Daily train travel to Oxford for students

Fri 16 Aug 2019, 15:45

Huw, the 16-17 Saver Railcard is going on sale next week - costing £30 a year - and will be valid for travel from September 2nd onwards.

It offers 50% off fares, with no time restrictions, and there is no minimum fare. It can be used to buy season tickets. 

Details at https://www.16-17saver.co.uk

Fri 16 Aug 2019, 15:26

I thought that there was a  Rail Card for 16 to 17 year olds that offered a 50% discount on all fares (including standard peak) .  It was certainly being promoted at the time  that the 2019 rail fares were announced. Was it never introduced?

Thu 1 Aug 2019, 19:46 (last edited on Thu 1 Aug 2019, 19:47)

My son used to go on the train, but once he turned 16 we looked into all the options and now has the Stagecoach Megarider Gold Under 18s season pass. It's a £750 yearly payment (or £230 per term of 13 weeks) but gives him total freedom on all Stagecoach buses in Oxfordshire at any time. It's definitely been worth it for us.

Mon 29 Jul 2019, 06:58

Fast folding bike. 1hr15 in the morning, same as the S3. Fold it up for the train home (£4 with railcard). I’m half joking...

Sun 28 Jul 2019, 23:15

All good stuff, but at the end of the day the most cost effective way into Oxford at peak time in the morning is the 7.30 (ish) S3.  If you prefer a faster journey, pay a premium to travel by train

Sun 28 Jul 2019, 22:41 (last edited on Sun 28 Jul 2019, 22:45)

Lesley, I do understand why the 16-25 Railcard is of no use, which is why I suggested a season ticket or a carnet - and Christine was good enough to give you the costs so you do not need to go to the station to ask. An additional advantage with the season ticket is that your daughter has the ticket available should she wish to socialise or shop on Saturday or Sunday without further travel expense.

Sun 28 Jul 2019, 10:03

When I buy tickets for our Canadian student visitors, for their daily commute to Oxford [ Monday - Thursday, so only 4 days/week] I have found that the best deal is for daily return tickets @ £6.90 with a 33% discount using a ''Cotswold Line card'', costing £8.50 annually = £4.60/day return. 

But

Only valid from the 09:41on weekdays.

Hope helpful 

Sat 27 Jul 2019, 10:39

Thank you for your suggestions. I have already seen everything that can be easily found through a Google search but was hoping that someone may have found something that wasn’t well publicised.

Brian, the point that the 16-25 Railcard doesn’t give a discount for journeys costing under £12 is why it isn’t of any help. Thank you for your suggestions anyway.

Sat 27 Jul 2019, 10:20 (last edited on Sat 27 Jul 2019, 10:43)

The Oxford Carnet costs £81 for 10 return journeys to Oxford from Charlbury. "Carnet ticket available in multiples of 10 for Standard Class Return travel on local journeys to and from Oxford." It can also be bought online. That's £4.05 each way.  

Also, a 7 day season ticket costs £37.10 which might be better on occasions. 

If travelling after 8.25 (unlikely I guess), a Cotswold Railcard (costing £9.95 p.a.) will give 1/3rd off the standard fare into Oxford. 

Sat 27 Jul 2019, 09:54

Lesley,  Surely the '£12 minimum'  does not mean that is the minimum fare for a ticket to Oxford and back - rather that no discount applies to a fare less than £12.

I think the ordinary 'walk up and buy' fare is £9.10 return, with no time constraints.

Why not go down to the station and ask about a season ticket or the 'carnet' scheme that is/was in operation.

Sat 27 Jul 2019, 09:38

Heather - there is a £12 minimum fare before 10.00 am.

Huw - thanks, this is what I feared. The train would have been a great deal more convenient but the bus is definitely cheaper.

Sat 27 Jul 2019, 09:05

It’s adult full fare I am afraid if she is travelling in at peak time. The S3 bus is much better value

Sat 27 Jul 2019, 08:52

Why doesn't the rail card help? 

Sat 27 Jul 2019, 08:42

My daughter (who will be 19 in December) will be travelling into Oxford for college each day from September. We don’t qualify for the college’s travel bursary so can’t get a discounted ticket by that means. A 16-25 Railcard doesn’t help. Has anyone who’s been in a similar position found any option other than a full price adult season ticket? Thanks.