Banbury to Cambridge train with Thameslink

Wed 23 Sept
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CrossCountry
Thameslink
Chiltern Railways
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Thameslink
Chiltern Railways
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Banbury to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Banbury to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £66 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £66, while a train costs an average of £80.

Distance: 101 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£80

Average Price

£66

Average Price

Cheapest

£21

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

3h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 56m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Thameslink

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Banbury to Cambridge is a coach with an average price of £66.

This is compared to other travel options from Banbury to Cambridge:

A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Banbury to Cambridge costing on average £80.

The fastest way to travel from Banbury to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 2h 37m.

Other travel options to Cambridge take longer:

Coach takes on average 3h 41m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Banbury and Cambridge including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £80 compared to roughly £21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-59.65. The journey takes 2h 37m versus 1h 56m 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 prices and tickets Banbury to Cambridge by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Banbury to Cambridge trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Thameslink or Chiltern Railways offer trains services from Banbury to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Banbury to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Chiltern Railways to find the best option for your trip from Banbury to Cambridge.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Banbury to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Chiltern Railways to find the best option for your trip from Banbury to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Banbury to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Banbury to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Banbury to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £80 but you can travel from only £44 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:38, the last at 22:22. The fastest train covers the 101 km distance in 2h 18m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £44
Distance
101 km
Average train duration
2h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
£80
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 18m
First train
4:38
Last train
22:22
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £44

Train companies: Thameslink, CrossCountry, Chiltern Railways from Banbury to Cambridge trainsThameslink, CrossCountry, Chiltern Railways trains will get you between Banbury and Cambridge from £44. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£80
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Chiltern Railways

About
Chiltern Railways is a regional train company in the United Kingdom. Check the different ticket types for your next journey: Duo, Anytime, Season, Super Off Peak, Off Peak and Advance. It operates services from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, Banbury, Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Stratford-upon-Avon. It also runs services from Birmingham Moor Street to Stratford-upon-Avon. Chiltern Railways offers a range of train types, including InterCity 125, Class 165 and Class 168 trains. These trains are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. The company offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include a café bar, a shop, and a quiet coach. The most popular routes for Chiltern Railways are London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill, Oxford, and High Wycombe.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Chiltern Railways Duration
2h 18m
Cheapest Chiltern Railways Price
£80
Chiltern Railways frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for £3. Free for Advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs allowed with lead
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£80
Thameslink frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cambridge

Things to do in Cambridge

Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.

  • Must visit

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.

  • Recommended

Kettle's Yard

Contemporary art gallery in a former chapel, showing changing exhibitions by modern and international artists near the city centre.

  • Recommended

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

Museum of Earth sciences with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals. Compact, family-friendly, and useful for a rainy day.

Pound sterling (£)

Cambridge is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are above average, but walking and buses help keep transport costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for fine dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.

FAQs: Banbury to Cambridge train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Banbury to Cambridge 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 Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Banbury to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £80, while the average price tends to be around £80.
The train journey from Banbury to Cambridge covers a distance of 101 km and takes approximately 2h 18m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Banbury to Cambridge is 101 km.
The first train from Banbury to Cambridge leaves at 4:38.
The last train from Banbury to Cambridge departs at 22:22.
Trains from Banbury to Cambridge run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Banbury to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Banbury to Cambridge.
To get from Banbury to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Banbury to Cambridge.
The train station in Banbury that goes to Cambridge is Banbury station (BAN), and it arrives at Cambridge South.
The cheapest way to get from Banbury to Cambridge is by coach, costing approximately £44.
Booking trains from Banbury to Cambridge in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Banbury to Cambridge offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills, lush fields, and quaint villages, though it may not be considered exceptionally scenic compared to more renowned routes.
A day trip from Banbury to Cambridge is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 18m. There are 5 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 101 km.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Banbury to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Banbury and Cambridge

Most Banbury to Cambridge trains use the Banbury to Cambridge South station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge. Use this guide to compare Banbury and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Banbury
Arrival train stations in Cambridge

Which Banbury station do trains to Cambridge leave from?

Trains from Banbury to Cambridge leave from Banbury. The station is 1 km from Banbury city centre at Banbury station, Station Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AB.
BanburyBanbury station, Station Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AB+44 3456005165WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Banbury from Banbury city centre

BusB9 · 9m · £2 · every ~12 min
Mrt1 · 25m

Banbury train station facilities and services

Banbury has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Banbury.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Banbury. ATMs are available at Banbury.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Banbury.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Banbury: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Banbury: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Banbury: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 00:15 Saturday 05:00 - 00:15 Sunday 08:00 - 00:20, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Banbury to Cambridge

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