Get to the quintessentially English city of Cambridge as quickly as 48 minutes on Great Northern trains. Services run from London Kings Cross to Cambridge, offering urban and rural views as the train speeds through towns and the lush green countryside.
Great Northern runs suburban rail services on the southern end of the East Coast Main Line and its branches. Trains run between London Kings Cross or London Moorgate and destinations in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and eastern Bedfordshire, offering key commuter routes. Stops include Hertford North, King’s Lynn and Stevenage.
Departing from London Kings Cross
Situated on the edge of central London in Camden, London Kings Cross is one of the UK’s largest and busiest transport hubs. A number of bus routes and lines on the London Underground network (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria) take you to the station.
Great Northern, Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and other companies operate intercity trains to destinations such as Sunderland, Aberdeen and York.
Main stops
The London King Cross to Cambridge train may also stop at Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin or Royston. Stops vary according to the time, operator and route.
Arriving at Cambridge
Trains from London Kings Cross to Cambridge serve conveniently located stations. Cambridge station is just a mile (1.6 kilometres) south-east of the city centre at the end of Station Road.
The Botanic Garden is only five minutes away from Cambridge station, with tropical rainforest displays and over 8,000 plant species. A host of museums are within walking distance, including the Polar Museum and Fitzwilliam Museum (free entry). Go punting on the River Cam, discover the colleges of the University of Cambridge and their unique gems, like the Mathematical Bridge in Queen’s College and King’s College Chapel.
Several operators serve Cambridge station, including Great Northern, CrossCountry and Greater Anglia. Destinations include Stansted Airport, Ely, Ipswich and Brighton.
Great Northern train classes
- Standard Class: Travelling from London Kings Cross to Cambridge in Standard Class offers comfortable seating for your journey and plenty of luggage space. All window seats have power sockets, and each seat has an overhead reading light. Buy cheap train tickets when you book ahead.
- First Class: London to Cambridge First Class travel includes extra legroom and a calmer, less crowded carriage. Upgrades are available at the ticket office during weekdays, and Weekend First upgrades can be purchased from onboard staff. Purchase your upgrade before sitting in First Class.
Great Northern train travel advice
- Luggage: You can bring one item of hand luggage plus two larger items no bigger than 30 x 70 x 90 centimetres.
- Bicycles: Non-folding bikes aren’t allowed between Drayton Park and Moorgate. Restrictions apply during peak hours, including southbound trains arriving in London from Stevenage/Hertford North or in Cambridge from King’s Lynn, Watlington, Downham Market, Littleport, Ely, Waterbeach or Cambridge North.
- Children: Under-5s travel free, and 5–15-year-olds save 50% on most tickets. Up to four children can get £2 Off-Peak tickets on most journeys with an adult. Using a Family & Friends Railcard or GroupSave offers better value.
- Pets: Up to two dogs, cats, or small animals can board Great Northern trains when kept on a lead or in an enclosed basket.
- Passenger Assist: Offers ticket advice, boarding and alighting help, station navigation, guidance for visually impaired passengers, and transfers to connecting trains and local transport.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.