How to Book Train Travel From Cambridge to Oxford

Since the 1967 dismantling of the Varsity Line, which offered direct rail service between two of England's greatest universities, travel between Cambridge and Oxford has become a bit inconvenient. A recent study has been commissioned by the British government to see if reopening the line would be worthwhile, but until that happens, a combination of bus and train travel is the quickest way to travel between the cities. Read on to learn how to book train travel from Cambridge to Oxford.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Computer With Internet Access

Instructions

Book Train Travel From Cambridge to Oxford

1. Choose a combination of train travel and bus travel, offered as a package by First Great Western Railway. Using the Cross Country X5 Stagecoach service will stretch out the time of travel to more than three hours. You can also book train travel from Cambridge to Oxford by calling Rail Europe at (888) 382-RAIL or by visiting the link below.

2. Book train travel from Cambridge to London, and then from London to Oxford. Both legs of the journey only take about an hour, but you may have to switch stations in London, which means a cab ride across town.

3. Commission a travel agent to examine the easiest way to get from Cambridge to Oxford by train and to book the travel for you.

4. Consider buying a rail pass to use throughout England, which will allow unlimited travel over a certain time period, so you can be flexible with your itinerary.

5. Buy tickets for each leg of your journey at the Kings Cross and Paddington stations, using either the ticket counters or automated machines. This will work best during non-peak hours.

Get to Oxford From Cambridge by Train

1. Choose first-class accommodations for your train trip from Cambridge to Kings Cross Station in London, since you may need to relax before your transfer between the two rail stations.

2. Take a London city bus or taxicab to get from Kings Cross Station to Paddington Station, where you'll catch your train to Oxford. The distance between the stations is three to four miles depending upon route, although traffic in London can get quite heavy.

3. Relax on the final leg of your journey by taking the train from Paddington Station to Oxford.

Tips & Warnings

• Since you'll be changing modes of transportation often no matter how you get from Cambridge to Oxford, it would be wise to travel lightly by leaving the bulk of your belongings at a locker at one of the train stations.