- Must visit
Ashmolean Museum
The University of Oxford’s world-famous museum of art and archaeology, known for Egyptian mummies, classical sculpture, and major European paintings.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ely 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 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $31.
Distance: 78 miles (126 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price | $18 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 51m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration 7h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ely to Oxford:
A bus is $37 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ely to Oxford costing on average $55 (€45).
Other travel options to Oxford take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 43m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€45) compared to roughly $35 (€29) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.38 (€-15.92). The journey takes 2h 21m versus 2h 21m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare bus and train 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 Ely to Oxford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $31 (€25) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 21:32. The fastest train covers the 78 miles (126 km) distance in 2h 56m.
Distance 78 miles (126 km) |
Average train duration 2h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $31 (€25) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 9:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 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 Egyptian mummies, classical sculpture, and major European paintings.
A distinctive anthropology museum famed for densely displayed global collections, including masks, tools, textiles, and ceremonial objects.
A landmark Victorian museum with dinosaur skeletons, geology, and zoology collections in an impressive neo-Gothic glass-roofed hall.
Oxford’s grandest historic street, lined with college buildings, churches, and classic skyline views that define the city’s atmosphere.
One of Oxford’s most photographed spaces, surrounded by the Radcliffe Camera, historic colleges, and landmark university buildings.
A classic walking area with paths beside college grounds and rivers, offering postcard views of Oxford’s skyline and meadows.
A traditional pork sausage linked with Oxford since the 18th century, usually seasoned with herbs and spices. It is one of the city’s best-known local specialties.
A spiced, currant-filled puff pastry cake from nearby Banbury in Oxfordshire. It is a classic regional sweet often eaten with tea.
A dark, bitter orange marmalade associated with Oxford traditions and historic college breakfasts. It is a notable local preserve rather than a cooked dish.
A stylish Oxford institution in a Victorian conservatory, known for Mediterranean-influenced cooking, reliable service, and an elegant atmosphere.
An established upscale dining room in a landmark hotel, offering refined British dishes and a classic Oxford setting with a fireplace and terrace.
A historic riverside pub outside the center, known for classic British dishes, Sunday roasts, and a picturesque setting with a traditional atmosphere.
Oxford is pricier than many UK cities, especially for hotels and central dining, though pubs, chains, and supermarkets can keep daily costs manageable.
Service charge of 10-12.5% may be added in restaurants; if not, 10% is typical for good service. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel help are optional.
Official public transport app
Oxford Railway Station, Oxford -> Oxford City Centre, Oxford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ely 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 Ely to Oxford trains use the Ely to Oxford station pair. Use this guide to compare Ely and Oxford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Ely has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Ely.
Wi-Fi is available at Ely.
Ticket office support is available at Ely. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ely: Parking, WC.
Available at Ely: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ely: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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