Trains

Oxford has two rail stations, Oxford and Oxford Parkway; and three rail companies operate out of them, GWR, Chiltern Railways and CrossCountry. Trains run between Oxford’s stations and cities like London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, and Bournemouth - as well as towns like Bicester, Banbury and Didcot. And lots of places in between!

Check the National Rail site or Trainline to see what trains are available, ticket prices and live departure times.

See National Rail’s guide to saving money on tickets for some tips on getting the best deals. In general, traveling in Off-Peak times (after 9:30am on weekdays in large cities and towns and after 9:00am on weekdays elsewhere; or anytime on the weekend) is much cheaper, and booking ahead when possible can be a good way to save money.

Season tickets

If you travel frequently between the same two stations, a season ticket might suit you. Perfect for commuters! 

You can get Flexi Season tickets (valid for travel on any 8 days within a 28-day period), 7-Day Season tickets (valid for 7 consecutive days), Monthly Season tickets (valid for a full calendar month), Custom Season tickets (for longer than a month at the same discounted rate), and Annual Season tickets (a better value than monthly tickets if you need 10 months or more of travel). 

Use National Rail’s season ticket calculator to see which ticket is appropriate for the amount of traveling you do and how much it costs.

Railcards

National Rail also offers a variety of railcards - including the Two Together Railcard, the 16-25 and 26-30 Railcards, and railcards for seniors, disabled people and veterans - that save you 1/3 on tickets. Railcards usually pay for themselves in just a few rides. However, railcards can only be used during Off-Peak times.

Sites offering cheaper tickets 

Railsmartr has great tips on train travel, and offers cheaper fares using split tickets (e.g. buying two tickets for part of the journey each) with no booking fees.

Trainline has an option for slower trains and trains on alternative routes that may be cheaper. You can also compare ticket types to find the best deal.

Virgin Trains Ticketing has just launched. It has no booking fees, plus a rewards scheme and other ways to save money.

Concessionary fares

For £20, you can get 1/3 off the price of rail travel for you and an adult companion with a Disabled Persons Railcard. If you are travelling in a wheelchair or are blind/visually impaired, you and an adult companion can receive this discount without purchasing a railcard. Assistance dogs travel for free on all trains.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

The Oxford Railway Station is fully accessible, with step-free access to all platforms, accessible toilets, induction loop service and a ramp to board trains.

Most trains can accommodate some kinds of wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Check with the company whose train you are riding on to verify that your wheelchair or scooter will fit.

Because there are a limited number of wheelchair/scooter accessible spaces on any given train, it is recommended to make a free seat reservation when purchasing your ticket.

Passenger assist

Need extra help on your journey? Passenger Assist can help you navigate the station, get on or off your train, carry your bags or get a card that allows your assistance dog to ride under an empty seat next to you.

If you have a non-visible disability, you can also use a Sunflower lanyard to discretely request help from staff.

Tickets

You can save 1/3 on tickets without having to buy a railcard simply by buying a group ticket and traveling together. Group tickets are good for 3 or more people. 

You can also buy a Family & Friends railcard for up to four adults travelling with up to four kids, which saves you 1/3 off of adult tickets and 60% off for kids.

Prams and buggies

Prams and buggies will generally need to be folded and stored in the train car's luggage racks. Because of this, you may want to bring a carrier or sling if you have a small baby.

Walking, cycling or scooting

Walking or cycling to and from the station is a great way to add some movement into your day, as well as save you money on your travel. And scooters can be a convenient way of travelling the final stretch in Oxford. You can usually hire a Voi scooter right at Oxford Station!

Cycles can be stored at both stations, and folding bikes are a great option for commuters as you can bring them on the train during peak and off-peak services. Many train operators also allow you to bring a standard bicycle on the train, as long as it is left in the designated area and you reserve a space when buying your ticket. Check with your train company for their specific policy.

Bike rentals are also available at Oxford Station from Byke, which offers standard bikes, and Brompton Bike Hire, which offers folding bikes.

Taking the bus

If you add PlusBus to your ticket when buying it, you can also get a day pass for unlimited bus travel once you arrive at your destination; and/or for your bus trips to and from the station. Or see our bus page for other ticket options for riding in Oxford.

Parking

If you’d rather park and ride, car parking is available at most stations for a fee.

For loads more information, tips, discounts and insider info on travelling by train, check out The Man in Seat Sixty-One website. Not only will you learn about local services but find advice on train travel all over the world. A mine of information for people with all different requirements and needs.

A new East West rail line is scheduled to open in 2025 from Oxford to Milton Keynes, via Bletchley and Winslow.

Oxford City Council is currently reviewing ways to reopen a passenger service on the Cowley Branch Line, including building stations in Littlemore and Cowley. Check out the page on the Oxford City Council website for more information.