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London to Cambridge train ticket prices
£11.40
On Sat 13 Jun
London to Cambridge train timetable
Travelling from London to Cambridge, the fastest train takes 49m with an average travel time of 1h 12m. With 147 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
21:24 London Liverpool Street | 1h 25m, Direct | 22:49 Cambridge | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
21:31 London St. Pancras International | 1h 8m, Direct | 22:39 Cambridge | Thameslink | Find tickets |
21:36 London Kings Cross | 1h 29m, Direct | 23:05 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
21:48 London Kings Cross | 55m, Direct | 22:43 Cambridge | Great Northern | Find tickets |
21:54 London Liverpool Street | 1h 13m, Direct | 23:07 Cambridge | Greater Anglia | 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
Taking the train from London to Cambridge is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can arrive at Cambridge in just 49m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Cambridge?
The average fare from London to Cambridge is approximately £11.40, 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 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, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
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?
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?
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?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific 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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the London to Cambridge route?
The London to Cambridge route is operated by Great Northern. 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
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
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
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
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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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