- Must visit
Ashmolean Museum
The University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, known for major collections from ancient Egypt to modern art. A top cultural stop in the city center.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
2 h 48 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
203 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Oxford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Oxford will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 23 trains that leave Manchester for Oxford on Tue, May 19, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct trains cover the 203 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 48 m .
On Tue, May 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 49 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
G00997
G01042
W29939
G01027
G01039
G01039
G01042
W29939
G01005
G01009Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 126 miles (203 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$83 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $226 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Manchester to Oxford:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Oxford costing on average $83 (€67).
A bus is $193 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Oxford costing on average $226 (€182).
Other travel options to Oxford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 56m.
Bus takes on average 4h 12m.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (2h 56m by train vs 3h 8m by car). Tickets start at around $83 (€67) compared to roughly $72 (€58) 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.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
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 Manchester to Oxford trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00997 | 5:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h03 | 8:14 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33932 · W33950+ G01000 | 5:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 9:15 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01005 | 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h49 | 11:14 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38870+ C16923+ G01178 | 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h10 | 11:40 AM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01009 | 9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h49 | 12:14 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38873+ C16927+ G01180 | 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h09 | 12:39 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01013 | 10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h49 | 1:14 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01018 | 11:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h50 | 2:15 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38877+ C16936+ G01184 | 11:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h06 | 2:36 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01022 | 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h50 | 3:15 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33925+ C29744+ Tube from London Euston to London Marylebone | 12:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h24 | 4:58 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01024 | 1:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h50 | 4:15 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38880+ C16947+ W29935 | 1:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h10 | 4:40 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01027 | 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h49 | 5:14 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38882+ C16951+ G01186 | 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h11 | 5:41 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01032 | 3:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h50 | 6:15 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38885+ C16956+ W29937 | 3:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h07 | 6:37 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01035 | 4:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h49 | 7:14 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38886+ C16962+ G01188 | 4:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h09 | 7:39 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 2 transfers | |
G01043 | 5:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h50 | 8:15 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01039 | 6:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 9:13 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01042 | 7:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 10:13 PM Oxford station (OXF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Manchester to Oxford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $17 (€13) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 126 miles (203 km) distance in 2h 46m.
Distance 126 miles (203 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 4:20 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 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 museum of art and archaeology, known for major collections from ancient Egypt to modern art. A top cultural stop in the city center.
A distinctive anthropology and archaeology museum famous for densely displayed global collections and atmospheric Victorian cases. Especially popular with first-time visitors.
Oxford’s main natural history museum, celebrated for dinosaur skeletons, scientific specimens, and striking neo-Gothic architecture. A strong choice for families and science fans.
One of Oxford’s signature streets, lined with historic university buildings, bookshops, and classic views. A natural starting point for walking through the old center.
A compact historic square framed by the Radcliffe Camera, colleges, and church architecture. It offers one of the most recognizable city scenes.
One of Oxford’s grandest streets, admired for its elegant curve and concentration of university architecture. It remains a classic route for first-time visitors.
A historic Oxfordshire pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with herbs and spices. It is one of the city’s best-known local specialities.
A famous Oxfordshire pastry from nearby Banbury, filled with currants, spice and citrus peel. It is a classic regional sweet treat often found in Oxford.
A bitter orange marmalade long associated with Oxford breakfast tables, especially through historic local producers. It is a traditional local preserve.
A well-known restaurant by the river, noted for refined British cooking, seasonal menus and a classic Oxford dining experience.
A famous historic riverside pub outside central Oxford, known for classic British dishes, Sunday roasts and a picturesque setting.
A long-established brasserie on Oxford High Street, popular for reliable European dishes, good breakfasts and a lively elegant atmosphere.
Oxford is pricey by UK standards, especially for hotels and central dining, though pubs and chains offer cheaper meals.
Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. No tip needed for pubs unless table service.
Official public transport app
Oxford Railway Station, Oxford -> Gloucester Green Bus Station, Oxford
The train connection between Manchester and Oxford offers a convenient way to travel between these two cities. With services provided by Cross Country and Avanti West Coast, passengers can enjoy comfortable journeys that typically take around 2 hours. The trains are well-equipped with amenities, ensuring a pleasant ride as you traverse the scenic English countryside. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this route provides an efficient option for exploring both destinations.
Traveling from Manchester to Oxford takes approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes. There are 12 connections available each day, all of which are direct services. The journey begins at Manchester Piccadilly and concludes at Oxford station.
The first daily train journey from Manchester to Oxford departs at 05:11, allowing early travelers to start their day. The last departure is scheduled for 20:25, providing a convenient option for those wishing to return later in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for a train from Manchester to Oxford is €44. The average ticket price typically hovers around this amount, making it an accessible option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities in the UK.
The University of Oxford, founded in the 12th century, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Its significance lies not only in its academic excellence but also as a birthplace for numerous influential thinkers and leaders who have shaped history. As you stroll through its historic colleges, you'll notice unique architectural styles that reflect centuries of scholarly tradition.
The Radcliffe Camera, completed in 1749, serves as a stunning centerpiece to Oxford's skyline and functions primarily as a reading room for students at the Bodleian Library. This iconic circular building is significant because it symbolizes both knowledge and enlightenment during an era when education was becoming increasingly accessible. With its striking dome and intricate detailing, it's truly a masterpiece that invites visitors to pause and appreciate its beauty.
The Bodleian Library boasts over 13 million printed items making it one of the largest libraries in Europe; established around 1602, it has been pivotal to research since then. Its historical importance cannot be overstated—housing rare manuscripts dating back centuries makes this library invaluable for scholars worldwide. Unique features like medieval architecture combined with modern technology create an inspiring atmosphere where past meets present seamlessly.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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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