You can make Oxford to London in about 1.75 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 60 miles on M40, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the history.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Oxford
Aim to clear Oxford before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 26 miles to High Wycombe.
The headline stop on this route is Jack the Ripper walking tours. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
High Wycombe, the last stretch
High Wycombe sits about 26 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Tower of London is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Rolling into London
The final 34 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Ten Bells pub in Spitalfields; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Jack the Ripper walking tours, Tower of London and Ten Bells pub in Spitalfields, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Whitechapel or the City of London is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along M40 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
