Banbury rail station’s west car park has reopened ahead of the Christmas and New Year peak, as Oxfordshire County Council completes the latest phase of its access improvements on the station approaches. The project adds a new southern link via Tramway Road, with new footways, cycleways, bus stops and resurfacing to make station trips safer and smoother on foot, by bike, bus and car.
Cllr Judy Roberts, Cabinet Member for Place, Environment & Climate Action:
“I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to reach this milestone in this much needed project for Banbury. Residents now have more choice in how they access Banbury Rail Station and, crucially, we’ve made it possible to improve bus access in the new year.
“If you are walking, cycling or wheeling, new footpaths and cycleways will make journeys safer. In the new year, the B3, 489 and 499 buses routes will begin stopping outside and we will complete work on an extra passenger drop off facility.
“Our ambition has always been to make it easier to get to Banbury Rail Station and take the train onwards and this new travel hub will make a positive difference to station users into the new year and beyond.”
What’s changed
- New access from the south: drivers can enter the west car park from Tramway Road via a new mini-roundabout. Drop-off is available on Tramway Road. Station Approach Road (north) and the station forecourt are also open for drop-off and parking.
- Upgrades delivered: new drainage, surfacing, lighting, fencing and landscaping in the west car park (Area A), along Station Approach Road north and across the forecourt.
- Bus gate now live: a signed ‘bus gate’ on Station Approach Road north restricts general traffic between Tramway Road and Bridge Street; follow new signage on approach.
- Parking capacity (west): 118 standard bays, 4 disabled bays and 3 enlarged bays at the back of the station.
Buses stopping at the station (from Sun 4 January 2026)
Stagecoach has confirmed the B3 and 488/489 services will call at the Banbury rail station forecourt from Sunday 4 January 2026. Check Stagecoach for the latest timetables and any festive service variations.
What’s next
- Extra drop-off bays: the county council has completed designs for a new drop-off area south of the roundabout (six bays plus one Blue Badge bay), subject to land agreements; targeted build spring 2026.
- Station improvements: Chiltern Railways has recently opened new toilets and a new café, and completed a painting programme, part of a wider station refresh.
How to access the station
- By car: use the new route via Tramway Road for the west car park and drop-off. You can also enter from Bridge Street to reach the north and east drop-off areas (the north entrance is closest to the station doors).
- On foot/wheel/cycle: new footpaths and cycleways link Tramway Road to the station frontage.
- By bus (from 4 Jan): look for B3 and 488/489 calling at the station forecourt (Stagecoach updates and journey planner provide live times).
Plan and updates
- Project hub (OCC): oxfordshire.gov.uk/banburystation — scheme overview, phasing and contacts.
- Latest bus info: Stagecoach service updates and timetables for Banbury routes.
- Chiltern Railways: station improvement updates and travel advice for Banbury.
Note: Some restrictions (including the bus gate on Station Approach Road north) are now in force; please follow new signage and road markings when approaching the station.
At a glance (quick facts)
- West car park open; access via Tramway Road mini-roundabout.
- Drop-off: Tramway Road, station forecourt, and north/east sides.
- Bus gate active on Station Approach Road north; general traffic restricted.
- Buses at station from 4 Jan 2026: B3, 488/489 (Stagecoach).
- Next phase: additional drop-off bays (subject to land), targeted spring 2026.
If you spot anything that looks unclear on the ground, or need accessibility information, use the OCC project contact on the scheme page above.
