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London to Cambridge train ticket prices
£11.40
On Sat 06 Jun
London to Cambridge train timetable
Travelling from London to Cambridge, the fastest train takes 49m with an average travel time of 1h 8m. With 132 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:24 London Kings Cross | 53m, Direct | 21:17 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
20:24 London Liverpool Street | 1h 25m, Direct | 21:49 Cambridge | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
20:31 London St. Pancras International | 1h 8m, Direct | 21:39 Cambridge | Thameslink | Find tickets |
20:36 London Kings Cross | 1h 29m, Direct | 22:05 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
20:48 London Kings Cross | 55m, Direct | 21:43 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 £11.40, 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 quickest train journey from London to Cambridge takes 49m . 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, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London to Cambridge. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London to Cambridge?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Cambridge trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London to Cambridge trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing 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?
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
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 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
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* 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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