The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Oxford
Cheapest price
$69
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
1 h 40 m
Average duration
1 h 57 m
Trains per day
5
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 $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Oxford without transferring at least once.
P22798 · P32682
P22796 · P22587 · P32673
P22795 · P32670
P22797+
C72316
P22796+
C74879
P22795 · P32670
P22796 · P22587 · P32673
P22796+
C74879
P22798 · P32682
P22797+
C72316Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Oxford
Omio 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 €23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 8m. 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 €23, and a train costs an average of €54.
Distance: 84 miles (136 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€58 Average price | €39 Average price Cheapest |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Oxford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Oxford trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P22795 · P32670 | On time 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h40 | 9:58 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
P22796 · P22587 · P32673 | On time 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h46 | 10:24 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
P22796+ C74879 | On time 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h00 | 10:38 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
P22797+ C72316 | On time 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h19 | 11:38 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer | |
P22798 · P32682 | On time 9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h02 | 11:51 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Oxford by train or bus
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.
Jan 20
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Jan 26
Why should you book Cardiff to Oxford trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western offer trains services from Cardiff to Oxford. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Oxford.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Oxford.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Oxford.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cardiff to Oxford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Oxford.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Oxford?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Oxford
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff to Oxford start from as low as $67 (€54) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $71 (€58) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 7 daily trains from Cardiff to Oxford with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 1h 40m but the average duration is 2h 8m
Train Operators
- Travel from Cardiff to Oxford with Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western, and Transport for Wales
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Great Western Rail.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Cardiff Central (CDF) and arrive in Oxford station (OXF)
- First train typically departs at 03:55 AM and the last at 11:07 PM
Distance 84 miles (136 km) |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€54) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 03:55 |
Last train 23:07 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Oxford trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Oxford from $29 (€23). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Oxford
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 07:30 - 20:00 Sunday 07:15 - 20:00 Please note: Reservations and tickets requiring reservations can only be sold between 09:00 and 18:00
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Station Concourse. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From station forecourt in front of station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 20:00 Saturday 06:00 - 20:00 Sunday 07:00 - 16:00
- 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
- Toilets Location: Within the station building
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Dedicated area on station forecourt
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 03456 005 165
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station or from the Park & Ride bus stop.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Oxford
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