Cheap train tickets from Oxford to Manchester
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Oxford to Manchester Train Schedule
Trip Summary
There are usually 12 daily train trips available from Oxford to Manchester. Traveling by train from Oxford to Manchester usually takes 3 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest CrossCountry train can make the trip in 2 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 126 mi (203 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 45m |
| Lowest price | $51.46 |
| Trains per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Oxford to Manchester?
2 train services operate from Oxford to Manchester. CrossCountry + Connections 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 4 | 2h 51m | $88.57 |
| CrossCountry + Connections | 8 | 3h 26m | $86.44 |
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 Oxford to Manchester usually takes about 2 hours and 51 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 4 trips on this route every day, and 7 daily trips on weekends.
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Oxford to Manchester start from $53, and on average cost . Daily there are 8 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Manchester. CrossCountry + Connections in Oxford leaves from Oxford Train Station . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Airport and one other train station.
From Oxford to Manchester train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 3 hours and 26 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, CrossCountry + Connections offers 9 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Manchester.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Oxford to Manchester
Trains departing from Oxford to Manchester tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Oxford at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 12 scheduled trains on most days. 4 of these are direct connections to Manchester. 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 Manchester to Oxford.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Oxford?
Main departure 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
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Image credit: North West Transport Photos
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Manchester Airport
Refurbished in 2004 and 2014, Manchester Airport Station is a combined rail, Metrolink tram, and bus station. Referred to as "The Station" on signage, it is linked to the airport terminals by the Sky Link elevated walkway. Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales operate rail services, with destinations including central Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. National Express and Megabus also operate frequent buses to and from the airport. The Metrolink tram connects with Manchester Victoria rail station, located much closer to the center of Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Airport
Manchester Piccadilly
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Need a return trip from Manchester to Oxford?
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