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Oxford to Banbury train times

Travelling from Oxford to Banbury, the fastest train takes 17m with an average travel time of 17m. 28 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 00:22 and the last at 22:20. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

07:39

Oxford
17m, Direct

07:56

Banbury
CrossCountry
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08:40

Oxford
17m, Direct

08:57

Banbury
CrossCountry
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08:56

Oxford
28m, Direct

09:24

Banbury
Great Western Railway
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09:39

Oxford
18m, Direct

09:57

Banbury
CrossCountry
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10:39

Oxford
17m, Direct

10:56

Banbury
CrossCountry
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Oxford to Banbury Train journey information

Plan your journey from Oxford to Banbury 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.
First train
00:22
Last train
22:20
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
17m
Distance
21 miles (34 km)
Price
From €8.26

CrossCountry: Oxford to Banbury trains

Ride the rails to Banbury Cross in just over 15 minutes with a fast, direct CrossCountry service from Oxford – no stops, just a quick and easy journey straight to this historic market town. Travel through the Cherwell Valley from Oxford to Banbury, past lush meadows, winding rivers, and the rolling hills of North Oxfordshire.

CrossCountry runs one of the UK’s most far-reaching long-distance rail networks, stretching all the way from Penzance in Cornwall to Aberdeen in Scotland. With Birmingham at its centre, the network connects major cities all across the UK, including Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds.

Departing from Oxford

Just a 15-minute walk from Oxford’s historic city centre, Oxford station is one of the best-connected railway stations in Oxfordshire and easily accessible by bus, car or taxi with convenient drop-off points and regular local bus services right outside.

Managed by Great Western Railway, Oxford station offers fast and frequent services to London Paddington, London Marylebone, Reading, Worcester and Banbury, as well as CrossCountry trains connecting it with Manchester, Birmingham and the South Coast. 

With step-free access throughout, lifts to all platforms, ticket machines, shops, cafés and public Wi-Fi, the station is well-equipped for every traveller. So, whether you’re commuting, exploring the Cotswolds or heading further afield, Oxford station offers fast, convenient links to all across the region and beyond.

Main stops

Travelling from Oxford to Banbury, you can opt for CrossCountry’s quick, direct service, or Great Western Railway’s slightly slower train calling at Tackley, Heyford and Kings Sutton before arriving into Banbury.

Arriving at Banbury

Just a ten-minute walk from the historic market town centre, Banbury railway station is a busy stop on the Chiltern Main Line. Managed by Chiltern Railways, the station offers step-free access, lifts, ticket machines, shops, cafés and public Wi-Fi.

Regular services run from here south to London Marylebone, north to Birmingham, and further afield via CrossCountry trains to Manchester, Reading, Southampton and Bournemouth. Great Western Railway also provides local links to Didcot Parkway, giving passengers a wide range of onward travel options.

Banbury is a historic market town on the River Cherwell, famed for its spiced Banbury cakes and the nursery rhyme “Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross” immortalised in the town’s iconic statue of a Fine Lady riding a white horse. Visitors can also explore the Banbury Museum & Gallery or step back in time at Tooley’s Boatyard, one of Britain’s oldest working dry docks.

CrossCountry train classes 

  • Standard Class: Enjoy comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi on your Oxford to Banbury train with CrossCountry, as well as onboard catering on many services. Whether you’re travelling on a high-speed Voyager or a regional Turbostar train, you can expect plenty of room and a welcoming service.
  • First Class: For an extra level of comfort, travel from Oxford to Banbury First Class and relax into wider reclining seats with extra legroom and at-seat tables – ideal for both working or just relaxing.

CrossCountry train travel advice

From luggage and bikes to travelling with children, pets and accessibility support, here’s everything you need to know before boarding your Oxford to Banbury train.

  • Luggage: Storage is limited, so CrossCountry advises bringing just one medium bag where possible. On Voyager trains, larger items can be stowed in luggage racks in Coaches D and J.
  • Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome on board CrossCountry trains with a free reservation, while folding bikes can be brought on board anytime without advance booking. Please note, e-scooters are not permitted.
  • Children: Kids under five travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 can enjoy 50% off standard fares. Families can save even more with a Family & Friends railcard, which gives adults a third off most fares and 60% off children’s fares.
  • Pets: Passengers can travel with up to two pets at no extra charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier, and all pets should remain off seats.
  • Passenger Assist: Passengers requiring extra support with boarding, handling luggage, navigating stations or wheelchair spaces can pre-book Passenger Assist when purchasing their ticket, or simply by asking staff at the station on the day for help.

Great Western Railway: Oxford to Banbury trains

Take the slower route from Oxford to Banbury and enjoy the ride – Great Western Railway’s direct stopping service takes around 30 minutes, winding through the picturesque Cherwell Valley and calling at Tackley, Heyford and King’s Sutton along the way.

Climb aboard your Oxford to Banbury train and enjoy classic views of the English countryside, from the green sweep of the Cherwell Valley to farmland and woodlands before arriving at the historic canal town of Banbury.

Great Western Railway runs both regional and long-distance services linking London Paddington with South Wales, the South West and the Cotswolds. From Oxford, you can catch direct trains to London as well as major destinations such as Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter St Davids and Penzance.

Great Western Railway train classes 

  • Standard Class: Settle into your Oxford to Banbury train journey with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and the option to enjoy freshly prepared food and drink from the onboard restaurant car on many Great Western Railway services.
  • First Class: Upgrade your Oxford to Banbury train to First Class for extra comfort with wider seats, more legroom, fast Wi-Fi and at-table plug or USB sockets. Selected services also include complimentary drinks and snacks.

Great Western Railway train travel advice

From luggage allowances and bike policies to travelling with children, pets or arranging assisted travel, it’s worth knowing the essentials before setting off on your Oxford to Banbury train:

  • Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items on board Great Western Railway trains free of charge, including suitcases, holdalls or rucksacks. Luggage should be stored in overhead racks or in end-of-car luggage areas to keep aisles and doors clear.
  • Bicycles: Standard bikes and electric bikes are welcome on board Great Western Railway services with a free reservation, though space is limited so booking ahead is advised. Folding bikes are always permitted if stowed in racks, but e-scooters are not allowed.
  • Children: Kids under the age of five can travel free of charge, while children aged 5-15 are eligible for half-price fares. Teenagers aged 16-17 can also enjoy 50% off standard fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
  • Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets on board at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead, while smaller animals should be transported in a secure carrier. Pets are not allowed on seats.
  • Passenger Assist: If you need extra support when boarding, handling luggage or navigating stations, you can pre-book Passenger Assist when buying your ticket, through the app or by requesting help from staff at larger stations on the day of travel.

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

Oxford to Banbury train travel guide

The train journey from Oxford to Banbury combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Oxford, you can get to Banbury in just 17m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

1. How can I save money on Oxford to Banbury train tickets?

To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.

2. How do I find the best train route from Oxford to Banbury?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Oxford to Banbury.

3. What is the fastest train from Oxford to Banbury?

The quickest train journey from Oxford to Banbury takes 17m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.

4. Are there direct trains from Oxford to Banbury?

No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Oxford to Banbury. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

1. Are Oxford to Banbury trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

While Oxford to Banbury trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Oxford to Banbury is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.

2. 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.

3. Do Oxford to Banbury trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from Oxford to Banbury 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

4. 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.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers

2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.

Save 1/3 with Railcards from Oxford to Banbury

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

€6.34

With 16-25 Railcard

€9.51

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

€6.34

With 26-30 Railcard

€9.51

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

€6.34

With Family & Friends Railcard

€9.51

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

€6.34

With Two Together Railcard

€9.51

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

€6.34

With Senior Railcard

€9.51

Without
Buy Senior Railcard
Railcards offer discounted train tickets, with various types based on age and number of travellers. Enjoy up to 1/3 off for a cheaper journey. The actual price will vary based on factors such as the train service, time, and ticket availability.

How to buy cheap Oxford to Banbury train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
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Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.

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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.

* Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.