Getting the train to the University of Oxford: Nearest station, routes & student travel guide

• Nearest train station: Oxford Station
• Station address: Oxford Station, Park End Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HS
• Distance from Oxford University: 0.5 miles (from Wellington Square)
• Onwards travel: 12-minute walk to Wellington Square. Local bus services such as Line 3, 400 or S1 departing at or near the station will take you to various University sites and colleges.
• Station facilities: Free Wi-Fi, ATMs, WHSmith, M&S Simply Food and coffee shops. Accessible toilets, step-free access and lifts to platforms. Lost property office and bike racks.
• Alternative station(s): Oxford Parkway

Oxford Station is the nearest train station to Oxford University and is located to the west of the city, just a 5–15-minute walk to most university colleges and the heart of the historic centre. You’ll also find many different bus routes to take you to specific colleges if you’re travelling with luggage or have mobility needs. Oxford Parkway is located on the northern outskirts of the city and is best for heading to northern sites like the University Science Area.

From London to University of Oxford

• Departing station(s): London Paddington, London Marylebone
• Journey time: From 49 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £25
• First train to Oxford: 05:05
• Last train back to London Paddington: 00:10
• Direct or indirect? Direct trains from London to Oxford are available.
• Connection to the University of Oxford: Walk 10–15 minutes or take a local bus from the station.
• Provider(s): Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways
• Is First Class available? Yes, with Great Western Railway

From Manchester to University of Oxford

• Departing station(s): Manchester Piccadilly
• Journey time: From 2 hr 48 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £16.30
• First train to Oxford: 05:11
• Last train back to Manchester Piccadilly: 21:09
• Direct or indirect? Direct trains from Manchester to Oxford are available.
• Connection to the University of Oxford: Walk 10–15 minutes or take a local bus from the station.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available? Yes

From Birmingham to University of Oxford

• Departing station(s): Birmingham New Street
• Journey time: From 1 hr 12 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £8.70
• First train to Oxford: 06:02
• Last train back to Birmingham New Street: 21:39
• Direct or indirect? Direct trains from Birmingham to Oxford are available.
• Connection to the University of Oxford: Walk 10–15 minutes or take a local bus from the station.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available? Yes

From Edinburgh to University of Oxford

• Departing station(s): Edinburgh Waverley
• Journey time: From 5 hr 36 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £44.80
• First train to Oxford: 06:02
• Last train back to Edinburgh Waverley: 18:11
• Direct or indirect? No direct trains from Edinburgh to Oxford are available; you must change at Birmingham New Street or York.
• Connection to the University of Oxford: Walk 10–15 minutes or take a local bus from the station.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available? Yes

From Leeds to University of Oxford

• Departing station(s): Leeds
• Journey time: From 3 hr 21 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £28.40
• First train to Oxford: 06:11
• Last train back to Leeds: 21:39
• Direct or indirect? No direct trains run from Leeds to Oxford; you must change at Birmingham New Street.
• Connection to the University of Oxford: Walk 10–15 minutes or take a local bus from the station.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available? Yes

London Heathrow to Oxford University

• By Bus: The Airline Coach, National Express (about 1 hr 30 mins)
• By Train: Elizabeth Line/Heathrow Express to London Paddington, Paddington to Oxford (about 1 hr 30 mins)

London Gatwick to Oxford University

• By Bus: The Airline Coach, National Express (about 2 hr 50 mins)
• By Train: GWR train to Reading, Reading to Oxford (about 2 hr 21 mins)

London Stansted to Oxford University

• By Bus: National Express (about 4 hr 15 mins)
• By Train: Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street, Tube to Paddington/Marylebone for train to Oxford (about 2 hr 25 mins)

Every penny counts when you’re a student, and so finding the cheapest train tickets to Oxford University is absolutely vital. We have several tips you can use to save on student train travel below and keep your university budget under control. 

• Book early: If you know exactly when you’ll need to travel, book your train tickets to Oxford as soon as you can. Advance tickets are the cheapest fares, but they sell out quickly – they’re usually released 12 weeks in advance.
• Buy a Railcard: Using a student Railcard can get you 1/3 off train tickets. The 16–25 Railcard is designed for cheap train travel for both students and mature students. If you’re a lecturer, university staff or a part-time mature student, a 26–30 Railcard is also a good choice. 
• Look for Off-Peak tickets: Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak fares offer greater savings on train tickets to Oxford. Check out our train ticket type guide for all the details on different ticket types.
• Check different departure times: Travelling slightly earlier or later can result in significant savings for your journey, so make sure to compare several suitable travel times to find the best deal.
• Consider flexible tickets: Irregular schedules might mean you have to travel at different times each day, so a flexible Anytime ticket may be the best choice. Season tickets (available in Weekly, Monthly or Flexi formats) could also be a suitable option: you can enjoy unlimited travel between two stations for the eligible period.
• Compare return vs single fares: Return tickets aren’t always better value than one-way fares – check all your options to ensure the best deal.
• Book with Trip.com: Compare all ticket options on a single platform and benefit from Split Save fares for the cheapest combined ticket for your route. We help you find the cheapest train tickets to the University of Oxford.

Our absolute essential tips for students taking the train to the University of Oxford will make getting to uni for your classes a breeze. 

Is the University of Oxford within walking distance of the train station?

Yes, the journey from Oxford train station to Oxford University is about 15 minutes on foot, although this can be longer for specific University buildings.

How long does it take to get from the station to campus?

The University of Oxford comprises independent colleges and halls distributed across Oxford city centre and nearby areas, with different travel times applying according to location. Many of the oldest, most famous colleges are found in the medieval centre, while other colleges sit further north or east.

• Turl Street colleges: 16-minute walk or 8 minutes by bus + walk from Oxford station.
• Broad Street colleges: 14-minute walk or 10 minutes by bus + walk from Oxford station.
• High Street & Radcliffe Square colleges: 19-minute walk or 11 minutes by bus + walk from Oxford station.
• St Aldates/Christ Church Meadow colleges: 17-minute walk or 6 minutes by bus + walk from Oxford station.
• Merton Street colleges: 21-minute walk or 11 minutes by bus + walk from Oxford station.
• North Oxford colleges: 15–30-minute walk from Oxford station.
• East Oxford colleges: 20–23-minute walk from Oxford station.

Are there buses/trams from the station to the university?

Yes, there is an extensive bus network in Oxford operated mainly by Stagecoach and the Oxford Bus Company. 

Which station is best for students?

Oxford station is the main central train station and is the best option for the majority of students at the University of Oxford. Oxford Parkway station is not likely to be suitable for students – it’s more useful for day visitors arriving by car from the north.

How much does onward transport cost?

Short hops from Oxford station to the centre cost just £2 with the Oxford Bus Company.

Is the journey accessible for students with mobility requirements?

Yes, Oxford Bus Company buses are fully accessible and are equipped with low-level access from the kerb, ramps and kneeling steps. There are spaces for wheelchairs too, making it suitable for students with additional mobility requirements.

Can I take luggage from the station to university accommodation?

Yes, you can take your luggage on Oxford city buses from the station, but they do not have large luggage holds. If you are travelling with large or heavy luggage, you might prefer to take a taxi to your student accommodation: there is a 24-hour taxi rank located right outside Oxford station.

Which station is easiest for first-time visitors?

Oxford station, the city’s main station, is certainly the easiest station to arrive at for first-time visitors to the University of Oxford. It is central and offers easy access to many of the university’s main sites and buildings. 

Are there late trains back to major cities?

When was Oxford University founded?

The founding date of the University of Oxford is unknown, but evidence shows that teaching took place there as early as 1096. Its known timeline alone makes it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Where is the University of Oxford located?

Oxford University is spread out across the city of Oxford in South East England.

How many colleges are in Oxford University?

The University of Oxford is made up of 43 colleges – 35 of which are independent bodies. Of the remaining 6, 4 are permanent private halls owned by religious organisations, and 3 are societies controlled by the university.

How do I get into the University of Oxford?

Students wishing to attend the University of Oxford must either choose a course and college or make an open application and submit their form through UCAS. You may be required to sit a specialised entrance test or submit projects. You typically need A-level grades ranging from AAA to A*A*A. Shortlisted candidates will need to take part in interviews. 

How many students are at the University of Oxford?

There are over 26,000 students enrolled in Oxford University – around 12,500 undergraduates and just under 14,000 postgraduates.

Whether you’re a prospective student coming to get a feel for the city or a tourist eager to admire Oxford’s academic charm, it’s definitely worth staying for a couple of nights. We’ve gathered our favourite accommodation options for visiting parents, prospective students and tourists for a variety of budgets and needs.

Newton House Oxford

This family-run guesthouse is located in South Oxford, just a 15-minute walk from Christ Church College. You can easily get a bus from Oxford train station, as buses stop right outside on Newton Road, with the journey taking just 13 minutes. 

You’ll enjoy self check-in, private parking and family rooms, with plenty of cafes and attractions nearby. This accommodation is ideal for families and solo visitors alike who wish to stay central and keep costs low. Rooms start at £90 a night.

Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of the historic centre in a beautiful 17th-century coaching inn. You’ll enjoy views of the Examination Halls and Magdalen Tower – meaning you’re just steps from Oxford University’s iconic buildings. Buses from Oxford train station will get you to this hotel in just 10 minutes, or you can opt to stroll through the city and arrive in 22 minutes.

Rooms are spacious, clean and full of historical charm – you’ll find a restaurant and bar onsite for your dining needs. This hotel is an excellent choice for visitors wishing to really experience the city’s historic charm and stay right by some of Oxford University’s most famous buildings. Rooms start at £119.

Royal Oxford Hotel

This hotel is located to the west of Oxford city, just a 4-minute walk from Oxford train station, making it a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to travel too far with their luggage. You’ll get to central University buildings in just a 9-minute walk, so the location is ideal all round. 

You’ll enjoy spacious, clean rooms with friendly, helpful staff at hand to help you with your stay. The location is clearly the highlight here – this hotel is perfect for visitors arriving by train who plan to get around Oxford’s city centre on foot or by bus. Rooms start at £119.

Old Bank Hotel

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious stay, look no further than this 5-star hotel. Located in the thick of Oxford University’s most iconic buildings, you’ll have many of the historic city’s landmarks right on your doorstep. The hotel’s iconic ‘Room with the View’ features a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the High Street. Oxford train station is just an 18-minute walk away, or 7 minutes by bus.

Guests can browse the owner’s sophisticated art collection and the residents' library and indulge in in-room spa treatments. Rooms are clean and spacious, equipped with heated floors and finished with thoughtful details. This is the ultimate choice for luxury-seekers who want a central stay with stunning views. Rooms start at £207 a night.