Boat Race 2018 travel: Tube, train, bus and road routes to get to this year's Cambridge vs Oxford showdown

Oxford will return to Thames this weekend in a bid to win a fifth Boat Race in six years against Cambridge.

More than 250,000 people are expected to again line the banks of the river for the 164th Boat Race, with both crews again tackling The Championship Course, which stretches 4.2 miles from Putney to Mortlake.

The Boat Race is one of the biggest free sporting events in London and can be easily viewed along the Thames riverbank.

Alternatively, there are designated 'Fan parks' in Bishop's Park, Fulham, and Furnivall Gardens, Hammersmith, where spectators can watch the race on big screens, grab a drink and buy official Boat Race merchandise.

Here is how you can get to this year's Boat Race by Tube, train, bus and car.

Putney Bridge, on the District Line, is the closest London Underground station to the start line.

The 2018 Boat Race will take place on Saturday, March 24.

The women's race gets under way at 4.31pm and the men's race follows the same route just over an hour later at 5.32pm.

Alternatively East Putney, a little further south, is only a short walk further away on the other side of the river.

Putney, Barnes Bridge, and Mortlake are all within walking distance of the bridge, with the latter sitting tight next to the finishing line.

Anyone hoping to catch the end of the race will want to arrive in good time - last year's men's race last just short of 17 minutes.

Organisers recommend those travelling by bus to make use of their designated fan parks in Fulham and Hammersmith.

Buses to and from the parks, in Bishop's Park and Furnivall Gardens, include the 14, 22, 39, 74, 85, 93, 220, 265, and 270.

Anyone hoping to get to the boat race by car is advised to take the South Circular Road to Putney High Street - although you may struggle to find a parking spot.

Drivers can also reach Putney Bridgevia the A219 (South) / A308 (North).