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Cathays to Cambridge train times and prices
Plan your journey from Cathays 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.
Price*
From €73.64
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
5h 36m
Distance
150 miles (241km)
First/last train
08:33 / 08:33
Frequency
1
Train operators
* 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
Travelling from Cathays to Cambridge by train? Find fares from as low as €73.64. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
€73.64
On Tue 10
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Cathays to Cambridge, the fastest train takes 5h 36m with an average travel time of 5h 36m. 1 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:33 and the last at 08:33. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:26 Cathays | 4h 17m, 2 change | 10:43 Cambridge | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
07:08 Cathays | 3h 59m, 3 change | 11:07 Cambridge | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
07:08 Cathays | 5h 55m, 2 change | 13:03 Cambridge | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
07:32 Cathays | 4h 7m, 2 change | 11:39 Cambridge | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
07:38 Cathays | 4h 31m, 2 change | 12:09 Cambridge | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Cathays to Cambridge
- Transport for Wales
- Great Western Railway
- Elizabeth line
Transport for Wales (TfW) runs the Wales and Borders network, linking major Welsh cities with destinations including Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Chester. Its fleet investment has introduced Class 197, Class 231 and Class 756 trains, improving comfort and onboard facilities.
Standard
Comfortable seating features across modernised TfW trains
Power sockets and USB ports
Air conditioning
Luggage
Food & Drink
Pet
Onboard facilities
Accessibility
First Class
Ideal for business travellers and passengers after more personal space and additional airport benefits
Wider leather seats with enhanced personal space
Spacious 1+2 seating for increased legroom
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Accessibility
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"When booking your journey, check the planned train type if luggage space matters. Class 197s operate on many mainline routes and have dedicated luggage areas. TfW allows up to two larger bags and one small item per passenger, so avoid blocking aisles and store larger cases in designated areas."
"Don’t expect catering to be a sure thing just because you’re on a long-distance route. Some routes have a trolley service (albeit with limited selection), and First Class passengers only get a free hot drink or water and a shortbread. Check the ScotRail website for which trains have a trolley in operation."
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.
Arriving at Cambridge
Address:
Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW
Onward Transit Options:
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.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Cambridge University Botanic Garden (5-minute walk)
The Fitzwilliam Museum (15-minute walk)
Market Square (20-minute walk)
King’s College Chapel and the Backs (20-minute walk)
Punting on the River Cam (20-minute walk)
Airport Transfers:
Direct trains to London Stansted Airport run approximately every half hour, taking around 30 minutes. Both CrossCountry and Greater Anglia serve this route as part of longer services terminating at Stansted Airport. There’s also a direct Thameslink service to Gatwick Airport, which takes just under two hours.
Cambridge Travel Guides:
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: 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.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Cathays to Cambridge
Apply for Transport for Wales Delay Repay
If your ScotRail train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket.
1 hr–1 hr 59 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket.
2 hr or more: 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 Great Western Railway Delay Repay
If your Great Western Railway 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 or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60–119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 200% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey. (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 Cathays to Cambridge?
Tickets from Cathays to Cambridge typically cost €108.25, but can be as cheap as €73.64 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 Cathays to Cambridge?
The journey should take, on average, 5h 36m, though it can be as quick as 5h 36m 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 Cathays to Cambridge?
There is no direct service between Cathays and Cambridge. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Cathays to Cambridge?
You can typically book tickets from Cathays to Cambridge up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Cathays to Cambridge trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cathays to Cambridge are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Cathays from Cambridge?
The distance between Cathays and Cambridge is approximately 150 miles (241km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Cathays to Cambridge?
There is 1 train running from Cathays to Cambridge per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Cathays to Cambridge?
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.
* 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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