TRIPS from the bustling streets beneath the dreaming spires to the bright lights of the UK's second largest city are set to take off today.

Oxford Bus Company has announced it will be taking thrill-seeking travellers from Oxford to Birmingham for the first time on its express coach service the Airline.

The exciting new venture will see explorers voyage across the county towards the Midlands city, stopping off at its bustling airport and its £150m shopping complex.

Oxford Bus Company managing director Phil Southall said its BHX service will also take a detour, passing through Banbury and Warwick during its 10 trips each day.

He added: "For many years our customers have asked us to look at the possibility of starting a route to Birmingham. Birmingham Airport is currently going through a period of rapid growth, with many new destinations recently being added to its network.

"But connectivity to the airport from both Oxford and Warwick still has some room for improvement and so we felt that the time was right to give our customers the opportunity to take advantage of these new journey possibilities."

The bus company's service will set off from Gloucester Green coach station before calling at Oxford Parkway Park & Ride and Banbury's Stroud Park.

Coaches will then turn into Warwick, stopping off at the town's castle, bus station and university, before arriving at Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport.

Drivers will make a final pit stop at the city's Resorts World, the first shopping outlet of its kind to open in Europe last year, which is coupled with a casino said to be the biggest in Britain.

The Midlands complex is also just a stone's throw from the Genting Arena, as well as The NEC.

Mr Southall said: "The new route isn’t just for those visiting the airport, there are a number of great leisure destinations along the route, both at the Resorts World and NEC campus, and in Warwick where customers can visit the magnificent castle and enjoy the many independent shops and restaurants located in the historic town.

"We also expect the new North Banbury stop will be welcomed by commuters, and will give improved connections for visitors to the Banbury Gateway shopping park."

Oxford Bus Company will offer customers a "passport" ticket, giving travellers the chance to make unlimited journeys on any of its buses and coaches for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours.

It will also introduce tickets for the new route within its existing airline and X90 services to London, and the Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

Commuters can purchase "add-on" tickets to travel from Birmingham Airport to the city centre, as well as from Warwick University to Leamington Spa.

Head of marketing and development at Experience Oxfordshire Martin Walker said international visitors could sweep into the county thanks to the new route.

He added: "The launch of the new service is fantastic news for the county."