Birmingham New Street to Cambridge Trains From €21.45*

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.

• 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. 

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.