Banbury to Oxford Trains From €8.61*

If you’re looking to buy cheap train tickets from Banbury to Oxford, you’re in the right place! CrossCountry operates direct trains between these two South East destinations, taking about 19 minutes on average.

Your journey will follow the River Cherwell, offering views of lush farmland and riverside meadows, before arriving into the iconic university city of Oxford.

CrossCountry is one of the train companies serving this direct route. This operator runs an extensive route network across Great Britain, with connections to popular destinations such as Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester.

Departing from Banbury

The market town of Banbury is served by Banbury station, located five minutes east of the town centre. You can arrive on foot from most parts of the central area, or hop on one of the several bus routes serving the station.

Train services at Banbury are provided by three train operators: Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway and CrossCountry. These companies offer routes to London Marylebone, Birmingham, Manchester Piccadilly, Reading and Bournemouth.

Main stops

CrossCountry trains do not usually call at any stops between Banbury and Oxford. Trains operated by Great Western Railway may make stops at Kings Sutton, Heyford and Tackley.

Consult your train service details for actual stops.

Arriving at Oxford

Situated about a kilometre (half a mile) west of the city centre, Oxford Station on Park End Street boasts a superb location for accessing the city centre.

The station offers connections to both regional destinations, such as Reading and Didcot Parkway, and intercity destinations. It is very well-connected to London, and also offers links to cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Bournemouth.

There’s plenty to see and do on a day out in Oxford. From simply wandering around the many university buildings, gardens and museums to punting on the River Cherwell. You can hire one of 80 traditional wooden handmade punts and enjoy a leisurely boat ride up or downstream and watch the idyllic Oxford scenery roll by.

CrossCountry train classes

CrossCountry offers two service classes for your direct train from Banbury to Oxford.

• Standard Class: Includes comfy seats, free Wi-Fi and a catering service.
• First Class: CrossCountry’s Banbury to Oxford First Class train tickets offer larger seating, more space and complimentary refreshments on some services.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Read our tips for travelling with CrossCountry and put your mind at ease ahead of your Banbury to Oxford train journey.

• Luggage: One large suitcase per passenger. Smaller items can be stored under the seat in front or overhead.
• Bicycles: Bike space may need to be pre-booked depending on your specific service. At least two bike spaces per train, with extra space on Voyager trains. Unreserved bike space operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Pets: Up to two pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead or in a pet carrier. Other pets must be transported in a carrier to be placed on the ground.
• Children: Under 5s travel free, with half-price fares for children under 16. Railcards such as the 16–17 Saver Railcard can get you discounts on tickets for older children.
• Passenger Assist: CrossCountry offers assistance for passengers with mobility issues or disabilities across the entire travel experience, which can be requested on the day or booked in advance.

The Banbury to Oxford train route is also served by GWR, with journeys taking about 29 minutes on average. Departures are slightly less frequent than CrossCountry’s service, but if the departure times suit you better, or you prefer GWR’s service, this might be the option for you.

Great Western Railway provides intercity, regional and commuter rail services across the West of England and South Wales, as well as routes from London to the West Country. Destinations from GWR include Bath, Bristol, Cornwall and Devon.

Great Western Railway train classes

Below are the carriage classes you can choose from on GWR trains from Banbury to Oxford:

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. Charging points for your devices and tablets are also available.
• First Class: First Class tickets from Banbury to Oxford offer more spacious and comfortable seating, large tables, and premium dining options.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

Clear up any doubts you may have about your Banbury to Oxford train with our tips for travelling with GWR.

• Luggage: Up to 3 items of luggage. Can be stored under seats or overhead. Limited luggage compartment space for large suitcases. No oversized luggage.
• Bicycles: Bike reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment. Space for at least two full-size bikes per train. No restrictions for folding bikes (max. 20-inch wheel). No e-scooters.
• Children: Pushchairs must be folded and stored in luggage racks with brakes applied. Baby changing facilities are provided. Family Tickets offer discounts on fares for up to 2 adults and 4 children.
• Pets: Up to 2 pets travel free. Must be on a lead or in a carrier and should not take up passenger space. Only assistance dogs are permitted in the Pullman dining car. Dogs on leads are allowed in lounges with First Class tickets.
• Passenger Assist: Special assistance for passengers with additional needs includes support in planning travel and navigating the station and trains. Can be booked in advance.

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