Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Oxford Bus Tours: Prices, Maps & FAQs
By 🇬🇧🚌 Oxford — the “City of Dreaming Spires” — is world-famous for its historic university, gothic architecture, and charming riverside walks.
It’s a perfect place for a Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour: you’ll see the colleges, museums, gardens, and river all with ease, especially since the streets can be very busy on foot!
Here’s your full guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Oxford Bus Tours, including prices, maps/routes, and helpful FAQs:
🎓 Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Oxford Bus Tours
1. City Sightseeing Oxford – Official HOHO Tour (Red Route)
- Price:
£18 ($23 USD) for a 24-hour pass
- Route: 20 stops around Oxford’s key sites
- Map: 📍 Oxford HOHO Map
- Highlights: Christ Church, Bodleian Library, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Castle
- Best For: First-time visitors wanting to cover a lot easily
2. HOHO + Christ Church College Entry Combo
- Price: ~£38
- Includes: HOHO pass + entry to Christ Church (famous for Harry Potter filming!)
- Best For: Literature and film fans 🎬
3. HOHO + Oxford Castle & Prison Entry
- Price: ~£34
- Includes: HOHO pass + admission to historic Oxford Castle & Prison 🏰
- Best For: History and ghost story fans
4. GetYourGuide Oxford HOHO 1–2 Day Ticket
- Price: ~£18–£24
- Includes: Mobile ticket, free cancellation
- Best For: Online bookers
5. Tiqets Oxford HOHO Ticket
- Price: ~£18
- Route: Same as City Sightseeing Oxford
- Best For: Last-minute flexible bookings 📱
6. HOHO + Punting Tour Combo
- Price: ~£45
- Includes: HOHO ticket + 30-minute punting trip on the Cherwell River 🚣♀️
- Best For: Classic Oxford river experience
7. HOHO + Oxford University Walking Tour Add-On
- Price: ~£30
- Includes: HOHO pass + 90-minute guided walking tour of university colleges 🏛️
- Best For: History buffs
8. Private HOHO-Style Small Group Oxford Tour
- Price: ~£250–300 (small group)
- Includes: Private driver-guide and custom stops
- Best For: VIPs and custom tour seekers
9. Oxford HOHO + Blenheim Palace Shuttle Add-On
- Price: ~£65
- Includes: HOHO pass + transport and entry to Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Winston Churchill)
- Best For: Day-trippers and architecture lovers
10. Evening Panoramic Oxford HOHO Tour (Non-Hop-Off)
- Price: ~£20
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Route: Golden-hour tour through Oxford’s spires and riverside at sunset ✨
- Best For: Evening atmosphere lovers
🗺️ Popular Hop-On Hop-Off Stops in Oxford
| Stop | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Oxford Railway Station | Easy access to city for visitors |
| Christ Church College | Harry Potter filming locations, stunning cathedral |
| Oxford Castle & Prison | Historic fortress and museum |
| Bodleian Library | Oldest library in Britain |
| Ashmolean Museum | Art and archaeology collections |
| Magdalen College & Botanic Gardens | Deer park, riverside walks |
| High Street (“The High”) | Pubs, shops, and historic college entrances |
| South Parks Road | Science parks and river walks |
❓ FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Oxford
✅ Is a HOHO bus worth it in Oxford?
Yes!
Oxford’s sites are spread out, and a HOHO bus lets you visit all the colleges, museums, and gardens easily without walking miles, especially in busy tourist seasons.
🕒 How long is the full loop?
- About 60 minutes if you stay on without hopping off.
📍 Where do buses start?
- Main start point: Oxford Railway Station or High Street (Stop 1)
- You can hop on at any official stop!
🗣️ Are there live guides or audio commentary?
- Mostly recorded multilingual commentary (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin)
- Some tours offer live guides on selected buses 🗣️
📱 Are mobile tickets accepted?
Yes!
City Sightseeing Oxford, GetYourGuide, and Tiqets accept mobile QR code tickets.
🕘 When do buses operate?
- Daily service
- First buses: ~9:30 AM
- Last buses: ~5:00 PM
- Buses every 20–30 minutes
♿ Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the HOHO buses in Oxford are wheelchair accessible on the lower level.
Would you like me to design a perfect Oxford HOHO sightseeing plan — including best cafés ☕, hidden college courtyards 🏛️, and the top river punts 🚣?
Or I can create a custom Google Map with all stops, bookstores, and photo spots — just say the word! 🚍✨
