for nature lovers. Most of Oxford’s stunning parks and gardens are situated a few minutes’ drive away – so pack a picnic basket, toss it in your boot and hop in! At approximately 20 minutes away, Wolvercote Common and Port Meadow are the furthest but, with pretty waterways and grazing cattle, there’s certainly plenty to see along the way! Avid hikers will also find there are plenty of scenic walks they can take to and from the city.

Driving in Oxford: Useful Tips

Driving in Oxford is the same as driving in any other location in England, with most drivers being law-abiding citizens. As in most cities, however, traffic does tend to get a little heavy in central Oxford, so it’s best to avoid driving in the city centre altogether. Fortunately, there are numerous car parks situated on the outskirts of Oxford, from where you can make use of the city’s reliable Park & Ride facilities to travel to the centre. Parking involves a small payment and you will also need to buy a return ticket for the bus. Combined parking and bus tickets are available by cash only. It is also advisable to travel in the mornings when traffic is lightest. If you’re happy to venture into the city centre, though, it’s best to refer to live travel information, which will help make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

All car rental in Oxford

Car rental companies in Oxford

We have prepared a shortlist of top rental companies in Oxford. To save both time and money compare offers on EconomyBookings.com to find the best deal.

Firefly
star
8.4 /3 reviews
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off10.0
Cleanliness of the car10.0
Overall condition of the car10.0
Time it took to pick your car up8.0
Hertz
star
9.6 /2 reviews
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off9.0
Cleanliness of the car10.0
Overall condition of the car10.0
Time it took to pick your car up8.0
Keddy by Europcar
star
7.4 /1 review
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off8.0
Cleanliness of the car7.0
Overall condition of the car7.0
Time it took to pick your car up6.0