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Trains from Cambridge to Manchester

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Cambridge to Manchester

Trains to Manchester from Cambridge

First train

03:48

Last train

23:51

Departure stationCambridge
Arrival stationManchester
Journey time

From 3h 35m

Distance

133 miles (215 km)

Frequency

280 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Grand Central Railway, Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

Travelling from Cambridge to Manchester by train

If you're planning to travel from Cambridge to Manchester, we're here to help!

On average, the train journey from Cambridge to Manchester takes around 5 hours 33 minutes. There are normally 280 trains per day travelling from Cambridge to Manchester.

You'll have to make 1 change on your journey to Manchester, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Lumo and Greater Anglia.

Save money on your train tickets by booking in advance.

Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and find the cheapest fares.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cambridge to Manchester?

Want to know more about your journey from Cambridge to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Cambridge to Manchester?

You can get from Cambridge to Manchester by train in 5 hours and 33 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 3 hours and 35 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Cambridge to Manchester take?

The average journey time by train between Cambridge and Manchester is 5 hours and 33 minutes, with around 280 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Cambridge and Manchester by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cambridge to Manchester is 3 hours and 35 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Cambridge to Manchester?

No, there are no direct train services from Cambridge to Manchester. Travelling from Cambridge to Manchester by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cambridge to Manchester?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Cambridge to Manchester is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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