No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Cambridge to London train ticket prices
€14.20
On Sun 18
Cambridge to London train timetable
From Cambridge to London, take the fastest train in 50m, typically 1h 27m. Daily, 164 trains depart from Cambridge, with the first at 04:29 and the last at 23:58. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:51 Cambridge | 1h 8m, Direct | 17:59 London St. Pancras International | Thameslink | Find tickets |
16:59 Cambridge | 1h 13m, Direct | 18:12 London Liverpool Street | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
16:59 Cambridge | 3h 45m, 3 change | 20:44 London Liverpool Street | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
17:12 Cambridge | 50m, Direct | 18:02 London Kings Cross | Great Northern | Find tickets |
17:17 Cambridge | 3h 54m, 3 change | 21:11 London Liverpool Street | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
Cambridge to London train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Cambridge to London 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.
Great Northern vs Greater Anglia: Which should you choose?
Who you choose to travel with from Cambridge to London will depend on what you value most: speed, affordability or arrival station location.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|
Great Northern | 1h 5m | Speed, Business Travellers | Non-stop service available, most premium feel, power outlets at every seat, First Class available |
Greater Anglia | 1h 20m | Budget Passengers | Free Wi-FI on entire fleet, plug & USB at every seat |
1h 20m | Tourists, City Centre Workers | Service into the heart of the city, First Class available |
- Great Northern: Fastest routes, some as quick as 50m. Trains arrive at Kings Cross. Most spacious seating of these three operators.
- Greater Anglia: Arrives at Liverpool Street. Sometimes half the price compared to trains to Kings Cross, although the journey is slower. Less spacious trains. Wi-Fi and charging points guaranteed at all seats. No First Class available.
- Thameslink: Good choice for tourists or city office workers as St Pancras International and London Bridge routes go straight through the middle of London, with easy Elizabeth Line connections. Modern and spacious, Wi-Fi on most trains. Charging points are usually reserved for First Class. Seats at the rear of the train are declassified, meaning you can get First Class seating on your standard ticket.
Train travel from Cambridge to London
From navigating stations, to choosing a seat and getting to your final destination, train travel can present a lot of challenges when you’re not familiar with the system. But with our train travel tips, you can travel like a local.
Departing from Cambridge Station
Cambridge station is a well-connected transport hub that’s easily reached from the city centre, with the 3, 1 and 7 Citi bus lines making frequent departures to the station. On foot, walk south along Regent Street before turning left onto Station Road to get there in 20–25 minutes. The station is split into a long main platform and a newer ‘island’ platform, both offering step-free access.
- London Kings Cross trains usually depart from Platform 1 or 4, located in the main concourse area. This involves passing the ticket gates located directly ahead as you enter the main entrance.
- Trains to London Liverpool Street are typically found on Platform 7 or 8, which make up the ‘island’ platform. To access these platforms, you must cross a bridge located toward the far end of the main concourse.
Onboard trains from Cambridge to London
The scenery on your Cambridge to London train will vary greatly depending on the route you take – we’ll let you know which is the best side to sit at for each service below:
- Look out for: Welwyn Viaduct about 30–40 minutes into the journey, Alexandra Palace as you approach London and the stunning London skyline as you pass through the northern suburbs. Where to sit: Overall, the right-hand side offers slightly better views of these landmarks, although if you end up on the left, your view of the London skyline will be better.
- Thameslink to London Bridge: Stunning eye-level views of St Paul’s Cathedral, and some of London’s most iconic landmarks to both the left and right as you cross Blackfriars Bridge.
- Look out for: Audley End House after leaving Cambridge, Mountfichet Castle as you pull into Stansted Mountfitchet station and the Lee Valley as you get closer to London.
- Where to sit: Sit on the right for better views of the mansion and castle – the left will offer the best views of the River Lee and its sailing boats, however.
Arriving at London Kings Cross
If you’re arriving at the main hub for transport from Cambridge, London Kings Cross, you’ll likely benefit from a bit of insight before you travel, as this is the busiest arrival point.
How to get to the Tube from London Kings Cross trains
- From Platforms 0–8, walk towards the front of the train and exit through the ticket barriers. You will be facing the escalators and lifts, which will take you right into the main Underground ticket hall.
- From Platforms 9–11, stay on the ground floor and head towards the centre of the concourse, near The Harry Potter shop. There is a large Underground entrance located immediately inside the concourse between Platforms 8 and 9.
If you’re arriving from Cambridge to other London stations, use these quick tips to streamline your arrival:
- London Liverpool Street: Use the Bishopsgate exit for access to the financial district; the Sun Street/Broadgate exit will bring you to Shoreditch or Spitalfields. You’ll also find the Liverpool Street Underground here, with the Elizabeth Line entrance at the Sun Street side of the station.
- St Pancras International: Use the Euston Road exit for access to the main road, or the Pancras Road exit to transfer to Kings Cross. The Kings Cross St Pancras Tube station can be accessed via the middle of the ground-floor shopping arcade, near the Eurostar check-in gates.
Related travel guides
Why book Cambridge to London trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
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 Cambridge to London start from just €14.20 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., Great Northern, Thameslink, Greater Anglia on the Cambridge to London route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Cambridge to London train travel guide
The train journey from Cambridge to London combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Cambridge, you can get to London in just 50m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Cambridge to London?
Ticket prices from Cambridge to London average around €14.20, 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.
What is the best way to travel from Cambridge to London by train?
What is the fastest train from Cambridge to London?
The fastest train journey time from Cambridge to London is 50m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Cambridge to London?
No, there are no direct trains from Cambridge to London. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Cambridge to London?
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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Cambridge to London train timetables?
Cambridge to London trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Cambridge to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cambridge to London 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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Cambridge to London route?
The Cambridge to London route is operated by Great Northern. 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
-
Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
-
Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
-
Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
-
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.
-
Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Cambridge to London train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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.
New user welcome pack