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Manchester to Oxford train ticket prices
€23.64
On Tue 14 Apr
Manchester to Oxford train timetable
Travelling from Manchester to Oxford, the fastest train takes 2h 48m with an average travel time of 2h 51m. 24 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:11 and the last at 20:14. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 49m, Direct | 12:14 Oxford | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 10m, 2 change | 12:40 Oxford | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
10:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 49m, Direct | 13:14 Oxford | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 49m, Direct | 14:14 Oxford | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 8m, 2 change | 14:38 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
Travelling by train from Manchester to Oxford is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can reach Oxford in just 2h 48m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Oxford?
The average fare from Manchester to Oxford is approximately €23.64, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Oxford by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester to Oxford?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Oxford is 2h 48m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
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
Are Manchester to Oxford trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
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?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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 route from Manchester to Oxford is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
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
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
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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