- Must visit
Ashmolean Museum
The University of Oxford’s world-famous museum of art and archaeology, known for collections ranging from Ancient Egypt to European painting. A top cultural stop in the city.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
2 h 32 m
Average duration
2 h 41 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Oxford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Oxford will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Oxford without transferring at least once.
W35432 · C47837
W35178 · C01006
GW583600 · G15164 · G15066+
G39027
G15041 · C01012
W35432 · C47837
G15041 · C01012
W35178 · C01006
GW583600 · G15164 · G15066+
G39027Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Oxford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $63.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Oxford:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Oxford costing on average $72 (€59).
Other travel options to Oxford take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 12m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (2h 7m by train vs 2h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $72 (€59) compared to roughly $38 (€31) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Oxford trains for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35431 · C01003 | On time 5:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 7:52 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
V85072 · GW584300 · V85074 · C01013 | On time 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h58 | 8:51 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 3 transfers | |
W45135+ GW584300 · V85074 · V03133 | On time 6:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h22 | 8:32 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 3 transfers | |
V03135 · C01013 | On time 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h27 | 8:51 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
W35167 · G14898 · G15362 | On time 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h35 | 9:58 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
W35167 · G14991 | On time 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h56 | 10:19 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G00938+ GW583900 · W35169 · W34472 | On time 7:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h34 | 10:19 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 4 transfers | |
G15041 · C01012 | On time 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 10:50 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
W35432 · C47837 | On time 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 11:51 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G39027+ GW583600 · G15164 · G15066 | On time 9:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h06 | 12:29 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 3 transfers | |
W35178 · C01006 | On time 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h34 | 12:52 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15045 · C47840 | On time 11:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h34 | 1:52 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15046 · C01005 | On time 12:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h34 | 2:52 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
W35434 · C47841 | On time 1:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h33 | 3:51 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
W35188 · C00993 | On time 2:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h34 | 4:52 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
W35437 · C00995 | On time 8:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h30 | 10:48 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15051 · W34530 · W34932 | On time 9:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 12:39 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cardiff to Oxford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€51) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 84 miles (136 km) distance in 1h 40m.
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average train duration 2h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€51) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 11:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Oxford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Oxford trip today.
The University of Oxford’s world-famous museum of art and archaeology, known for collections ranging from Ancient Egypt to European painting. A top cultural stop in the city.
A distinctive anthropology and archaeology museum celebrated for densely displayed objects from around the world. Its atmospheric interior makes it one of Oxford’s most memorable visits.
A major natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons, scientific specimens, and a striking neo-Gothic hall. Popular with both families and architecture lovers.
Oxford’s most famous street, lined with historic college buildings, churches, and classic views. Ideal for a first walk through the city centre.
One of Oxford’s signature urban spaces, surrounded by the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian buildings, and college architecture. A prime photography location.
A scenic open space with classic views of college buildings, the river, and meadows. One of Oxford’s most photogenic walking areas.
A historic Oxford speciality: richly seasoned pork sausages, traditionally flavoured with herbs and spices, long associated with the city and its pubs.
A regional Oxfordshire pastry from nearby Banbury, filled with spiced currants and dried fruit. It is a classic local sweet treat tied to the county’s baking tradition.
A hearty Oxford institution popularised by historic local dining rooms: slow-cooked beef in rich gravy with dumplings, ideal for traditional English comfort food.
A famous historic pub with a garden by the river, offering classic pub food and a relaxed Oxfordshire countryside feel close to the city.
A long-established fine dining restaurant by the river, respected for refined British cooking and a calm, romantic setting.
A well-known riverside pub outside central Oxford, popular for classic British dishes, Sunday roasts and a scenic traditional atmosphere.
Oxford is pricey by UK standards, driven by high accommodation costs and busy tourist areas, though pubs, chains, and supermarkets help keep food spending manageable.
Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip about 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes; not expected in pubs unless table service.
Official public transport app
Oxford Railway Station, Oxford -> Oxford City Centre, Oxford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Oxford by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Oxford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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