Trains to Oxford

Oxford, a crossroads city strategically located on numerous transit routes, was once a significant port. Situated at the confluence of the River Cherwell and the upper reaches of the River Thames, Oxford holds a pivotal position within the UK’s national railway network and serves as a major junction for both local and long-distance travel. The city boasts excellent connectivity to major cities, including London, Birmingham, Reading, Swindon, Banbury, Manchester, and Coventry, making it easily accessible for visitors. Here are the three key rail routes to Oxford for your travel.

London to Oxford

The Great Western Railway's intercity direct trains from London Paddington to Oxford take the shortest journey of around 45 minutes with 99 trains leaving London daily, making them a perfect and practical option for travel.

Birmingham to Oxford

Direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Oxford typically take 1 hour and 22 minutes, operated by CrossCountry usually equipped with Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary food for a more comfortable journey.

Reading to Oxford

Frequent direct trains from Reading to Oxford offer the shortest journey time of approximately 22 minutes, with 58 daily services operated by Great Western Railway.

Oxford boasts two main stations: one is Oxford station, with its strategic location in the city center easily access to other major cities and towns including London, Manchester, and Birmingham; the other is Oxford Parkway station, a significant junction that provides direct service to Oxford, Kidlington. These stations ensure travelers can reach their destinations with ease.

Oxford station

Located approximately 0.5 miles (800 meters) northwest of the city center, Oxford railway station is a mainline railway station that serves the English city of Oxford. It holds a significant position as the busiest in Oxfordshire and the fourth busiest station in South East England. The station offers excellent links to other major cities and towns including London Paddington, Reading, Bristol, Swindon, Bournemouth, Manchester Piccadilly, Newcastle, and Birmingham New Street.

From Oxford train station, numerous neighboring sights and attractions are conveniently accessible. History enthusiasts can visit the Ashmolean Museum and the University of Oxford's Museum of Art and Archaeology with world-renowned collections. A short stroll from the station will also allow you to visit the University of Oxford, the oldest English-speaking university in the world. The Sheldonian Theatre is 0.7 miles from the station, you can explore the theatre or attend a musical performance. These sights are must-sees when visiting Oxford.

Oxford Parkway station

Located between Kidlington and Oxford, Oxford Parkway railway station, formerly known as Water Eaton, is the other important Oxford station. It serves as a major interchange offering direct services to Kidlington, north Oxford, and nearby villages, operated by Chiltern Railways. Additionally, there is also a regular service between Oxford Parkway and London Marylebone.

Situated in the far north of Oxford, the station provides access to the city center, where a variety of sites and attractions await exploration. The Radcliffe Camera, a famous structure in the center of Oxford, is open for visits. Oxford Parkway station also provides easy access to the University of Oxford, where visitors may see the beautiful Botanic Garden, historic colleges, and libraries.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.