Travel & Directions
The most convenient airport for Oxford is London Heathrow - the Airline coach leaves from the Central Bus Station-bay 14A- (Terminals 1, 2, 3) every 30 min (10 min later from Bay 11, Terminal 5) and takes about 1.5 hrs (if arriving at Terminal 4, take the free "Shuttle Bus" to Terminal 5). From London Gatwick the Airline coach leaves every hour (stopping at both North and South terminals) and takes just over 2 hrs. If arriving at London Luton, it takes 3-4 hrs to get to Oxford by National Express coach (typically via London or Heathrow) while from London Stansted there is a direct 757 coach every 2 hrs which takes ~3 hrs to Oxford.
There are frequent coach services to/from London - the Oxford Tube - taking ~1.5-2 hrs. Fast trains to/from London Paddington take ~1 hr (beware of stopping trains that can take ~2 hrs).
Do not consider driving as parking is both difficult and expensive in Oxford (neither Merton College or the Physics Department can provide parking). If you wish to take a taxi from the airports (convenient for Luton or Stansted) it is cheaper to prebook one from a local company (e.g. CCB Cars, Executive Travel, OxiCars) who will meet you at Arrivals. If you must drive, then you can park in the "Park & Ride" outside Oxford.
If arriving by train, you can walk from the station (~20 min to Merton College / Department of Physics).
Directions from Oxford Train Station to Merton College
Directions from Oxford Train Station to Department of Physics
