Can I get a seat on the train in Banbury or Oxford Parkway?

[hg1970]

Hi there

I'm thinking of moving out of London to commute. I want to be sure I can get a seat on the train. Is Banbury a safe bet for this? I travel between 7 and 8

Alternatively, what about Oxford Parkway?

Any other suggestions appreciated. I don't want to spend more than 1hr and 1/4 on the train

As of 6 months ago (when I stopped commuting) I could always get a seat at Banbury. It is the last stop where you can guarantee it - at Bicester it's about 50/50. The fast train which is 7.10 I think, takes an hour.
It's expensive but very good and reliable with free, strong wifi which works about 80-90% of the time, better than Virgin.
Have not commuted from Oxford.

Hi there
I commute daily from Banbury to London Marylebone. I get the 724 but also sometimes the 630 or 803.
I always get a seat (usually two to myself).
I catch the 445, 515, 545 and later trains home in evening- again I always get a seat unless there has been a cancellation or some issue but even then tend to get one. On way home t's busier and you will have someone sitting beside you.
Service is really reliable- hardly ever cancelled and a very comfy train.
Sometimes runs a bit late leaving Banbury in morning but generally leaves Marylebone on time.

Its about £5500 a year so I really wanted to make sure that I would always get a seat before making the move out of London to Banbury.

We did a 'dummy run' where we stayed in a hotel one night during week in Banbury so that we could try out the commute. We chatted to some people on the train and it gave us a good feeling about the train.

I have been doing it for 12 months ow. I have to get to Holborn from Marylebone which does make my journey that bit longer so depends on where in London you need to get to.

Wifi on train is decent- you can pretty much do work emails the whole way.

Hope this helps!