- Must visit
Ashmolean Museum
Oxford’s leading museum of art and archaeology, with Egyptian mummies, classical sculpture and paintings in an elegant university setting.
Cheapest price
£50
Average price
£53
Fastest journey
1 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 4 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
136 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Oxford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Oxford will cost around £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
To travel from Cardiff to Oxford you need to make at least one change.
C42289 · W34539 · W34875
C42289 · C42310
W35172 · C42147 · W34870
W35174 · W35224 · C01014
W35174+
G00700
W35172 · C42147 · W34870
C42289 · W34539 · W34875
W35174 · W35224 · C01014
C42289 · C42310
W35172+
G00859Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Oxford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £10, and a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 136 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£49 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 4h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Oxford trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35166 · G15058 | On time 6:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h41 | 8:32 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35167 · G14897 · W34865 | On time 7:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h55 | 9:18 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
G15041 · G15362 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h40 | 9:58 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15042 · W34472 · G14991 | 8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h41 | 10:19 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
G15042 · G15062 | On time 8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h48 | 10:26 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35432+ G00861 | On time 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h19 | 11:38 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15043 · C47837 | On time 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h02 | 11:51 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15044 · G15066 | On time 10:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h39 | 12:29 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15046 · W34493 · W34889 | On time 12:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h59 | 14:17 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
G15047 · G15070 | On time 12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h39 | 14:29 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35434 · W34498 · W34894 | On time 13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h58 | 15:16 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
W35434+ G00887 | On time 13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h20 | 15:38 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35187 · G15054 · C47841 | On time 13:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h01 | 15:51 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
W35187+ G00718 | On time 13:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h20 | 16:10 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35188 · G14906 · Y15427 | On time 14:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h59 | 16:17 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
G15048 · G15074 | 14:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h36 | 16:30 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15049 · G14908 · G15206 | 15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h05 | 17:23 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
G15049+ G00895 | On time 15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h21 | 17:39 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35194 · W35237 · C01004 | On time 15:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h58 | 17:52 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
W35194+ G00726 | On time 15:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h15 | 18:09 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35435 · C47845 | On time 16:21 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h57 | 18:18 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35196 · G15078 | On time 16:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h39 | 18:29 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35198 · G14910 · C47847 | On time 17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h04 | 19:22 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
W35198+ G00912 | On time 17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h20 | 19:38 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35200 · Y15434 | On time 17:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h55 | 19:45 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15050 · C47848 | On time 18:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h36 | 19:54 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15022 · W34523 · C00994 | On time 18:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h25 | 20:55 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
W35202 · G14912 · W34918 | On time 19:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h59 | 21:17 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
W35202+ G00925 | On time 19:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h20 | 21:38 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35437 · G15086 | On time 20:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h09 | 22:27 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
W35437 · G14913 · W34923 | On time 20:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h59 | 22:17 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
G15051 · Y15441 | On time 21:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h36 | 23:56 Oxford station (OXF) | 1 change | |
G15051 · G14914 · C47853 | On time 21:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h32 | 23:52 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
W35091 · W34531 · W34933 | On time 21:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h09 | 0:39 Oxford station (OXF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Oxford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 136 km distance in 1h 39m.
Distance 136 km |
Average train duration 2h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 1h 39m |
First train 4:40 |
Last train 23:07 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Oxford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Oxford trip today.
Oxford’s leading museum of art and archaeology, with Egyptian mummies, classical sculpture and paintings in an elegant university setting.
A fascinating natural history museum known for dinosaur skeletons, minerals and a dramatic neo-Gothic hall. Great for families and curious adults alike.
A compact museum exploring world cultures through objects from many regions. Thoughtful displays make it a rewarding stop beside the natural history museum.
Oxford’s most famous street, lined with college buildings, churches and historic facades. Ideal for a first walk through the city’s academic heart.
A broad green beside the college, river and cathedral precincts. Popular for peaceful walks, picnics and classic views of Oxford’s historic skyline.
A historic square framed by major university buildings and the Radcliffe Camera. It is one of the city’s most photogenic and recognisable urban spaces.
Oxford sausages are seasoned pork sausages linked to the city since the 18th century, known for savoury herbs and a coarse texture.
Banbury cakes are small oval pastries from nearby Banbury, filled with spiced currants and dried fruit; a long-standing Oxfordshire teatime treat.
Oxford sauce is a traditional dark, spicy table sauce made with malt vinegar, anchovies and spices, historically served with meats and game.
Busy Jericho pub known for Thai food and drinks, with a casual local atmosphere and one of Oxford’s most established dining pubs.
Historic riverside pub serving classic British dishes, local ales and seasonal plates in a traditional, atmospheric setting.
Well-known covered market restaurant focused on British produce, steaks and cocktails in a lively, polished brasserie setting.
Oxford is pricier than many UK cities, with high hotel rates and dining costs, though buses and casual eats are manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, such as small change.
Official public transport app
Oxford Railway Station -> Oxford City Centre
Hopping on the train from Cardiff to Oxford is a breeze, with frequent services and up to 37 departures a day. Each journey can require one to three changes depending on the time of day. On weekends, trains remain frequent but the timetable is slightly altered.
The train from Cardiff to Oxford takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes on average. All journeys require at least 1 transfer calling at Reading, Bath, Swindon, Didcot Parkway or Bristol Parkway.
From Monday to Friday, services commence as early as 5:12 a.m and roughly run twice an hour until 11:27 p.m. On the weekend, the frequency of trains from Cardiff to Oxford are the same, but the times are slightly different.
In order to get the best price for train tickets from Cardiff to Oxford it's best advised to book them at least 3 weeks before departure.
Trains from Cardiff to Oxford depart from Cardiff Central Station, located in the city centre. The station is well connected by public transport from all over the city and surrounding areas.
All trains from Cardiff to Oxford arrive at Oxford Railway Station, situated in the heart of the city. Arrival passengers can walk to their central destination if desired. Or hop on the local transport if preferred. There is also a taxi rank outside the terminal.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Oxford 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 Oxford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Oxford trains use the Cardiff Central to Oxford station pair, with some services arriving at Oxford Parkway. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Oxford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Oxford has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Oxford.
Wi-Fi is available at Oxford. ATMs are available at Oxford.
Ticket office support is available at Oxford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Oxford: Parking, WC.
Available at Oxford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oxford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and an overbridge to access platform 4. Safety warning - Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible Taxis available at this station Please request staff assistance or call our free help line for, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Situated by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Oxford Parkway is 5 km from Oxford city centre. Public transport options include:
Oxford Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Oxford Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Oxford Parkway. ATMs are available at Oxford Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Oxford Parkway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03456 005 165, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Oxford Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Oxford Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oxford Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to platforms via lifts, 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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