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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

London to Oxford by train

It takes an average of 1h 15m to travel from London to Oxford by train, over a distance of around 52 miles (83 km). There are normally 119 trains per day travelling from London to Oxford and tickets for this journey start from £4.85 when you book in advance.

First train

04:05

Last train

00:31

Departure station

London

Arrival station

Oxford

Journey time

From 45m

Distance

52 miles (83 km)

Frequency

119 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £4.85

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways

Travelling from London to Oxford by train in just 45 minutes

Planning a day out and looking to travel to Oxford from London by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, the train from London to Oxford takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes, but the trip can take just 45 minutes on the fastest services. Trains to Oxford from London are usually direct, so once you’re on board you can sit back, relax and stay connected with free WiFi available on most services.

You'll be travelling with either Great Western Railway (GWR) or Chiltern Railways on this route. GWR trains depart from London Paddington station, while Chiltern Railways services leave from London Marylebone station.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to find cheap ticket prices – we’ll show you how much you can save on your train tickets if you travel Off-Peak or get a Railcard.

If you’re feeling ready to book, start a search for cheap train tickets with us today. Want to know more? Keep reading for:

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from London to Oxford? 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 London to Oxford take?

The average journey time by train between London and Oxford is 1 hour and 15 minutes, with around 119 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 London and Oxford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London to Oxford is 45 minutes.

How much does the train from London to Oxford cost?

Train ticket prices from London to Oxford can start from as little as £4.85 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from London to Oxford?

Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Oxford without having to change trains. There are 119 direct trains from London to Oxford each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

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

The first train from London to Oxford leaves at 04:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

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

The last train from London to Oxford leaves at 00:31. 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 London and Oxford by train?

Trains travelling from London to Oxford 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 Oxford to London.

Cheap train tickets from London to Oxford

Train tickets from London to Oxford start at £4.85 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 London to Oxford 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.

Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways trains from London to Oxford

You can travel from London to Oxford by train on either Great Western Railway or Chiltern Railways trains. Keep reading for more details.

Great Western Railway

Great Western Railway (more commonly known as GWR) takes you further. From Swansea Bay to the Thames Valley via the Cotswolds, GWR makes it easy to get to various parts of the UK smoothly and hassle-free. Whether you want to travel from London to Oxford, London to Bath Spa, or even London to Penzance, GWR can get you there.

Learn more about Great Western Railway (GWR).

Chiltern Railways

Primarily operating on the Chiltern Main Line, Chiltern Railways connects London with towns and cities in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.

Some of the most popular routes operated by Chiltern Railways include London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street, London Marylebone to Oxford and London Marylebone to Aylesbury.

Learn more about Chiltern Railways.

GWR travel classes from London to Oxford

On most services, GWR offers both Standard Class and First Class seating.

Standard

Benefit from family-sized tables, power sockets and generous luggage allowances, all at an affordable price. Great Western Railway makes trips up and down the UK easy for budgeters and thrill-seekers alike.

Free WiFi

Comfortable seating

Table at every seat

First Class

GWR offers First Class seating for those wishing to kick back and relax on their journeys. Enjoy comfy seats, some individual seating, quieter coaches and complimentary WiFi, snacks and light refreshments (on long-distance trains). First Class ticket holders also have access to the First Class lounges at Cardiff and Paddington.

Find out more about GWR First Class.

Free WiFi

Comfortable seating

Table at every seat

Lounge access in London and Cardiff

Complimentary refreshments

Chiltern Railways travel classes from London to Oxford

Chiltern Railways trains offer only Standard Class seating, but you'll find plenty of amenities onboard to make your journey comfortable.

Free WiFi

Comfortable seating

Table at every seat

Onboard services on trains from London to Oxford

How to get to London train stations

How to get to London Paddington station

GWR trains to Oxford leave from London Paddington station.

Located in Zone 1, Paddington station is easily accessible by public transport. Take a look at how to get there by:

  • London Underground: The Bakerloo (brown), Hammersmith & City (pink), Circle (yellow), District (green), Metropolitan (magenta) and Elizabeth (purple) lines all stop at Paddington station.
  • Bus: Multiple Transport for London (TfL) bus services serve Paddington station, including routes 7, 16, 23, 27, 36, 205, N7, N27 and N205.

How to get to London Marylebone station

Chiltern Railways trains to Oxford leave from London Marylebone station.

Also centrally located, London Marylebone station can easily be reached from different parts of the city thanks to London’s extensive public transport network:

  • London Underground: The Bakerloo line (brown) stops at Marylebone station. Once you arrive, simply follow the signs to exit Marylebone Underground station and then access Marylebone railway station.
  • Transport for London (TfL) buses: Multiple bus routes serve Marylebone station, including routes 2, 13, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 159, 189, 205, 274, and 453.

Everything you need to know about London train stations

What’s on offer at London Paddington station?

If you’re looking to while away the time waiting for your train, London Paddington station is full of facilities such as:

  • Food and drink outlets including Wasabi, Pret A Manger and Costa Coffee
  • Shops such as Boots, Lush and Accessorize
  • Cash machines
  • GWR First Class lounge
  • Left luggage facilities (where lost property facilities are located)
  • Induction loop
  • Lift access to all floors
  • Waiting rooms
  • Toilets and showers (including accessible toilets, a Changing Places toilet and baby changing facilities)
  • Wheelchairs available for use in the station
  • Free WiFi.

What’s on offer at London Marylebone station?

Waiting for your train to arrive at the platform? There are plenty of amenities at London Marylebone station:

  • Food and drink outlets such as Burger King and Greggs
  • Shops such as Boots, Oliver Bonas and M&S Food
  • Cash machines
  • Lost property
  • Luggage storage
  • Bike storage
  • Seating and waiting rooms
  • Toilets (including accessible toilets) and baby changing places
  • Free WiFi.

Arriving in Oxford from London

No matter which train company you’re travelling with, you’ll arrive at Oxford station.

When you travel from London to Oxford by train, you’ll travel from city centre to city centre. This means you’ll arrive in central Oxford, at Oxford station. This is just a stone’s throw (or a 10-minute walk) away from some of Oxford’s most famous sights, including the colleges of Oxford University.

If you need to pick something up before you start exploring Oxford, there are amenities at the railway station including:

  • Food and drink outlets such as Gregg, Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger
  • Shops such as WHSmith and M&S Food
  • Waiting room
  • Cash machines
  • Toilets (including accessible toilets)
  • Free WiFi
  • Induction loop
  • Ramp and lift access to the platforms.

Using public transport in Oxford

Oxford is a small city, so it’s easy to walk to the city centre from the station. Exploring the heart of the city on foot is a great way to spot some of Oxford’s prettiest architecture or just get a feel for the place.

However, if you’re looking to go outside of the city centre or you want to use public transport, there are plenty of buses which can take you to your destination.

  • From the station: There are many buses which will take you from the railway station to the city centre and beyond. Most buses in central Oxford are operated by either Stagecoach or Oxford Bus Company.
  • From the city centre: If you need to travel to other neighbourhoods in Oxford, such as Cowley, Summertown or Headington, you can also hop on a bus.

Things to do in and around Oxford

Looking for something fun to do on your trip to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires? You’re in luck! We’ve got plenty of suggestions for you.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do in Oxford! Don’t worry - we’ve got some recommendations for you:

  • Head to a museum: Oxford is full of museums! So, whether you’re looking to see some art in the Ashmolean Museum or check out dodos and dinosaurs in Oxford’s Museum of Natural History, you’re sure to have a whale of a time.
  • Wander across Oxford’s cobbles: The best way to explore Oxford is on foot. There’s loads to see, from Oxford University colleges to churches and charming old streets. It’s the perfect way to get to know the city.
  • Picnic in the park: The hardest part? Picking which park to picnic in! University Parks is a favourite with dogwalkers, so if you want to spot a pooch or two it’s the best place to go. Christ Church Meadows is also popular with students and tourists alike – why not wander down the river and watch the rowing while you’re there?

Or if you’re staying in Oxford for a while and you’re looking for something a little further afield, why not check out 9 of the best day trips from Oxford?

Where to travel next after Oxford

If you want to keep exploring the UK by train, why not check out some of the most popular trips from Oxford?

Passenger reviews about this journey

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.

Travelling from London to Oxford with GWR

Getting to London Paddington station

Our train to Oxford departed from London Paddington station, which mainly serves destinations in the west and south-west of England. We took the tube to reach the station – it’s on the Hammersmith and City, Bakerloo, District and Circle lines, so it’s super easy to get there.

Boarding the train

We boarded a Great Western Railway (or GWR) train – we simply scanned our digital tickets at the ticket gates and hopped on. When booking our Standard Class tickets, I made sure we reserved two seats facing forwards – seats facing backwards are not for me, they make me dizzy!

The journey

It took us about 50 minutes to get from London to Oxford – the train only stopped at Slough and Reading before reaching Oxford, that’s why it was super quick! We were also able to use the train’s free WiFi throughout our journey, keeping our phones charged thanks to our at-seat power sockets.

Arriving at Oxford station

Getting off at Oxford train station, we found ourselves only a few minutes away from the city centre, the perfect location to start exploring! Our first stop was the world-famous University of Oxford – its architecture is magnificent, and the Radcliffe Camera particularly stands out with its grand Palladian style and spectacular dome. Make sure you have your camera at hand, you don’t want to miss anything!

About Paola

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

Taking a trip with GWR from London to Oxford

I travel from London to Oxford on my commute home, so I’m quite familiar with this route!

Getting to the station

Getting to Paddington station from central London is easy, as there are lots of public transport options including the London Underground and local buses. I usually hop on the Elizabeth line, and I can get to Paddington from work in around 15 minutes.

Boarding the train at Paddington

At Peak times, the stations can get very busy! Platforms are often not announced until quite close to the departure time, so be prepared for some crowds. If you’re travelling at an Off-Peak time, such as the middle of the day, it’ll likely be quieter.

Once the platform is announced, it’s easy to board the train. Most platforms have ticket gates, so I scan my digital ticket at the barriers and can then find a seat on the train.

Again, as I often travel at Peak times, the train can get quite busy. I usually buy Advance tickets which have seat reservations included, which can help guarantee a seat. It’s also advisable to head towards the front of the train, as this tends to be quieter.

On board the train from London to Oxford

GWR trains are great inside. There are plug sockets at every seat, luggage storage above the seats and at each end of every carriage, plus free WiFi so I can message my friends on the journey. There are also toilets, and on many trains to Oxford there’s an at-seat trolley service for light refreshments.

Often, I just want to relax after a busy day at work, so I always bring a book to read on the journey. The train is sometimes delayed, so it’s good to have something to do in case this happens.

GWR trains from London to Oxford stop at Reading, and some also stop at Didcot Parkway. Reading is a big interchange station where lots of people get off the train, so it’s often less busy once the train has stopped there.

Arriving in Oxford

All going well, after just under an hour, the train from London arrives at Oxford station. This station also has ticket barriers, so I have to scan my ticket once more to get out. Then I head home on the bus – Oxford station is very well-connected to the rest of Oxford by public transport, which is great whether you live in the city or are just visiting for the day!

 

About Kristina

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

Travelling from London to Oxford with Chiltern Railways

When travelling from London to Oxford, you have two options: travel from London Marylebone with Chiltern Railways, or travel from London Paddington with GWR. On this day, I chose to take a Chiltern Railways train as it was cheaper when I booked the tickets. (It’s worth comparing both options if you’re a budget-savvy traveller like me!)

London Marylebone station

London Marylebone station is easily accessible by public transport. I got the Tube to the station, and there are also buses which serve the surrounding area.

I had a bit of time before my train left for Oxford, so I took a look around some of the shops in the station and bought myself a coffee from Greggs before heading to the ticket gates.

Boarding the train

London Marylebone is a terminus, so my train was waiting on the platform when I arrived at the station. All I had to do was scan my digital ticket at the ticket barriers and then walk onto the train!

On board a Chiltern Railways train from London to Oxford

Chiltern Railways trains are well-equipped, with fold-down tables at every seat, plug sockets on board, toilets and free WiFi.

One thing to bear in mind is that there isn’t a lot of space for storing luggage, so if you’re bringing a suitcase or two you may find yourself standing up near the doors with it! That said, there is an overhead rack suited to smaller bags and rucksacks.

Chiltern Railways trains from London to Oxford are diesel trains, which means they can be a bit loud and clunky at times along the route. That said, they’re punctual and clean.

I was travelling on this route at Peak time, so the train was very busy as we left London. However, many commuting passengers leave the train at High Wycombe (a couple of stops outside London) and the train gets quieter after that. You could avoid some of the crowds by travelling at an Off-Peak time.

Arriving in Oxford

I was pleased that the train arrived at Oxford station on time. The station is just a few minutes' walk away from the city centre, plus it’s well-connected to other areas of the city by public transport.

Overall, I would travel with Chiltern Railways again on this route.

 

About Kristina

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

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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