What’s the best way to get from London to Oxford?

Perhaps it’s no surprise that we think the best way to get from London to Oxford is by train! With the fastest journeys taking under an hour, plus the advantage of travelling direct from one city centre to another, and no need to pay for a parking space – why would you travel another way?

How much is a train from London to Oxford?

Trains from London to Oxford can vary in price depending on factors including which train company you travel with, whether you’re travelling at an Off-Peak or Peak time, and how far in advance you book your train ticket. For the most up-to-date times and prices, check our Journey Planner at the top of the page.

Can I use my Oyster card to get to Oxford?

No, you can’t use an Oyster card to pay for journeys from London to Oxford. You’ll need to buy a train ticket to travel on GWR or Chiltern Railways trains from London to Oxford. Luckily, we know just the place to buy one: check out our Journey Planner for more info and to buy your ticket today.

Where do trains to Oxford leave from in London?

Trains from London to Oxford leave from one of two stations: London Paddington or London Marylebone. GWR trains depart from Paddington station, while Chiltern Railways trains depart from Marylebone station. We’ll show you which train company you’re travelling with and the station your train departs from in our Journey Planner.

How often do trains run from London to Oxford?

Trains from London to Oxford operate throughout the day, with the first train leaving London at around 4:00 am and the last train departing after midnight. Whenever you want to travel to Oxford, there’ll likely be a train running. For the most up-to-date information about train times, head to our Journey Planner.

How long is the train ride from London to Oxford?

The train ride from London to Oxford takes 1 hour and 16 minutes on average, though the fastest GWR services can get you there in 45 minutes. Generally, GWR services are faster than Chiltern Railways services, as they take a different route and stop at fewer intermediary stations. You can find out all about journey times using our Journey Planner.

Is the train ride from London to Oxford scenic?

Yes, the train ride from London to Oxford is a scenic one. GWR trains and Chiltern Railways trains take different routes, but both offer great views of the British countryside. In particular, Chiltern Railways trains travel through the rolling landscape of the Chiltern Hills – it’s gorgeous when the sun is setting!

Can you do a day trip from London to Oxford?

Yes, it’s definitely possible to do a day trip from London to Oxford by train! You’ll be travelling directly to Oxford city centre, so you’ll be at the heart of the city and ready to explore. Plus, since the journey time on the train is fairly short, you can make the most of a day out before heading back in the evening.

What’s the cheapest way to get from London to Oxford by train?

If you’re travelling from London to Oxford by train, read our top tips for finding cheap train tickets below or check out the latest train deals and discounts available: Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year with a Railcard. Book in advance: Most train companies in the UK usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance. Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends compared to Peak times. Use GroupSave: If you’re travelling in a group of 3-9 people, you can save up to 34% on eligible journeys at Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak times with GroupSave. Split your train tickets with SplitSave, our split-ticketing app feature.

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Trains to Oxford from London

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 156 trains per day travelling from London to Oxford and tickets for this journey start from £5.40 when you book in advance.

First train	04:05
Last train	01:45
Departure station	London
Arrival station	Oxford
Journey time	From 45m
Distance	52 miles (83 km)
Frequency	156 trains per day
Changes	Direct trains available
Price	From £5.40
Train operators	Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway

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:

FAQs about the trip from London to Oxford
Train operators from London to Oxford
GWR travel classes
Chiltern Railways travel classes
Services on board trains from London to Oxford
Travelling to the train station in London
All about London Paddington and London Marylebone
Arriving in Oxford
Using public transport in Oxford
Things to do in and around Oxford
Where to travel next after Oxford
Reviews of the journey from London to Oxford

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from London to Oxford?

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 do I travel from London to Oxford?

You can get from London to Oxford by train in 1 hour and 15 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 45 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

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 156 trains per day running on this route. 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.

How much does the train from London to Oxford cost?

Train tickets from London to Oxford can start from as little as £5.40 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

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.

Can you take a train directly from London to Oxford?

How close is London to Oxford by train?

Is it possible to get from London to Oxford without flying?

What is the best way to travel from London to Oxford?

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

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

How often are trains from London to Oxford?

Do you need to book the train from London to Oxford in advance?

Can you buy return train tickets from London to Oxford?

How do I find cheap train tickets from London to Oxford?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from London to Oxford start at £5.40^§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for London to Oxford is right for you.

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

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.

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 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
✔	✔	✔

Luggage

Food and drink

Entertainment

Travelling with children

Bikes

Pets

Special assistance

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Oxford to London

Oxford to Reading

Oxford to Birmingham

Oxford to Bristol

Oxford to Manchester

Oxford to Cambridge

Oxford to Bicester Village

Passenger reviews about this journey

The trainline did its job well; however the booking system on the train itself was hopeless: the booked seats (I had one) did not come live until 3 minutes before the departure which meant (obviously) people had occupied seats that looked free but were actually reserved. Very unfair on all... Poor

Train was clean, comfortable, and on time!

Good ride. Friendly atmosphere

On time, good wifi, enough seats, comfortable

Every aspect went smoothly and to time on this occasion.

Clean, punctual and fast

Excellent service, very punctual. Nice coaches .

Unusually crowded(according to the announcer) but very accommodating, even with the crowded hallway. Was surprised how there’s designated space for bikes.

Great journey but we booked seats in the quiet carriage and some people were talking on their phones…

Good train ride, as always. Train on time, clean inside.

We had to stop and get different trains in our way to Oxford and coming back to London.

We paid for reserved seats but when we boarded the seats said they were not reserved. Please see photo attached.

All return trains to London were cancelled and we were able to arraive home very late.

The train that I booked was cancelled despite receiving a notification from the Trainline app that it was running on time. I had to travel to Reading and then wait 45 mins for a connecting train to Oxford. This made me late for my appointment.

Delayed by over 2 hours in the third world UK

Appalling. The train was cancelled and I shall never travel by train again if I can help it. I also helped several elderly foreigners who were quite mystified by our train system.

Delayed. Train smell bad, dirty

Good, bit pricey

easy to book on line. convenient and accessible way of travelling by train.

The train ride was perfect. It was crowded, but everyone was calm. The conductor was peaceful with the travelers. We are from the United States, where travel – particularly train travel – can be a tad overwhelming. I felt none of this at all on our trip.

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.

GWR
Chiltern Railways

Travelling from London to Oxford with GWR

Paola Labib

UK and EU travel writer

11/12/2023

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

Kristina Fox

UK and EU travel writer

23/05/2024

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

Kristina Fox

UK and EU travel writer

23/05/2024

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.

Trains from London to Oxford

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Trains to Oxford from London

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 156 trains per day travelling from London to Oxford and tickets for this journey start from £5.40 when you book in advance.

Travelling from London to Oxford by train in just 45 minutes

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from London to Oxford?

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.

Can you take a train directly from London to Oxford?

How close is London to Oxford by train?

Is it possible to get from London to Oxford without flying?

What is the best way to travel from London to Oxford?

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

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

How often are trains from London to Oxford?

Do you need to book the train from London to Oxford in advance?

Can you buy return train tickets from London to Oxford?

How do I find cheap train tickets from London to Oxford?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

3. Use a Railcard

4. Book split tickets

5. Travel Off-Peak

6. Consider a Season Ticket

What are my ticket options for this journey?

Advance train tickets

Anytime train tickets

First Class train tickets

GroupSave train tickets

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets

Return train tickets

Flexible train tickets

Related FAQs on the train journey from London to Oxford

What’s the best way to get from London to Oxford?

How much is a train from London to Oxford?

Can I use my Oyster card to get to Oxford?

Where do trains to Oxford leave from in London?

How often do trains run from London to Oxford?

How long is the train ride from London to Oxford?

Is the train ride from London to Oxford scenic?

Can you do a day trip from London to Oxford?

What’s the cheapest way to get from London to Oxford by train?

Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways trains from London to Oxford

Great Western Railway

Chiltern Railways

GWR travel classes from London to Oxford

Standard

First Class

Chiltern Railways travel classes from London to Oxford

Onboard services on trains from London to Oxford

Luggage

Food and drink

Entertainment

Travelling with children

Bikes

Pets

Special assistance

How to get to London train stations

How to get to London Paddington station

How to get to London Marylebone station

Everything you need to know about London train stations

What’s on offer at London Paddington station?

What’s on offer at London Marylebone station?

Arriving in Oxford from London

Using public transport in Oxford

Things to do in and around Oxford

Where to travel next after Oxford

Oxford to London

Oxford to Reading

Oxford to Birmingham

Oxford to Bristol

Oxford to Manchester

Oxford to Cambridge

Oxford to Bicester Village

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.