Small travel changes can make a big difference

For many of us, the car feels like the easiest option. And sometimes, it’s the only practical choice. But have you ever thought about trying a different way to get around, even just now and again? 

Across Oxfordshire, our roads are getting busier. From market towns and villages to larger towns and employment hubs, congestion affects how smoothly we all move around the county. The good news is that even small changes to how we travel can make a real difference. 

Swapping the car for another option once or twice a week can help reduce traffic, cut emissions and often make journeys feel less stressful too.  

Every journey is different and what works for one person may not work for another. But by keeping an open mind and trying alternatives when you can, we can all play a part in reducing congestion and making travel across Oxfordshire healthier, cleaner and more enjoyable. 

Why not give it a go? One small change could make a big difference 

So many ways to get around Oxfordshire  

Whether you’re commuting, heading into town, or making a leisure trip, there are plenty of alternatives to driving.  

By bus 

Taking the bus can be a great way to travel. We know it isn’t always an option and for some journeys the car will still make more sense. But when a bus does fit your plans, even occasionally, it can be a more affordable and sustainable way to get around, without the stress of driving or parking.  

You can sit back, relax and use the time to read, listen to music or simply enjoy a breather before the day starts or winds down. With the MyBus single bus ticket, you can get almost unlimited bus travel across Oxfordshire, making it easier to try the bus when it suits you. 

The main bus companies in Oxfordshire are: 

• Oxford Bus Company 
• Stagecoach Oxfordshire 
• Thames Travel  

Their websites and apps show available routes, timetables and fares, and many offer real-time updates so you can see when the next bus is due.  

If you’re exploring your options, these maps and guides can help you see what’s available in your area: 

• Oxfordshire public transport maps – for bus journey planning 
• Discover Oxfordshire’s bus routes – Bus routes in Oxfordshire from the Oxfordshire Bus Partnership 

And if you’re travelling beyond the county, the National Express website has information on coach services across the UK. 

By train  

Trains are a great option if you’re travelling between towns or into larger centres. They help you avoid busy roads altogether and offer a more relaxed way to travel while watching the countryside go by.  

Visit the National Rail Enquiries website to plan your train journey and look at train times and fares. 

By park and ride 

The five park and ride sites on the outskirts of Oxford make it easier to leave the car and continue your journey by bus, helping to reduce traffic where it’s most congested.   

Up to two adults and three children can travel by park and ride bus for free with a valid park and ride parking ticket (this offer is running until the 31 March and could be extended).  

The tickets are valid on any Stagecoach or Oxford Bus Company bus that visits an Oxford park and ride site, not just named park and ride services. 

• Peartree park and ride 
• Redbridge 
• Seacourt 
• Thornhill 
• Oxford Parkway

Sharing the journey 

If your journey doesn’t work well without a car, liftsharing could be worth a look.  

Sharing journeys with others can reduce the number of vehicles on the road and help save money on fuel and parking, while also making trips more sociable.  

Apps like Liftshare make it easier to find people travelling in the same direction, whether you’re commuting regularly or making a oneoff trip. You can also check whether your employer is part of Liftshare For Work or whether parents at your child’s school use the HomeRun App  to organise shared school runs.  

For more information about liftsharing and other travel options, visit  Oxford Travel Options. You can also use Liftshare’s savings calculator to see how much you could save by sharing your trips to work.

Flexible options when you need a car 

For those occasions when you do need to drive, car clubs can offer a flexible alternative to owning a car. Hiring a vehicle by the hour or day means you still have access when you need it, without relying on a private car for every journey. 

Car clubs accredited by CoMoUK can apply for a permit for unlimited free travel through the Oxford temporary congestion charge locations.  

Mixing your modes 

Whether you cycle, walk, or use public transport, finding a mix that suits your lifestyle can make your journey more enjoyable, and could improve your physical and mental well-being 

By car 

If you’re driving into Oxford, most of the city can be accessed by car. The main exception is the central permit area (shown in red on the map). To enter this area, you’ll need to pass through a congestion charge location.  

If you’re unsure whether your journey includes a congestion charge, or if you’d prefer to avoid it, you can check your route using Google Maps. Look out for routes marked as a ‘toll’ and select ‘avoid tolls’ in the route options if needed. 

If you choose not to pay the congestion charge, you may need to take a different route or consider another way of travelling. 

Oxfordshire residents can use one of their day passes to drive through a congestion charge location.  

Additional permits  are available for some groups, including: 

• Blue Badge holders 
• Unpaid carers 
• Community health and care workers 
• Mobile traders 
• Patients who attend frequent hospital appointments in Oxford 

Planning your journey 

Planning tools like Google Maps and Traveline can help you explore different travel options and see what works best for your journey. You might be surprised at how straightforward it is to mix and match - driving part of the way, then switching to bus, train, walking or cycling.