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Stansted Airport to Cambridge train ticket prices
£8.00
On Tue 22
Stansted Airport to Cambridge train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Stansted Airport 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.
CrossCountry vs Greater Anglia: Which one to choose?
Train operator | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Featured services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CrossCountry | 33 mins | Stansted Airport | Long-distance comfort and cheaper fares | Power sockets, luggage racks, and at-seat catering (on some services) |
Greater Anglia | 35 mins | Stansted Airport | Frequent regional travel | Modern fleet (Class 755), air conditioning, accessible boarding |
- Price: CrossCountry is often cheaper than Greater Anglia on this route, making it a good choice if you want the lowest fare.
- Speed: Both operators are neck-and-neck, with most journeys just over 30 minutes.
- Amenities: CrossCountry offers more substantial cross-country comfort; Greater Anglia uses newer Stadler trains with low-level floors for easy luggage handling.
Train travels from Stansted Airport to Cambridge
Departure from Stansted Airport
Specific transport links
- 2-Minute Rule: From the Arrivals gate, follow "Trains" signage to the basement; it takes under 120 seconds.
- Coach Station Synergy: National Express and Airport Bus Express bays are above the train station; lifts connect directly to platforms.
- First Essex Airlink: X10 (Basildon) and X30 (Southend) buses arrive at the integrated bus interchange with direct elevator access to platforms.
- Stansted Express Link: Frequent 15-minute service to London Liverpool Street; concourse staff available for guidance.
Station layout
- Platform Navigation: Three side-by-side platforms (1, 2, 3); Cambridge trains mainly on Platform 2.
- Ticket Zone: Ticket office and self-service machines at the top of the ramps before barriers; ideal for pre-booked tickets and live service updates.
- Wait in Comfort: Upper concourse seating near Pret A Manger and M&S Simply Food; platform waiting areas can be chilly.
Pre-departure essentials
Onboard trains from Stansted Airport to Cambridge
The scenic side
Key landmarks
- Audley End House & Gardens: 15 minutes from departure; a glimpse of the 17th-century stately home in Capability Brown parkland.
- Wellcome Genome Campus at Hinxton: On the right-hand side, the futuristic campus signals entry into Cambridge’s “Silicon Fen.”
Arriving at Cambridge
The correct exit
- Main Concourse (City Centre): This exit leads directly to the taxi rank and the main pedestrian route to Cambridge colleges.
- Platform 1 vs Others: Trains from Stansted arrive on Platform 1 or 4; Platform 1 offers the quickest route to the main city-centre exit without stairs or lifts.
Onward travel
- Taxi and Uber: Taxi rank immediately right of the main exit; Uber pickup on Station Place slightly further back.
- Voi E-Scooters/Bikes: Available in Station Square; fast option for navigating narrow streets.
Walkability
Why book Stansted Airport to Cambridge trains with TrainPal?
Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?
TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Stansted Airport to Cambridge start from just £8.00 on TrainPal.
Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?
TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., CrossCountry, Greater Anglia on the Stansted Airport to Cambridge route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.
Stansted Airport to Cambridge train travel guide
The train journey from Stansted Airport to Cambridge combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Stansted Airport, you can get to Cambridge in just 29m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Stansted Airport to Cambridge?
The average ticket fare from Stansted Airport to Cambridge is about £8.00, 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 Stansted Airport to Cambridge?
What is the fastest train from Stansted Airport to Cambridge?
The fastest train journey time from Stansted Airport to Cambridge is 29m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Stansted Airport to Cambridge?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Stansted Airport 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 Stansted Airport 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?
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
How do I find Stansted Airport to Cambridge train timetables?
Stansted Airport 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?
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 Stansted Airport to Cambridge trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Stansted Airport 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?
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?
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?
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 Stansted Airport to Cambridge route?
The route from Stansted Airport to Cambridge is operated by CrossCountry. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
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
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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Stansted Airport 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?
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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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