- Recommended
Banbury Museum & Gallery
Local museum in Banbury Museum & Gallery, covering the town’s trade, canal heritage and the Civil War story.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Banbury
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£155
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£155
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
2 h 32 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
2 h 35 m
Trains on 20 Sept
12
Distance
142 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Banbury is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Banbury will cost around £155 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £155.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Banbury you need to make at least one change.
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8:513h05Cardiff11:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change- 10:202h36Cardiff12:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 11:212h35Cardiff13:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 12:202h36Cardiff14:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 13:202h37Cardiff15:57Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 19:202h32Cardiff21:52Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 11:212h35Cardiff13:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 10:202h36Cardiff12:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 12:202h36Cardiff14:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change
- 14:202h36Cardiff16:56Banbury£1551One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Banbury
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Banbury among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £56 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £56, while a train costs an average of £65.
Distance: 142 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£65 Average Price | £56 Average Price Cheapest | £28 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 41m Average total duration Fastest 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration 4h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Banbury is a coach with an average price of £56.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Banbury:
A coach is £10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Banbury costing on average £65.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Banbury is by train with an average journey time of 2h 11m.
Other travel options to Banbury take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Banbury including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (2h 11m by train vs 2h 23m by car). Tickets start at around £65 compared to roughly £28 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Banbury 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.
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20 Sept
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Why should you book Cardiff to Banbury trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway offer trains services from Cardiff to Banbury.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Banbury.
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 Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Banbury.
- 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 Cardiff to Banbury.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Banbury.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Banbury.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Banbury
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Banbury run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £50 but you can travel from only £42 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 47m.
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 £42
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 2h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £50 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 1h 47m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 23:45 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 days |
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 £42
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Banbury trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Banbury from £42. 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
2h 28m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£50
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
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£50
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£50
Great Western Railway frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Banbury
Things to do in Banbury
Discover the best of Banbury — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Banbury trip today.
- Recommended
Tooley's Boatyard Museum
Exhibits traditional narrowboats, canal craft and working boatyard history at a distinctive canal-side heritage site.
The Fusilier Museum Warwick
A family-friendly military museum with uniforms, vehicles and displays on the history of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
- Must visit
Market Place
Historic square and surrounding streets with market activity, heritage buildings and easy access to Banbury’s main sights.
- Recommended
Castle Quay
Canal-side shopping and leisure area with waterside walks, modern public spaces and easy access to the museum and town centre.
- Recommended
Spiceball Country Park
A green riverside park with open lawns, a children’s play area and pleasant walking routes close to central Banbury.
- Vegetarian
Banbury Cake
A spiced fruit pastry linked to Banbury since the 17th century. Its currant filling and oval shape make it the town’s best-known traditional food.
Oxfordshire Fidget Pie
A rich pie of layered meat, suet pastry and spices, long associated with Oxfordshire fairs and rural cooking near Banbury.
Bangers and Mash
A classic pub dish of sausages with mashed potato and onion gravy. It is a staple across Oxfordshire and widely eaten in Banbury.
Easington
Contemporary steakhouse and grill offering steaks, burgers and cocktails in a polished town-centre dining room.
Voujon
Popular modern Indian restaurant serving curries, grills and house specials in a smart but approachable setting.
The Barley Mow
Well-known riverside pub and restaurant near Banbury, valued for British dishes, Sunday roasts and a comfortable country feel.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: rooms, dining and rail are pricier than many UK towns, but Banbury is usually cheaper than Oxford or London for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Tipping in cafés is optional.
MyBus Oxfordshire
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £4.90
To the city centre
Banbury Station -> Banbury Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Adult Stagecoach bus singles in Banbury are capped at £3.00 and Banbury day tickets are £4.90 on bus, according to the current official fare page.
- Banbury local transport is mainly by bus. Check MyBus Oxfordshire for countywide bus maps and tickets before travel.
FAQs: Cardiff to Banbury train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Banbury 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 Banbury, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Banbury can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £50, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Cardiff to Banbury covers a distance of 142 km and takes approximately 1h 47m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Banbury is 142 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Banbury leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Banbury departs at 23:45.
Trains from Cardiff to Banbury run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Banbury.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Banbury.
To get from Cardiff to Banbury, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Banbury.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Banbury is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Banbury station (BAN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Banbury is by coach, costing approximately £42.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Banbury in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Banbury offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring views of the Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque towns as you travel through South Wales and into England.
A day trip from Cardiff to Banbury is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 47m. There are 6 trains per day covering the distance of 142 km.
A stay of two to three days in Banbury is ideal for exploring its historic market town charm, visiting landmarks like Banbury Cross and the Tooley's Boatyard, and enjoying the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Banbury.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Banbury
Most Cardiff to Banbury trains use the Cardiff Central to Banbury station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Banbury train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Banbury
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Banbury station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Banbury arrive at Banbury. Banbury is 1 km from Banbury city centre.
BanburyBanbury station, Station Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 5AB+44 3456005165
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 Cardiff to Banbury
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Banbury and Cardiff
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