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London to Cambridge train ticket prices
€13.25
On Sat 23 May
London to Cambridge train timetable
Travelling from London to Cambridge, the fastest train takes 50m with an average travel time of 1h 31m. With 86 daily trains, the first departs at 00:01 and the last at 23:34. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:24 London Kings Cross | 50m, Direct | 18:14 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
17:24 London Liverpool Street | 2h 21m, 2 change | 19:45 Cambridge | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
17:31 London St. Pancras International | 1h 8m, Direct | 18:39 Cambridge | Thameslink | Find tickets |
17:36 London Kings Cross | 1h 29m, Direct | 19:05 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
17:54 London Kings Cross | 50m, Direct | 18:44 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 | London Kings Cross | Speed & Scenic views | Wi-Fi, tables and power sockets available onboard |
Greater Anglia | 1h 10m | London Liverpool Street | Students, Budget | Frequent and affordable trips |
Thameslink | 1h 10m | London St Pancras International | 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
The essentials for travelling to Cambridge with peace of mind and be fully prepared for a smooth trip.
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 50m, 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 fare from London to Cambridge is approximately €13.25, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Cambridge?
What is the fastest train from London to Cambridge?
The quickest train journey from London to Cambridge takes 50m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
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?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London to Cambridge train timetables?
London to Cambridge trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do London to Cambridge trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London to Cambridge are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the London to Cambridge route?
The train from London to Cambridge is operated by Great Northern. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
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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