Oxford to Manchester Piccadilly Trains From £9.80*

Travel from Oxford to Manchester Piccadilly on one fast, convenient train thanks to direct routes run by CrossCountry.

On CrossCountry services, direct trains from Oxford to Manchester Piccadilly take around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Some 23 daily trains transport passengers the 126 miles between these two historic cities, with the last train at 23:05.

Along the way, enjoy scenic views of the English countryside from your window, as you benefit from the ease and comfort of travelling from Oxford to Manchester by train. For the best fares, book cheap tickets in advance with TrainPal.

CrossCountry operates a national rail service across England, Scotland, and Wales, connecting seven of the UK's 10 largest cities. Travel with CrossCountry to Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds, and Birmingham.

Departing from Oxford

A well-connected station in a historic city, Oxford Station is the busiest station in Oxfordshire and a practical starting point for journeys to Manchester Piccadilly.

Half a mile west of Oxford city centre, Oxford Station is conveniently located to begin your trip. Reach the station on local buses operated by Stagecoach and the Oxford Bus Company, or arrive on foot or by bike. For cyclists not taking their bikes on the train, there is ample bike storage space at Oxford Station.

The station’s facilities are accessible to all passengers, with step-free access, accessible toilets, induction loops, and marked help points throughout the station. Waiting areas, shops, and a water fountain ensure travellers can prepare for their journey in comfortable surroundings.

Oxford Station provides train services to places like London (arriving at London Paddington and London Marylebone), Reading, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Cardiff. The station’s main operators are Great Western Railway (GWR), Chiltern Railways, and CrossCountry.

Main Stops

When travelling with CrossCountry from Oxford to Manchester Piccadilly, the direct service will typically call at Banbury, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Birmingham International, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke-On-Trent, Macclesfield, and Stockport. Exact stops may vary depending on routes and timetables.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

After taking the CrossCountry train from Oxford to Manchester, you will arrive at Manchester Piccadilly.

This central Manchester station is a significant regional rail terminus in the northwest of England. Situated to the south of the city, Manchester Piccadilly provides excellent local transport connections around Manchester.

Only a few minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Gardens and other top city attractions, the station is an ideal arrival point for a day of culture and heritage. From Manchester Piccadilly, use local bus routes from directly outside the station to get around the city, or hop aboard the Manchester 'Metrolink' tram network.

Upon arrival at the station, you’ll have access to an array of facilities to welcome you in style. If you need to decompress before leaving the station, use well-provisioned waiting areas, and find all the facilities you might need from accessible toilets to refreshment counters.

Manchester Piccadilly takes passengers on high-speed services to London Euston, Sheffield, Norwich, Liverpool Lime Street, and other major destinations. Travel with CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern, and East Midlands Railway.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Affordable travel from Oxford to Manchester with CrossCountry is available when you choose Standard Class tickets. Enjoy a comfortable travel experience, featuring plug sockets, optional tables, and free onboard Wi-Fi.
• First Class: For a luxurious trip to Manchester, upgrade to an Oxford to Manchester Piccadilly First Class ticket. Passengers in First Class benefit from wide reclining seats and individual tables for the most relaxing trip possible.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: Take up to three items of luggage on CrossCountry trains at no extra cost. No need to limit yourself when packing for your trip from Oxford to Manchester: bring one small bag, one cabin-size case, and one large suitcase.
• Bicycles: For passengers travelling to Manchester with a bike, please reserve a space online before departure.
• Pets: Up to two pets are allowed per passenger for free. Note: dogs should be held on a lead and other animals should be in a secure carrier.
• Children: Under 5s travel free with CrossCountry when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Children aged 5 to 15 also get a 50% discount, ensuring family getaways cost less.
• Passenger Assist: If you want help with your journey, book Passenger Assist at least two hours before your train departs.

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