Cambridge to Oxford Trains From £9.00*

There is no direct Cambridge to Oxford train. Most routes require two changes, first heading into a London terminal, then taking the Tube or Elizabeth line to London Paddington or London Marylebone for a train to Oxford. The fastest journey involves hopping on a Great Northern service to London Kings Cross, taking the Tube to Paddington, then getting a Great Western Railway train to Oxford. This route is available up to twice an hour, taking around 2 hours and 34 minutes.

This journey offers views of Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire countryside, the Thames Valley’s green landscapes, and Oxford’s historic cityscape as you arrive.

Great Northern operates suburban train services and key commuter routes, serving stations like London Moorgate, Potters Bar and Hertford North. Great Western Railway (or GWR) has intercity, suburban and regional trains to destinations such as Exmouth, Bristol and Cardiff. It also operates the Heathrow Express and the Night Riviera sleeper from London to Penzance.

Departing from Cambridge

Start your adventure from Cambridge railway station, just a mile (1.6 kilometres) south-east of the vibrant city centre on Station Road. As the busiest station in the East of England, Cambridge offers excellent travel connections and convenience. With frequent buses stopping at Station Place and a taxi rank on site, getting to and from the station is effortless.

Enjoy comfortable journeys with Great Northern, Thameslink, Greater Anglia, and CrossCountry, which link you directly to exciting destinations such as Stansted Airport, Birmingham New Street, Norwich, and more.

Main stops

The main stops on the first train from Cambridge to Oxford include Royston and Letchworth Garden City. Great Western Railway services to Oxford may also stop at Reading. Trains can call at different stations depending on the time, operator and route.

Arriving at Oxford

The final leg of the route from Cambridge to Oxford is the Great Western Railway service from London Paddington to Oxford station. Located just half a mile (800 metres) from Oxford city centre, it’s in a great spot for onward travel. A taxi rank is located outside the southern entrance. You’ll find local buses in front of the station or at the bus station nearby (an eight-minute walk).

Oxford station is the busiest in Oxfordshire, connecting cities and towns like Manchester, Birmingham and Banbury, among other cities and towns. Great Western Railway, CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways are the main operators.

From the world-renowned university to the fantastic landmarks and museums, Oxford has plenty to discover. Take a tour around Radcliffe Square to see the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs on New College Lane. The Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums offer free entry. For a bite to eat, head to Gloucester Green Market (open Thursday to Saturday) or the Covered Market.

Great Northern and Great Western Railway train classes

• Standard Class: Both operators provide comfortable seating, dedicated luggage spaces and overhead racks. Great Northern offers power sockets by window seats, while Great Western Railway have plugs and a table at every seat, as well as free Wi-Fi.
• First Class: Travel from Cambridge to Oxford in First Class for quieter carriages and more legroom. Great Northern allows passengers to upgrade at the ticket office during weekdays or on the train during weekends (buy before sitting in First Class). Great Western Railway serves complimentary food and drink. Passengers can use Paddington’s First Class lounge (on platform 1).

Fares are usually available 12 weeks before the date of departure. Book as early as possible to buy cheap train tickets.

Great Northern and Great Western Railway train travel advice

• Luggage: While Great Northern allows two larger suitcases (30 x 70 x 90 centimetres max.) and one item of hand luggage, Great Western Railway’s luggage allowance is three items no bigger than 25 x 40 x 75 centimetres.
• Bicycles: Both companies permit bikes but not e-scooters. Great Northern has peak-time restrictions on services to London from Stevenage/Hertford North or to Cambridge from King’s Lynn, Watlington, Downham Market, Littleport, Ely, Waterbeach or Cambridge North. Non-folding bikes aren’t allowed between Drayton Park and Moorgate. Great Western Railway recommends reserving a space (mandatory on the Night Riviera Sleeper).
• Children: Travel is free for up to two under-5s with both operators, and 5–15-year-olds pay half price. 16–17-year-olds can get up to 50% off with the 16–17 Saver Railcard. Great Northern offers £2 Off-Peak fares on most services for up to four children travelling with an adult.
• Pets: Up to two pets can travel with a passenger for free. They must be in an enclosed carrier or on a lead and off seats. Great Western Railway charges half the adult fare for additional pets.
• Passenger Assist: Book any assistance (e.g., getting on/off the train) up to two hours before you travel. Great Northern and Great Western Railway staff can help you on the day, but it may take longer.

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