THE first trains will run from the new Oxford Parkway station to London Marylebone on Monday, October 26, Chiltern Railways has revealed today.

It is the first new rail link between a major British city and London in more than 100 years. 

The launch will also see the opening of Bicester Village station, which will provide Bicester with more trains to London in addition to those currently running from Bicester North.

Oxford Parkway is the first new station to open in Oxfordshire since 1944. 

It is positioned next to the Water Eaton park and ride site just off the A34 and close to the A44 so will be easily accessible for road commuters.

The new station will have disabled access, 150 cycle spaces, 800 car parking spaces and access to the buses serving the park and ride site.

Bicester Village station will have two new platforms and a rebuilt car park

Chiltern Rail managing director Rob Brighouse said: "We’re delighted to be able to announce the official opening date for the new Oxford Parkway to London rail link as 26th October. 

"The line will transform travel in Oxfordshire, helping passengers avoid city centre traffic congestion and benefit from more convenient journeys to London via our new stations, Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village station."

A new route from Oxford city station to London Marylebone will be added in Spring 2016 with journey times of less than an hour. 

The project is being delivered in partnership with Network Rail.