London Kings Cross to Cambridge Trains From £11.00*

With journey times from around 50 minutes on its fastest services, with slower stopping trains taking closer to 1 hour 30 minutes, Great Northern is the sole operator on this direct London King’s Cross to Cambridge route.

What amenities are there in Great Northern Second Class?

Great Northern Standard Class offers comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi on all services and plug sockets at many window seats, with overhead luggage racks and tables providing a practical setup for both commuting and longer journeys.

Is Great Northern First Class worth it?

On services where it’s available, First Class on Great Northern train offers wider seats, extra legroom and a quieter carriage, making it a worthwhile upgrade if you’re looking for a calmer space to work or relax.

How much Great Northern luggage space is there?

Passengers can bring up to three pieces of luggage, with smaller bags stored in overhead racks and larger items placed in designated luggage areas near the carriage entrances.

Is there food and drink on Great Northern trains?

Great Northern trains typically do not operate a full catering service, so it’s best to pick up drinks or snacks at the station before boarding.

From the bustle of King’s Cross to the historic streets of Cambridge, this 55-mile journey is fast, frequent and refreshingly straightforward. Just follow these insider tips to master the route all the way from the capital to the Cam.

London King’s Cross: Getting to the Platform

• The Platform Tip: Cambridge-bound Great Northern trains usually depart from the main concourse platforms (typically 8-11), so keep an eye on the departure boards as platforms are often announced shortly before boarding. One of the UK’s busiest stations, be sure to allow a few extra minutes during busy commuter periods.
• Pre-Departure: If you have time to kill before boarding, grab a coffee or breakfast at The Parcel Yard pub overlooking the platforms, which has plenty of seating and charging points. Or, for a quick tourist stop, the Harry Potter Platform 9¾ Shop sits beside platforms 9-11 and allows access to one of the station’s most photographed spots.

Onboard trains from London King’s Cross to Cambridge

• The View Alert: For the best countryside views, try to sit on the right-hand side of the train (facing north). As you leave London, you’ll pass through the leafy suburbs of North London before the landscape opens up into wide views of open farmland.
• Key Landmarks: Shortly after departure, look out for Alexandra Palace on the horizon before the train sweeps past Potters Bar and Hatfield. Further north, the scenery becomes flatter as you enter the Cambridgeshire Fens, with long straight drainage channels and expansive fields. And as you approach Cambridge, you may catch glimpses of the university’s historic spires and college towers.

Arriving at Cambridge

Cambridge station sits about one mile south-east of the historic city centre, at the end of Station Road. It’s a straightforward layout with a single main entrance, but knowing where to head next makes arriving in this historic university city much smoother.

• The Station Road Exit: Most passengers leave through the main entrance onto Station Road, where you’ll find taxis, bus stops and cycle hire facilities. From here, it’s a pleasant 20-25 minute walk into the city centre, leading towards Parker’s Piece, the colleges and the River Cam.
• The CyclePoint & Busway Side: Just outside the station, the Cambridge CyclePoint and nearby bus stops connect directly to local routes across the city, including services to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the Science Park and surrounding villages.
• Onward Travel: Taxis wait directly outside the main entrance, while frequent Stagecoach and local buses run from stops just beside the station. If you’re travelling light, Cambridge’s compact centre is easily walkable, or you can hire a bike and explore the city like a local.