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Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Cardiff to Oxford. Traveling by train from Cardiff to Oxford usually takes 2 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Great Western Railway train can make the trip in one hour and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 85 mi (136 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 34m |
| Lowest price | $46.50 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Oxford?
2 train services operate from Cardiff to Oxford. Great Western Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway | 7 | 2h 2m | $66.54 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 1 | 2h 44m | $132.02 |
Great Western Railway is a train company in the United Kingdom responsible for rail services in the west of England and south Wales, including many intercity services to and from London. Whether you book a seat on a standard or first-class carriage, you can expect plenty of legroom, complimentary WiFi, power outlets/USB charging points, and onboard restrooms. There are also café cars or snacks trolleys onboard.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Oxford start from $132, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Oxford. Great Western Railway + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Oxford trains arrive at Oxford Train Station .
From Cardiff to Oxford train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 2 hours and 44 minutes. If you are looking to get to Oxford faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 34 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains departing from Cardiff to Oxford tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Cardiff at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Oxford to Cardiff.
City Information
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
Oxford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Although Oxford is probably best known for its world-class university and the famous Bodleian library, there is much more to the city than just academia. On a sunny day, take a punt down the River Cherwell at the Cherwell Boathouse, but make sure to book in advance if you'd like a chauffeur.
If the weather is less favorable, visit the famous Oxford Covered Market, where you can wander through over 55 shops in the 18th-century building. Oxford is also home to several museums, including the famous Ashmolean Museum that has been around since 1683. The Ashmolean mainly showcases art and archaeology; however, if that's not your style, alternatives include the Museum of Natural History or the Museum of History and Science.
If you'd prefer to experience history first-hand, visit Oxford Castle, a building that has been in existence for over 1,000 years. Guided tours are available where you can hear stories of the castle's inhabitants and its fascinating history.
National Express and Megabus provide access to Oxford from London and other cities, while frequent train service is also available.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the largest and busiest rail terminal in Wales and one of two primary train stations in Cardiff. A registered historic building, it first opened in 1850 but is known for its art deco concourse and north entrance, both added in the 1930s. Most facilities are in the main concourse, including ATMs, food outlets, and a newsagent. Transport for Wales operates services to south, central, and north Wales, while Cross Country runs hourly services to Gloucester, Birmingham, and Derby. Great Western operates the route to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
All train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
Where is the train station in Oxford?
Main arrival station: Oxford Train Station
Oxford Train Station is the starting point for trains to London operated by Great Western and Chiltern Railways. Cross Country services to Manchester and Newcastle Upon Tyne also stop at the station, alongside local and regional services. Be careful not to confuse the Oxford station with Oxford Parkway Station, located much further outside of the city. Oxford Train Station is on Park End Street, and the building is relatively small. However, it does offer amenities like restrooms and a limited choice of food outlets in the main waiting area and ticket hall. There is an additional waiting room for the furthest platforms accessed via a pedestrian bridge. Frequent buses depart from the bus stop directly in front of the station, connecting travelers to local and intercity services.
All train stations in Oxford:
Oxford Train Station
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