GENERAL INFORMATION
PASSPORT
Passports can sometimes take up to six weeks to receive. We recommend starting your passport process immediately. Make certain to take photos and keep copies of your passport in case it is lost during your trip.
AIRPORTS in the UNITED KINGDOM
The closest airport to Oxford, England is London Heathrow (LHR)
Heathrow: Welcome to Heathrow Airport | Heathrow
The next closest airport to Oxford, England is London Gatwick (LGW)
ARRIVING IN ENGLAND
Once you depart your airplane, you will follow all signs to “CUSTOMS”
Try the E-GATES first:
You will scan your passport and the system will match your face to the chip in the passport. If something goes wrong (and it sometimes does) you will be directed to a gate agent.
Alternatively, if you do not feel comfortable using the E-Gates, there will be two customs lines:
EU/UK Passports
All Other Passports
If you are a US Citizen, you will follow the lines to All Other Passports
The Board Patrol Agent will generally ask:
Purpose of Travel: Attending a conference (have program available just in case)
How long you plan to stay: Have airline information printed out just in case
After getting luggage, go through the “Nothing to Declare” way out
*Grab a bottle of water and a snack for the coach ride
TRANSPORTATION to OXFORD
from Heathrow Airport
Terminal 1, 2 or 3
CENTRAL BUS STATION – STAND 15
Central Bus Station is a short walk from Terminals 1, 2 & 3. Lifts, escalators and moving walkways are available to help with the journey. Follow signs to Central Bus Station – it’s a bit of a walk
Terminal 4
A free shuttle is available from Terminal 4 to Terminal 1,2, and 3 and the central bus station.
Terminal 5
Our airline coach leaves from stand 10 at the arrivals concourse to take you to Oxford.
You can buy tickets on the coach
Ride the coach all the way to the end – Gloucester Green
The ride will take about an hour and a half with about seven or so stops along the way. The coach ends at Gloucester Green so don’t worry about missing your stop if you fall asleep
They do have Wifi on the coach. They also have chargers but make certain you have your British Adapter.
TRANSPORTATION to OXFORD
from Gatwick Airport
South Terminal
Lower Forecourt, Stands 1 & 2
North Terminal
Lower Forecourt, Stands 4 & 5
UBER/HIRED DRIVER
You can always take an Uber from the Airport to Oxford although it will be expensive.
We also recommend this company for a private hire
Airport Transfer & Chauffeur Service – Summertown Executive
ARRIVING IN OXFORD
If you are taking The Airline: Oxford Coach into Oxford and you arrive at Gloucester Green Coach Station, you can order an Uber, get a taxi or walk to Brasenose College.
Brasenose College
Radcliffe Sq
Oxford OX1 4AJ
United Kingdom
ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES
Electrical voltage in England is 220 volts (ours is 110 volts). Your hairdryers, razors, etc., will not work there without adapters. Many appliances sold in the USA have voltage transformers built into them (look for a 220 volt switch on the back or side of the appliance). Even if you have a switch, you will still need to purchase a three-pronged adapter for the British outlets (this can be obtained in England or in the US).
CURRENCY
The United Kingdom uses the British Pound currency. The rest of Europe uses the Euro.
You may exchange dollars for British Pounds at the airport or at a local bank. You can also order currency on-line.
