The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the UK, attracting thousands of spectators every year. This historic rowing competition between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge has been a celebrated tradition since 1829, with each team battling it out on the River Thames for ultimate bragging rights.
With massive crowds, road closures, and limited parking, navigating London on race day can be challenging. No matter if you’re a first-time spectator or a seasoned attendee, planning your transport is essential for a hassle-free experience. Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to travel, but you need to plan ahead to avoid delays. We have compiled this detailed blog to provide the best taxi tips for a smooth and enjoyable day at the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
Understanding The Oxford And Cambridge Boat Race Route
Before heading out, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race route to plan your journey effectively. The race follows a 4.2-mile (6.8 km) Championship Course along the River Thames.
- Putney Bridge (Start Line): The race begins here, attracting large crowds eager to see the teams push off from the starting line.
- Hammersmith Bridge (Midpoint): A popular viewing spot offering spectacular views as the rowers approach a crucial stage of the race.
- Barnes Bridge (Near the Finish): A great location for those who want to witness the final stretch of the race before the finish line.
- Chiswick Bridge (Finish Line): The race concludes here, with celebrations following as the winners are announced.
Understanding these key points helps in deciding the best places to watch the race and where to get dropped off by a taxi.
Expect Road Closures And Plan Accordingly
Race day brings significant road closures and traffic restrictions around the Thames, which can affect taxi routes. Some of the main closures typically include:
- Putney Embankment: Closed from morning until late evening.
- Thames Bank: Expect full-day restrictions near the race course.
- Hammersmith Bridge: Often closed to vehicles during the event.
- Barnes Bridge and Chiswick Bridge Areas: Partial closures to allow crowd movement.
These closures mean that taxis won’t be able to drop you off directly at the race route, so it’s essential to plan alternative drop-off locations nearby.
Best Taxi Drop-Off And Pick-Up Points
Since direct access to the race route is limited, selecting strategic drop-off and pick-up points is key to avoiding unnecessary walking or delays. Some of the best locations include:
- Putney Bridge Area: Drop off near Putney High Street or the train station and walk to the race start.
- Hammersmith Broadway: A great drop-off point close to Hammersmith Bridge, with easy access to the race route.
- Barnes High Street: Ideal for those watching the race from the Barnes Bridge area.
- Chiswick High Road: Convenient for accessing the finish line and post-race celebrations.
When booking a taxi, inform the driver about possible restrictions and confirm the closest accessible drop-off point.
Pre-Book Your Taxi To Avoid Delays
With thousands of people travelling to the race, taxis are in high demand. Pre-booking your taxi is the best way to secure a ride and avoid long wait times. Many taxi companies offer advance bookings, which guarantees a car is available at your chosen time.
Combine Taxis With Public Transport For A Hassle-Free Experience
Since taxis can’t always reach certain race viewing points, combining taxis with public transport is a great option. The London Underground and Overground provide easy access to key areas along the race route:
- Putney Bridge Station (District Line): A short walk from the starting point.
- Hammersmith Station (District and Piccadilly Lines): Near the midpoint of the race.
- Barnes Bridge Station (Overground): Close to the race’s final stretch.
- Chiswick Station (Overground): A short walk to the finish line.
Taking a taxi to one of these stations and continuing by train or tube can save time and avoid congestion.
Share A Taxi To Cut Costs
If you’re travelling with friends or family, consider sharing a taxi to split the costs and make the ride more affordable. Many taxi services offer larger vehicles or minivans to accommodate groups. Ride-sharing apps also allow you to add multiple stops so you can pick up or drop off others along the way. Sharing a ride not only saves money but also reduces the number of vehicles on the road, making travel smoother for everyone.
Keep An Eye On Weather Conditions
Spring weather in London can be unpredictable, with rain showers and chilly breezes common in late March or early April. When travelling by taxi:
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat in case of sudden downpours.
- Dress in enough layers so you stay comfortable throughout the day.
- Opt for waterproof footwear if walking to the race route from your drop-off point.
A little preparation will make sure that you stay dry and comfortable during the event.
Plan Your Return Trip In Advance
Once the race ends, thousands of spectators will be looking for taxis to get home. To avoid frustration:
- Pre-book a return taxi in advance.
- Walk to a less crowded pick-up location instead of waiting at busy spots.
- Be patient: demand for taxis will be high, so wait times may be longer.
Alternatively, consider taking a train or bus to a quieter area before booking a taxi.
Enjoy The Post-Race Atmosphere
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race isn’t just about rowing – the post-race atmosphere is lively, with many pubs, restaurants, and riverside venues hosting celebrations. If you plan to stay and enjoy the festivities:
- Book a taxi from a less busy area away from the main crowds.
- Visit a pub or restaurant while waiting for a taxi to avoid standing in long queues.
- Use taxi apps to check availability and compare pricing before booking.
Popular post-race venues include The Blue Anchor in Hammersmith and The White Hart in Barnes, both offering great riverside views.
Be Patient And Stay Safe
With thousands of people attending the event, some level of congestion and delay is inevitable. Stay patient and enjoy the experience.
- Keep an eye on your belongings while travelling.
- Follow taxi booking safety measures – use licensed taxis or verified ride-hailing apps.
- Stay aware of your surroundings when walking to and from taxi drop-off points.
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is a historic and exciting event, and a little planning can ensure that your race day runs smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Attending the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is a thrilling experience, whether you’re a rowing enthusiast or simply enjoying the atmosphere. Using a taxi to get around on race day is a convenient option, but it requires planning due to road closures and heavy crowds.
By pre-booking a taxi, choosing strategic drop-off points, combining taxis with public transport, and planning for your return journey, you can navigate the event stress-free. If you’re watching from Putney, Hammersmith, Barnes, or Chiswick, these tips will help you make the most of race day while ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Now, get ready to enjoy one of the most exciting traditions in British sports and book your taxi through Corker. We also offer London City Airport transfers and travel services throughout the city.