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  3. Oxford to Banbury trains

Oxford to Banbury train times

The journey from Oxford to Banbury on the fastest train in 17m, usually 18m. Each day, 37 trains leave from Oxford, starting at 00:22 and ending at 22:55. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.

Fri

10 Oct

Sat

11 Oct

Sun

12 Oct

Mon

13 Oct

Tue

14 Oct

Wed

15 Oct

Thu

16 Oct

DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

20:40

Oxford

20:57

Banbury
On time17mCrossCountry
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20:56

Oxford

21:24

Banbury
On time28mGreat Western Railway
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21:09

Oxford

21:27

Banbury
On time18mCrossCountry
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21:39

Oxford

21:56

Banbury
On time17mCrossCountry
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22:55

Oxford

23:25

Banbury
On time30mGreat Western Railway
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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
22:55
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
21 miles (34 km)
Journey time
17m
Price
From €8.29

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

Taking the train from Oxford to Banbury is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Oxford, you can arrive at Banbury in just 17m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

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

Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with 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?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Oxford to Banbury.

3. What is the best way to travel from Oxford to Banbury by train?

The fastest train journey time from Oxford to Banbury is 17m . 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.

4. Are there direct trains from Oxford to Banbury?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Oxford to Banbury. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the 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?

Oxford to Banbury trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.

2. 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.

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

Yes, most trains on the Oxford to Banbury route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.

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. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific 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

€6.37

With 16-25 Railcard

€9.54

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

€6.37

With 26-30 Railcard

€9.54

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

€6.37

With Family & Friends Railcard

€9.54

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

€6.37

With Two Together Railcard

€9.54

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

€6.37

With Senior Railcard

€9.54

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.