Get 20% off Eurostar Standard Premier tickets with Trainline

TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*

Oxford to London by train

It takes an average of 1h 15m to travel from Oxford to London by train, over a distance of around 52 miles (83 km). There are normally 124 trains per day traveling from Oxford to London and tickets for this journey start from $8.02 when you book in advance.

First train

04:20

Last train

00:50

Departure station

Oxford

Arrival station

London

Journey time

From 49m

Distance

52 miles (83 km)

Frequency

124 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $8.02

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways

Travel from Oxford to London by train in less than an hour

Considering a trip to the capital and need more information on the journey by train from Oxford to London? Start your journey with us! 

On average, the journey from Oxford to London by train takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, but can take just 49 minutes on the fastest services. On this popular route, you’ll find around 118 direct services each day, so you can sit back and relax as you don’t need to worry about making any changes along the way.  

When traveling on this route, you’ll board a train at Oxford station operated by either Chiltern Railways or Great Western Railway (GWR). No matter who you end up traveling with, you’ll enjoy a wide array of onboard amenities including free WiFi, comfortable seating and more. If you’re traveling with Chiltern Railways, you’ll arrive at London Marylebone station. However, if you’re traveling on a GWR service, you’ll arrive at London Paddington station. 

Both stations position you perfectly to explore the culture, history and architecture of London. You’re just a short walk or London Underground service from the city’s most famous landmarks - and famous filming locations, such as places featured in Masters of the Airwhere Wonka was filmed or some of Bridgerton's iconic sights. You could also check out the Boat Race, where the University of Oxford competes with the University of Cambridge each year.

If you’re not sure where to start, read our guide to the 14 best things to do in London, including a trip to Big Ben and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Tired from all that sightseeing? Settle down for the night in one of London's top luxury hotels - or for the kids, one of London's best family hotels.

If you’d like to get the best train deals, try traveling during Off-Peak times, as tickets are generally cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours from Monday to Friday. Also, to save even more, try to book an Advance ticket – they are usually released 12 weeks before the departure date and tend to be cheaper than the day of travel.  

Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Oxford to London in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, keep reading for FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets.  

FAQs for Oxford to London

Want to know more about your journey from Oxford to London? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Oxford to London take?

The average journey time by train between Oxford and London is 1 hour and 15 minutes, with around 124 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Oxford and London by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Oxford to London is 49 minutes.

How much does the train from Oxford to London cost?

Train tickets from Oxford to London can start from as little as $8.02 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.

Is there a direct train from Oxford to London?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Oxford to London without having to change trains. There are 124 direct trains from Oxford to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Oxford to London leave?

The first train from Oxford to London leaves at 04:20. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Oxford to London leave?

The last train from Oxford to London leaves at 00:50. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Oxford and London by train?

Trains travelling from Oxford to London cover a distance of around 52 miles (83 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Oxford.

Cheap train tickets from Oxford to London

Train tickets from Oxford to London start at $8.02 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Oxford to London is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

Getting from Oxford to London by train in less than an hour

Getting to Oxford station

After a nice day out visiting the main sites in Oxford, we walked back to Oxford station to head home. As it started raining heavily, we rushed back to the station, wandered in and out of the different shops available, and grabbed a drink while waiting for our train to depart.

Boarding the train

As we bought digital tickets, we just showed them to the rail staff before boarding. We jumped on a modern GWR train and headed to our two seats facing forwards in Standard Class. The train was a bit busier compared to when we departed from London in the morning as people were heading out for the night.

The journey

It took us about 50 minutes to get from Oxford to London – the train only stopped at Reading and Slough before reaching the grand London Paddington station. Once we arrived, we hopped off and climbed down the stairs towards the underground station entrance, following the super easy signs. All in all, it was a comfortable and quick journey after an amazing day out in Oxford.

About Paola

Paola, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Oxford and London.


* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.