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London to Cambridge train ticket prices
€13.72
On Sat 16 May
London to Cambridge train timetable
Travelling from London to Cambridge, the fastest train takes 49m with an average travel time of 1h 8m. With 113 daily trains, the first departs at 00:01 and the last at 23:56. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:48 London Kings Cross | 55m, Direct | 20:43 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
19:54 London Kings Cross | 1h 11m, Direct | 21:05 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
19:54 London Liverpool Street | 1h 13m, Direct | 21:07 Cambridge | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
20:01 London St. Pancras International | 1h 8m, Direct | 21:09 Cambridge | Thameslink | Find tickets |
20:24 London Kings Cross | 53m, Direct | 21:17 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
London to Cambridge train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London 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.
Great Northern vs Greater Anglia vs Thameslink: Which should you choose?
Pick the best operator for your trip, balancing comfort, speed, and price.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Great Northern | 48m | Speed & Scenic views | Wi-Fi, tables and power sockets available onboard | |
Greater Anglia | 1h 10m | Students, Budget | Frequent and affordable trips | |
Thameslink | 1h 10m | Travelling from South London | Direct connection from South London and Gatwick Airport |
- Greater Anglia is the most frequent and cheapest option. It departs from Liverpool Street in central London, which may be slightly more inconvenient to travel from than Kings Cross.
- Great Northern is the fastest solution, travelling through traditional small towns and farmlands, passing lakes and pristine forests.
- Thameslink's key advantage is that it stops at several central London stations (Farringdon, City Thameslink, Blackfriars and even Gatwick Airport) – perfect if you are located in the southern part of the city.
Train travel from London to Cambridge
London King’s Cross: Getting to the Platform
- Getting to the platform: Great Northern Cambridge trains typically depart from the platforms (0–8 area), while Thameslink services to Cambridge depart from St Pancras International next door, reachable from the pedestrian tunnel in the station.
- Pre-Departure: Grab a coffee at The Parcel Yard pub while waiting out the queues—it has plenty of space and charging points. For a classic tourist photo, the Harry Potter Platform 9 ¾ shop is located near the entrance to platforms 9-11.
Onboard trains from London to Cambridge
Once boarded, you can relax and enjoy the pleasant views of the Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire countryside.
- The View Alert: To catch the best of the Cambridgeshire scenery, book a seat on the left-hand side of the carriage (facing north), looking out over open farmland and nature reserves as you approach Cambridge.
- Key Landmark: You will pass through ancient woodlands, poppy-speckled grasslands and fields filled with lavender — all without travelling more than an hour from central London. On a clear day, you can spot Ely Cathedral rising above the flat Fenland landscape behind Cambridge, famous for its 14th-century octagonal lantern tower.
Arriving at Cambridge Station
Cambridge station is located about a mile from the city centre, taking around 20–25 minutes to walk. Taxis and frequent buses are available just outside the train station.
- The Station Exit: Head out of the main entrance for taxis and the Universal Bus U, connecting the station with the university and city centre.
- By Bike: Cycling is one of the most popular and convenient ways to move around Cambridge. Follow the cycle lanes toward the university to get to the central area
London to Cambridge train travel guide
The train journey from London to Cambridge combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Cambridge in just 49m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Cambridge?
The average ticket fare from London to Cambridge is about €13.72, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Cambridge?
What is the fastest train from London to Cambridge?
The fastest train journey time from London to Cambridge is 49m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from London to Cambridge?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Cambridge. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London to Cambridge?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Cambridge trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While London to Cambridge trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from London to Cambridge is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London to Cambridge trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Cambridge route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the London to Cambridge route?
The London to Cambridge route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. 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
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap London to Cambridge train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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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