- Must visit
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
The university’s flagship museum presents natural history collections in a spectacular neo-Gothic hall, ideal for science and architecture lovers.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
2 h 9 m
Average duration
2 h 20 m
Trains per day
10
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 $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Oxford without transferring at least once.
G15006 · G14900 · C47837
W34974 · G14899 · C01012
W35432+
G00706
G15041+
G00701
W35431 · C01003
G15040 · G15058
G15178 · G14897 · W34865
G15006 · G14900 · C47837
W34974 · G14899 · C01012
G15001 · G14896 · C01013Omio 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 $62.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $37 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 $71 (€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 $71 (€59) compared to roughly $37 (€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 tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35431 · C01003 | 5:07 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h45 | 7:52 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15040 · G15058 | 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 8:33 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15001 · G14896 · C01013 | 6:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h23 | 8:51 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G15178 · G14897 · W34865 | 6:57 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h21 | 9:18 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
W35167+ G00698 | 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h47 | 10:10 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15184 · G15062 | 8:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h26 | 10:26 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15041+ G00701 | 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h52 | 11:10 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
W34974 · G14899 · C01012 | 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h23 | 10:50 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
W35432+ G00706 | 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h50 | 12:09 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
G15006 · G14900 · C47837 | 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h23 | 11:51 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
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 $62 (€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 $62 (€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’s flagship museum presents natural history collections in a spectacular neo-Gothic hall, ideal for science and architecture lovers.
World-famous museum of archaeology and anthropology with remarkable collections from ancient Egypt to Pacific cultures.
Britain’s oldest public museum displays global art and archaeology, including classical sculpture, paintings, and Egyptian antiquities.
Oxford’s historic main street is lined with colleges, churches, and grand facades, making it essential for first-time visitors.
A central square framed by the Bodleian, Radcliffe Camera, and university buildings, offering one of Oxford’s defining views.
A peaceful riverside path popular for walking and punting views, giving a greener, more local side of Oxford.
A hearty Oxfordshire sausage made with pork and veal, often seasoned with lemon and herbs. It is a long-standing county specialty linked to local butchers.
A rustic Oxfordshire pie of seasoned pork, bacon, apples and cider. It reflects the county's farming traditions and classic English pub cooking.
A rich fruit cake from nearby Banbury, filled with currants, raisins and spice. It is one of Oxfordshire's best-known historic baked treats.
Elegant fine dining restaurant known for seasonal British tasting menus and polished service in a refined city-centre setting.
Historic riverside pub with a strong reputation for cask ales and classic British dishes in a traditional and atmospheric setting.
Historic covered market institution serving Oxford sausages, breakfasts and traditional British comfort food in a casual setting.
Oxford is pricier than many UK cities, with higher hotel and dining costs. Transit is manageable, but central accommodation and tourist-area meals raise daily budgets.
Restaurants may add 10-12.5% service; if not, tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional, usually small change.
Official public transport app
Oxford Railway Station -> Oxford City Centre
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.

Most Cardiff to Oxford trains use the Cardiff Central to Oxford station pair, with some services arriving at Oxford Parkway. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Oxford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Oxford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Oxford.
Wi-Fi is available at Oxford. ATMs are available at Oxford.
Ticket office support is available at Oxford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Oxford: Parking, WC.
Available at Oxford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oxford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and an overbridge to access platform 4. Safety warning - Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please request staff assistance or call our free help line for, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Situated by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Oxford Parkway is 5 km from Oxford city centre. Public transport options include:
Oxford Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Oxford Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Oxford Parkway. ATMs are available at Oxford Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Oxford Parkway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03456 005 165, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Oxford Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Oxford Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oxford Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to platforms via lifts, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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