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Birmingham New Street to Cambridge train ticket prices
€21.45
On Thu 20 Aug
Birmingham New Street to Cambridge train timetable
The journey from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge on the fastest train in 2h 40m, usually 2h 56m. Each day, 34 trains leave from Birmingham New Street, starting at 05:19 and ending at 23:11. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:47 Birmingham New Street | 2h 56m, 2 change | 15:43 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
13:22 Birmingham New Street | 2h 41m, Direct | 16:03 Cambridge | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
13:47 Birmingham New Street | 2h 56m, 2 change | 16:43 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
14:22 Birmingham New Street | 2h 47m, Direct | 17:09 Cambridge | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
14:47 Birmingham New Street | 2h 56m, 2 change | 17:43 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
Birmingham New Street to Cambridge train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Onboard experience on CrossCountry trains
CrossCountry runs direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge and operates its Turbostar fleet on the route. This model only has Standard Class. Here's what to expect onboard.
Standard Class | |
|---|---|
Seating | Mainly airline style 2+2 seats, with a few bay seats with tables per carriage. |
Catering | No catering on board |
Reservations | No seat reservations — first-come, first-served on every service |
Power & Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi throughout; plug sockets, USB-A and USB-C ports at every seat on refurbished trains |
- Onboard facilities: Every train has two toilets, including one accessible toilet, and 15 priority seats.
- Passenger assistance: Book at least 2 hours before travel through the Passenger Assistance app, by calling National Rail on 0800 022 3720 (option 1), or by texting 60083 (Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00).
Are there direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
Yes, there are direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge — these are run by CrossCountry with hourly departures throughout the day. The journey takes around 2 hours 40 minutes.
Can I take a bike on the train from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
How much luggage can I take on trains from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
You can take up to three pieces of luggages onboard. Weight and size aren't strictly enforced like they are with airlines, but just be sensible about what you take with you — bags cannot block aisles. You can store luggage in the overhead racks or the dedicated luggage areas in each carriage.
CrossCountry trains from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge
Departing from Birmingham New Street
You can easily reach Birmingham New Street from across the city and wider metropolitan area by bus and tram — these stop right outside the station. Useful routes include:
- Midland Metro tram: from Wolverhampton, Brindleyplace and Five Ways — stops at the Grand Central tram stop by the Stephenson Street exit.
- Routes 61 and 63: from the University of Birmingham, Selly Oak, Northfield and Longbridge — stops at Stop NS3 on the Broad Street side.
- Routes 9, 12 and 13: from Bearwood, Oldbury and the West Bromwich direction — stops at Stop SH2 on Smallbrook Queensway.
- Routes 82 and 87: from City Hospital, Smethwick and Oldbury — stops at Stop NS1 on the north side.
- Accessibility: Birmingham New Street has step-free access to all platforms (it's a Category A station) and accessible toilets, a Changing Places toilet and baby changing in the station.
- Amenities: The concourse has free public Wi-Fi, a waiting area, refreshments and shops, with the Grand Central Shopping Centre directly above the station. Toilets are located between platforms 2 and 3a, 10 and 11a, and 10 and 11b.
- Parking: The short-stay car park at Queens Drive (off Hill Street) has 38 spaces — the maximum stay is 4 hours and this costs £12.00. There are 4 Blue Badge spaces in the drop-and-go area at the Hill Street entrance.
- Bikes: There are 58 sheltered spaces in an enclosed cycle pod at Hill Street. This has CCTV and is accessible 24 hours a day. You'll need to apply in advance and have a valid Swift Card.
- Luggage: Left luggage is on the station forecourt, next to the ticket barriers opposite the entrance to platforms 10A and 11A. Opening times are 07:00–23:00 (08:00–22:00 on Sundays).
Onboard trains from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge
- Best side for views: The right-hand side is best as you'll catch views of Stamford town, which is known for its medieval architecture.
- Don't-miss landmark: Approaching Ely, you'll see Ely Cathedral — known as the "Ship of the Fens".
- The "you're nearly there" cue: After Ely, you'll see the spires of King's College Chapel. This signals you're close.
Arriving at Cambridge
From the main exit on Station Road, the city centre — including King's College — is around 20 minutes on foot. When you exit, go straight down Station Road and then turn right onto Hills Road.
If you don't fancy walking to the city centre or you're travelling further afield, you can take a bus from the stops outside the station. Services include:
- Route A from Stop 9: Trumpington Park & Ride, Royal Papworth Hospital and Addenbrooke's, then St Ives, Swavesey and Longstanton Park & Ride along the Busway, and Orchard Park
- Routes U1 and U2 from Stop 8: the city centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital and Madingley Road Park & Ride
- Route 7 from Stop 3: the city centre, Great Shelford, Sawston, Trumpington, Duxford Village and Saffron Walden
- Route X3 from Stop 2: Addenbrooke's, Babraham Road Park & Ride, Huntingdon and Cambourne
- Route 1 from Stop 7: the city centre, Arbury, Kings Hedges and Orchard Park
- Route 13 from Stop 4: Addenbrooke's, Haverhill and Linton (Mon–Sat evenings from this stop)
- Route 132 from Stop 3: Addenbrooke's, Imperial War Museum Duxford and Saffron Walden (daytime Sundays and Bank Holidays only)
- Accessibility: Cambridge is Category A, which means there's step-free access to all platforms. The accessible toilet is by platform 4.
- Amenities: The concourse has free public Wi-Fi, sheltered seating, refreshments and shops.
- Bikes: There are 2850+ free bike spaces spread over three floors, which are fully monitored by CCTV.
Why book Birmingham New Street to Cambridge trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge start from just €21.45 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., Lumo , Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry on the Birmingham New Street to Cambridge route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Birmingham New Street to Cambridge train travel guide
Taking the train from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham New Street, you can arrive at Cambridge in just 2h 40m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
Ticket prices from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge average around €21.45, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
How do I find the best train route from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
What is the fastest train from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
The quickest train journey from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge takes 2h 40m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.

Check timetables and during the journey
Are Birmingham New Street to Cambridge trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Birmingham New Street to Cambridge trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Birmingham New Street to Cambridge trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Birmingham New Street to Cambridge are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.

Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Birmingham New Street to Cambridge route?
The Birmingham New Street to Cambridge route is operated by Lumo . For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Birmingham New Street to Cambridge train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds

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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.





















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