Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways is the green diesel operator from London Marylebone, running via the Chilterns to Oxford, Bicester Village, Aylesbury and Birmingham Moor Street — a relaxed alternative to the Euston and Paddington main lines.
About Chiltern Railways
Marylebone is one of London's smallest and quietest mainline terminals — a calm, walkable contrast to the bigger London stations. Chiltern operates every service from here.
The 2015 Oxford extension via Bicester transformed Chiltern, adding a direct London–Oxford service (around 1 hour) and a 46-minute London–Bicester Village shopping outlet route.
Chiltern is one of the last major diesel operators in the South East — electrification of the main line is planned but not yet funded.
Key Chiltern Railways routes
- Marylebone → Birmingham Moor StreetChiltern main line via Banbury, ~1h 50m
- Marylebone → Oxfordvia Bicester — 1 hour fastest
- Marylebone → AylesburyAylesbury main line via Amersham
- Marylebone → Bicester VillageDirect retail outlet service, 46 min
Major destinations
- Birmingham Moor Street / Snow Hill
- Oxford
- Banbury
- Aylesbury
- High Wycombe
- Bicester Village
FAQs about Chiltern Railways
How do I get from London to Bicester Village?
Chiltern Railways runs direct trains from London Marylebone to Bicester Village in 46 minutes, with services roughly every 30 minutes.
Is Chiltern faster than Avanti to Birmingham?
No — Chiltern takes about 1h 50m from Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street, vs ~1h 20m on Avanti West Coast from Euston. But Chiltern is usually cheaper and more reliable.
Are Chiltern trains diesel or electric?
Diesel. Chiltern operates Class 165 and 168 Turbo units; the Chiltern main line is not yet electrified.