Cambridge to London Trains From £11.00*

Who you choose to travel with from Cambridge to London will depend on what you value most: speed, affordability or arrival station location.

• 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.

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.