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Reading to Oxford train ticket prices
€9.16
On Sat 26
Reading to Oxford train timetable
The journey from Reading to Oxford on the fastest train in 22m, usually 24m. Each day, 64 trains leave from Reading, starting at 00:07 and ending at 23:32. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:49 Reading | 27m, Direct | 17:16 Oxford | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:15 Reading | 24m, Direct | 17:39 Oxford | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:45 Reading | 24m, Direct | 18:09 Oxford | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:01 Reading | 23m, Direct | 18:24 Oxford | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:15 Reading | 23m, Direct | 18:38 Oxford | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Reading to Oxford train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Reading 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 vs Great Western Railway: Which one to choose?
Reading and Oxford are linked by approximately 69 direct trains every day, covering around 24 miles. Journey times range from just 22 to 32 minutes, making this one of the quickest intercity rail connections in the Thames Valley.
The table below compares the two operators to help you decide which service best suits your journey.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CrossCountry | 24 mins | Reading | Fast journeys and long-distance connections | Free Wi-Fi, power sockets, First Class seating |
Great Western Railway | 26 mins | Reading | Frequent departures and value Advance fares | Free Wi-Fi, power sockets, trolley catering on selected services |
- Speed: CrossCountry services are a few minutes faster, with average journey times of 22–25 minutes compared with GWR's 24–32 minutes.
- Ticket value: GWR offers more competitive Advance fares, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious travellers who book ahead.
Train travel from Reading to Oxford
Although the journey lasts less than half an hour, it links two of England's busiest rail hubs and follows part of the historic Great Western Main Line before branching toward Oxford.
Departure from Reading
Specific transport links
- Reading Buses: Frequent routes including Emerald 5, Purple 17 and Claret 21 stop directly outside the main station entrances.
- RailAir coach: The RA1 RailAir service links Reading station with Heathrow Airport.
- Elizabeth line: Direct Elizabeth line services connect Reading with central London.
Station layout
- Main departure platforms: Direct trains to Oxford most leave from Platforms 7, 8, 10 or 11.
- Ticket gates: The main concourse contains automatic ticket barriers, staffed information points and departure boards displaying real-time platform information.
Pre-departure essentials
M&S Simply Food and WHSmith are ideal for picking up snacks or a meal deal, while Starbucks, Costa Coffee and The Pasty Shop offer hot drinks and freshly prepared food close to the main concourse and departure platforms.
Onboard trains from Reading to Oxford
The 24-mile journey can take as little as 22 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of up to 125 mph on sections of the Great Western Main Line.
The scenic side
- Sit on the left-hand side to enjoy the best views across stretches of the Thames Valley, open countryside and waterways as the train approaches Oxfordshire.
- Sit on the right-hand side for views of residential communities, rolling hills and the initial sections of the busy Great Western Main Line.
Key landmarks
- River Thames: Sections of the route run close to the River Thames, offering attractive riverside scenery before the train heads further into Oxfordshire.
- Goring Gap: This picturesque valley marks the point where the Chiltern Hills meet the North Wessex Downs.
- Didcot Parkway: One of the region's busiest railway junctions, Didcot Parkway serves as an important interchange for services across southern England.
- Didcot Railway Centre: Watch for preserved steam locomotives, historic signal boxes and heritage railway buildings located beside the main line near Didcot.
Arriving at Oxford
Oxford station welcomes more than 8 million passengers every year and sits only around 0.5 miles from the historic city centre.
The correct exit
- Main station exit: Leave through the main ticket barriers onto the front forecourt for the quickest route towards the city centre, colleges and museums.
- West exit: Use the western exit if you're heading towards Osney, nearby residential areas or long-stay car parking facilities.
- Taxi rank: Licensed black cabs wait immediately outside the main entrance, providing direct transport throughout Oxford and neighbouring towns.
Onward travel
- Oxford Bus Company: Frequent buses depart from stops immediately outside the station, serving the city centre, Headington, Cowley and other key destinations.
- Stagecoach Oxfordshire: High-frequency local and regional routes connect the station with surrounding neighbourhoods and nearby towns.
- Gloucester Green Bus Station: Around a 10-minute walk away, this coach hub provides regional and long-distance bus services across the UK.
- Local taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout the day from the station forecourt, particularly useful for luggage or destinations outside the city centre.
Walkability
From the station, a mostly flat walk along Park End Street brings you into the city centre in around 10 minutes. Popular attractions, including the University of Oxford colleges, the Covered Market, the Ashmolean Museum and Broad Street, can all be reached on foot, making public transport unnecessary for many visitors.
Why book Reading to Oxford trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Reading to Oxford start from just €9.16 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Great Western Railway, CrossCountry on the Reading to Oxford route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Reading to Oxford train travel guide
The train journey from Reading to Oxford combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Reading, you can get to Oxford in just 22m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Reading to Oxford?
The average fare from Reading to Oxford is approximately €9.16, 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 Reading to Oxford by train?
What is the fastest train from Reading to Oxford?
The fastest train journey time from Reading to Oxford is 22m . 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 Reading to Oxford?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Reading to Oxford. 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.
Is it worth taking a train from Reading to Oxford?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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 Reading to Oxford trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Reading to Oxford 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.
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 Reading to Oxford trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading 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?
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 Reading to Oxford route?
The route from Reading to Oxford is operated by Great Western Railway. 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
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
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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Reading to Oxford train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
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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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