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Cambridge to Manchester train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€37.39
On Tue 20
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Cambridge to Manchester, the fastest train takes 3h 35m with an average travel time of 4h 4m. 64 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:51 and the last at 23:51. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
14:26 Cambridge | 4h 9m, 1 change | 18:35 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
14:42 Cambridge | 3h 37m, 2 change | 18:19 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Northern | Find tickets |
15:00 Cambridge | 3h 35m, 3 change | 18:35 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
15:00 Cambridge | 3h 37m, 2 change | 18:37 Manchester Victoria | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
15:00 Cambridge | 4h 19m, 1 change | 19:19 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Cambridge to Manchester
- CrossCountry
- LNER
- Avanti West Coast
First Class
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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 free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Cambridge
Address:
Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Stagecoach Citi routes 1, 3 and 7 run frequently between the station and the city centre. A Cambridge PLUSBUS ticket can be added to your train ticket on the TrainPal app for discounted unlimited bus travel around the city.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located directly outside the main station entrance on Station Road. Private hire pick-up and drop-off is also available at the station forecourt.
Bicycles: Cambridge station has the largest bicycle parking facility in the UK, with space for 3,000 bikes at CyclePoint just outside the station.
Platforms:
Cambridge station has 8 platforms, all at ground level with step-free access throughout. Lifts are available for platforms 4,5,7 and 8. Platform 1 is the main long-distance platform and, at 470 metres, one of the longest in the UK.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Cambridge Station underwent a major 15-year renovation, completed in 2024, and the result is one of the best-equipped stations outside London. Station Place now has a great selection of food and drink options, including Chill #2, Gail’s Bakery, Craft Burger, Alchile Mexican Gourmet and the Station Tavern. One nice touch from the station's operator, Greater Anglia – there’s free drinking water available from the refill station opposite the ticket office. Travelling with your bike? Evans Cycles is right beside the station for any last-minute kit or repairs before you head out."
FAQs about Cambridge Station
Does Cambridge have two stations?
Cambridge now has three stations – Cambridge, Cambridge North and Cambridge South, which opened in June 2026. Cambridge is the main station for city centre visitors, served by Greater Anglia, Great Northern, CrossCountry and Thameslink. Cambridge North serves the Science Park and business district, while Cambridge South serves the biomedical campus.
Which London station do trains from Cambridge arrive into?
It depends on the operator. Great Northern and Thameslink services arrive into London King’s Cross and St Pancras International respectively, while Greater Anglia services arrive into London Liverpool Street. Journey times range from around 50 to 90 minutes depending on the service and destination.
Is there parking at Cambridge station?
Yes, there is an NCP-operated car park with 333 spaces available at the station, open 24 hours. Daily parking costs £17.50. It’s not recommended, however, to drive into Cambridge city centre, as the city is heavily pedestrianised and operates several Park and Ride sites on the outskirts with frequent bus connections to the station.
How far is Cambridge station from the city centre?
Cambridge station is approximately 1 mile from the city centre – around a 20-minute walk straight up Station Road, or a short ride on Stagecoach Citi bus routes 1, 3 or 7 from the stop directly outside.
Arriving in Manchester
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Science and Industry Museum to discover Manchester’s industrial heritage and huge role in the development of modern transport.
Visit John Rylands Library for unique architecture and a truly impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Wander through the Northern Quarter for independent shops, street art, coffee shops and some of the city’s best nightlife.
Discover Manchester Museum and Manchester Cathedral for two of the city’s best free cultural attractions.
Visit Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium to experience Manchester’s world-famous football culture.
Popular Areas in Manchester:
Deansgate, Northern Quarter, Piccadilly Gardens, Ancoats, The Village (Canal Street)
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Manchester: Central Manchester has so much more to offer than just great shops. It’s compact and easy to explore on foot, with great areas such as Deansgate, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter all within a reasonable walk of each other. The tram is amazingly useful when heading further out, particularly towards Old Trafford, MediaCity, Etihad, and that kind of thing. Manchester’s weather can change quickly, so it is worth carrying a light waterproof even when the forecast looks reasonable. "
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Cambridge to Manchester
Apply for LNER Delay Repay
If your LNER train is delayed or cancelled, you can claim compensation based on your arrival time:
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, or 50% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, or 100% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
120+ minutes: 100% of a single or return ticket. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Cambridge to Manchester?
Tickets from Cambridge to Manchester typically cost €129.31, but can be as cheap as €37.39 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Cambridge to Manchester?
The journey should take, on average, 4h 4m, though it can be as quick as 3h 35m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Cambridge to Manchester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Cambridge and Manchester. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Cambridge to Manchester?
You can typically book tickets from Cambridge to Manchester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Cambridge to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
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How far is Cambridge from Manchester?
The distance between Cambridge and Manchester is approximately 133 miles (214km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Cambridge to Manchester?
There is 64 train running from Cambridge to Manchester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Cambridge to Manchester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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