Leicester to Cambridge Trains From £7.20*

Travel from the historic heart of the Midlands to one of the UK’s most renowned university cities in under two hours with a direct CrossCountry train from Leicester to Cambridge.

Settle in on board your Leicester to Cambridge train and take in views of Rutland’s rolling hills before gliding through the wide, open landscapes of the Cambridgeshire Fens and arriving into the spired historic university city.

Running the full length of Britain, all the way from Penzance to Aberdeen, CrossCountry offers one of the most far-reaching rail services in the country. Its central hub in Birmingham links travellers to major destinations both north and south, including Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh. 

Departing from Leicester station

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, Leicester station is Leicestershire’s central hub, and the main gateway to Rutland, Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands region. The station is easily accessible by bus, car, or taxi, with convenient drop-off points and public transport connections right outside the station.

Managed by East Midlands Railway, Leicester station offers direct services with East Midlands Railway south to London St Pancras International and north to Nottingham, Derby, Lincoln and Sheffield. CrossCountry also provides key east–west connections to Birmingham, Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport, making Leicester a vital hub for both national and regional travel.

Main stops

Travelling across the rolling countryside of Leicestershire and Rutland from Leicester to Cambridge, you’ll pass through the market towns of Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Stamford as well as Peterborough, March and Ely before arriving into the historic university city of Cambridge.

Arriving at Cambridge

Just a short walk from the city centre, Cambridge railway station is one of the busiest in the East of England and the main gateway to this world-famous university city. With the station’s convenient location on Station Road, arriving into Cambridge couldn’t be easier – with frequent buses, readily available taxis, and cycle hire options right outside. 

Managed by Greater Anglia, the station is also served by Thameslink, Great Northern and CrossCountry, providing direct links to London Liverpool Street, London King’s Cross, Stansted Airport, Norwich, Ipswich, Ely, Birmingham and beyond.

Alighting at Cambridge station, you’ll find yourself just minutes away from the River Cam, the city’s historic colleges, and the shops and cafés of Regent Street. From punting beneath the Mathematical Bridge to exploring Michelangelo’s bronzes at the Fitzwilliam Museum or strolling through the Botanic Garden, Cambridge is a delight to explore, where you can wander cobbled streets, uncover centuries-old colleges, and soak up the timeless charm that defines this iconic university city.

CrossCountry train classes 

Standard Class: With free Wi-Fi, accessible seating and onboard catering available on most routes, both long-distance Voyager services and regional Turbostar trains offer comfortable and spacious interiors for a relaxed journey.

First Class: Travel Leicester to Cambridge First Class and enjoy extra comfort with wider seats, more legroom and at-seat tables, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks on selected services.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Prepare for your Leicester to Cambridge train journey with this quick guide, covering everything from luggage and bikes to travelling with children, pets and accessibility assistance.

• Luggage: As storage space on board its services can be limited, CrossCountry recommends travelling with just one medium-sized bag. Larger suitcases can be stored on Voyager trains in the designated racks in Coaches D and J.
• Bicycles: Passengers can bring both standard and electric bikes onboard CrossCountry services with a free advance reservation. Folding bikes do not require booking and can be carried on all trains when folded and stored as luggage. E-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: Kids under five can travel free of charge, while those aged 5-15 are eligible to receive 50% off standard fares. Families can save more with a Family & Friends railcard, offering a third off adult fares and 60% off children’s tickets, while teenagers can also access half-price fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers may bring up to two pets onboard free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or transported in a carrier, and all animals should remain off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: You can book a wheelchair space or request assistance with boarding, carrying luggage and navigating stations through Passenger Assist, either at the time of purchasing your tickets, or by asking staff at major stations on the day of travel.