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Trip Summary
You can pick from 9 daily train trips between Manchester and Oxford. The average train journey from Manchester to Oxford takes 2 hours and 56 minutes, but some CrossCountry train trips are as short as 2 hours and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 126 mi (203 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 48m |
| Lowest price | $85.75 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Oxford?
2 train services operate from Manchester to Oxford. CrossCountry usually has more trains scheduled, with 8 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 2 | 3h 36m | $159.01 |
| CrossCountry | 8 | 2h 51m | $151.79 |
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail links between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. On any given day, Avanti West Coast operates almost 300 routes and departs hourly from select destinations.
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Manchester to Oxford usually takes about 2 hours and 51 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 8 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Manchester to Oxford are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 9 scheduled trains on most days. 8 of these are direct connections to Oxford. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Oxford to Manchester.
City Information
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
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 Manchester?
Main departure station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
There is one train station in Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
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.
Train stations in Oxford:
Oxford Train Station
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