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Manchester to Oxford train ticket prices
£20.39
On Tue 05 May
Manchester to Oxford train timetable
From Manchester to Oxford, take the fastest train in 2h 48m, typically 2h 52m. Daily, 27 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 05:11 and the last at 22:14. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:02 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 13m, 1 change | 09:15 Oxford | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:23 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 18m, 1 change | 09:41 Oxford | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:29 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 12m, 2 change | 09:41 Oxford | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
07:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 52m, Direct | 10:17 Oxford | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 8m, 2 change | 10:38 Oxford | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
Manchester to Oxford train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester to Oxford with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry: Manchester to Oxford trains
Getting from Manchester Piccadilly to Oxford with CrossCountry takes just under three hours.
You’ll head south on your journey, leaving Greater Manchester for the Midlands. Then, press on towards Oxfordshire, with its seemingly ancient traditional villages, large English oaks, and prototypically English countryside.
CrossCountry provides a comprehensive railway network connecting towns and cities throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. This network enables travel between major British cities, including Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
As the busiest station in Manchester, Manchester Piccadilly is a great place to depart. It has effortless, easy public transport links, being near Manchester Coach Station, local buses, taxis, and trams. It’s also linked to the airport by rail and the other Manchester train stations like Victoria and Oxford Road.
This all means it’s incredibly easy to get to; whether you’re coming from Manchester yourself or elsewhere like Liverpool, Leeds, Blackpool or Newcastle, you’ll easily get to Manchester Piccadilly to catch your train to Oxford.
The station can also be found on Piccadilly Station Approach, right in the heart of the city, with only a stone’s throw from its namesake: Piccadilly Gardens.
Main stops
From Manchester to Oxford, there are eleven stops: Stockport, Macclesfield, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, Birmingham International, Coventry, Leamington Spa, and Banbury.
It’s worth considering that these stops may change due to scheduling changes or unforeseen circumstances like accidents, train faults, engineering works, or poor weather conditions. It's best to double-check before you leave to avoid disappointment.
Arriving at Oxford Station
Oxford is known poetically as ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’ and is recognised for its famous university, its higgledy-piggledy architecture spanning anywhere from the Saxons to today, and its Tolkienesque surrounding villages. That puts some pressure on its train station to live up to the name of this outstanding city.
The station, then, is a small station that lives up to its big name. Located on Park End Street, near Osney Bridge, Oxford Station is well served by public transport, including local buses and a taxi rank at its main entrance. It also boasts excellent connectivity to London, too.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
- First Class: A Manchester to Oxford First Class ticket provides a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before travelling.
- Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Manchester to Oxford train travel guide
The train journey from Manchester to Oxford combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can get to Oxford in just 2h 48m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Oxford?
Ticket prices from Manchester to Oxford average around £20.39, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Manchester to Oxford?
What is the fastest train from Manchester to Oxford?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Oxford is 2h 48m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Manchester to Oxford?
No, there are no direct trains from Manchester to Oxford. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester to Oxford?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Manchester to Oxford train timetables?
Manchester to Oxford trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Manchester to Oxford trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester to Oxford are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Manchester to Oxford route?
The train from Manchester to Oxford is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Manchester to Oxford train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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