Park near Oxford street or in by tube

Hi
Twenty years ago I made a lifetime decision not to take a car inside the M25. I am from N Ireland and we are blessed with a maximum commute of about 45min.

If I go to London I use the tube to travel around.

My daughter (+ 3 or 4 friends) will be driving to London on 26jan, and needs to arrive for a seminar close to Oxford Street / Great Russell Street for either 9am or 2pm.

They will be travelling in from Southampton.

Google maps shows a number of car parks in the area.

Questions
balancing cost vs hassle
should they park somewhere around m25 (and pay for 4 or 5 train / tube tickets) or drive directly to a nearby car park?

If anyone recommends car park - 3 questions

recommended car park?
are car parks likley to be full at 9am or 2pm?
Approx journey time from m25 to car park for 9am or 2pm?

She will have sat nav

thanks colink

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I would say it'd be quicker and cheaper to get the train in. Doesn't have to be from outside the M25, it's not congested as soon as you cross the motorway.

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might even be chea[er to get the train from southampton.

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The easiest way is to get the train from Southampton into Waterloo and then the tube a few stops to Oxford Street.

However, if driving is essential then I'd suggest one of the NCP car parks on Wellbeck Street, Portland Place or Grosvenor Hill.

Typical tariffs are:

1 Hour £ 6.00
1 To 2 Hours £ 10.00
2 To 3 Hours £ 14.00
3 To 4 Hours £ 18.00
4 To 5 Hours £ 25.00
5 To 24 Hours £ 30.00
Motorcycle Per Day £ 4.00

Not cheap!

You have to add in the congestion charge, and the potential hassle of being stuck traffic heading back out to the M3 (I've experienced this many times).


From the M25 into Oxford Street at peak times (guessing you're using the M3) I'd probably allow 1.5 hours minimum.


If you're considering driving to somewhere and getting the train the rest of the way then most of the commuter towns/villages just inside the M25 (eg Weybridge) will have regular train services into Waterloo/Paddington.


As mentioned before I'd seriously consider jumping on the train in Southampton and off at Waterloo.

Hope that's of some use.

AIL Staff

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