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Outbound fromLondon to Cambridge by train
It takes an average of 1h 20m to travel from London to Cambridge by train, over a distance of around 49 miles (79 km). There are normally 308 trains per day travelling from London to Cambridge and tickets for this journey start from £4 when you book in advance.
Travelling from London to Cambridge by train
Planning a day out and need more information on how to get from London to Cambridge by train? You’ve come to the right place!
The train to Cambridge from London usually takes around 1 hour and 17 minutes, but can take just 48 minutes on the fastest services, with around 323 trains running on this popular route each day. Trains are direct on this route, so once you’ve boarded your train, you can sit back, relax and stay connected with free WiFi available on most services.
You'll be travelling with either Thameslink, Greater Anglia or Great Northern, depending on the station you’re departing from. Thameslink services usually depart from London St Pancras International station, Greater Anglia trains leave from London Liverpool Street and Great Northern from London King’s Cross station. You can find out more about these stations below.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Cambridge in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. If you want to learn more about the journey first, keep reading for:
- Related FAQs
- Train operators from London to Cambridge
- Great Northern train classes
- Greater Anglia train classes
- Thameslink train classes
- Food and drink on board
- Services on board trains from London to Cambridge
- Travelling to the train station in London
- Everything you need to know about train stations in London
- Arriving at Cambridge station from London
- Using public transport in Cambridge
- Things to see and do in Cambridge
- Where to travel next after Cambridge
- Review: A day trip from London to Cambridge
FAQs about the train journey from London to Cambridge
Want to know more about your journey from London to Cambridge? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from London to Cambridge?
How close is London to Cambridge by train?
Is it possible to get from London to Cambridge without flying?
What is the best way to travel from London to Cambridge?
What time does the first train from London to Cambridge leave?
What time does the last train from London to Cambridge leave?
How often are trains from London to Cambridge?
Do you need to book the train from London to Cambridge in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from London to Cambridge?
Cheap train tickets from London to Cambridge
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Cambridge is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Great Northern, Greater Anglia and Thameslink trains from London to Cambridge
You can travel from London to Cambridge using one of three train companies: Greater Anglia, Great Northern or Thameslink. Keep reading for more information on each operator.
Great Northern
Great Northern trains can take you to many destinations in the east of England. From the capital to King’s Lynn, it’s easy to connect hassle-free from London to other parts of the country including regions such as Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
From Great Northern’s main hub of London King’s Cross, you can enjoy speedy services to Stevenage, Peterborough, Cambridge and many other destinations in between.
Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia trains take you further. From the capital to Peterborough via Cambridge, it’s easy to connect hassle-free to the east of England, including regions such as Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
Whether you’re looking to take off at Stansted Airport, or you’re travelling to London Liverpool Street for a day out in the capital, Greater Anglia can help you get there.
Thameslink
Whether you're travelling for work, leisure or a bit of both, Thameslink's smooth and frequent trains to and from London get you where you need to go in no time at all.
The Thameslink network includes services between Bedford and Brighton, passing through London, as well as Cambridge, Luton Airport Parkway and stations such as Wimbledon and Sevenoaks.
Great Northern classes from London to Cambridge
Standard Class
In Standard Class on Great Northern trains, you can expect comfy seats either in pairs or a table of 4. There’s free WiFi available too.
First Class
There are First Class carriages on most Great Northern trains, though there’s not a huge difference between the classes. If your Great Northern train doesn’t have First Class and you’ve booked a First Class ticket, you can claim back the difference in price between a First and Standard Class ticket.
Greater Anglia classes from London to Cambridge
Standard Class
Greater Anglia trains from London to Cambridge only have Standard Class carriages. These offer spacious, comfy seating and free WiFi. There are toilets available on board, plus lower floors to help passengers with wheelchairs and pushchairs to board more easily.
First Class
First Class is only available on Greater Anglia trains operating between Norwich and London, so you won’t be able to travel in First Class from London to Cambridge when taking a Greater Anglia train.
Thameslink classes from London to Cambridge
Standard Class
Thameslink’s Standard Class is the ideal choice for travellers looking for low-budget fuss-free travel. On board, you will enjoy family-sized tables, luggage storage, and free WiFi on most services.
First Class
If you fancy treating yourself, upgrade to Thameslink’s First Class and enjoy comfier seats and a quieter carriage.
Food and drink on board trains from London to Cambridge
Great Northern
Great Northern does not have an onboard food and drink service. If you think you’ll feel peckish on the journey, you can always bring a snack or two with you!
Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia doesn’t offer a catering service on its trains from London to Cambridge; catering is only available on its Intercity trains between Norwich and London. However, you’re welcome to bring food and drink on board to eat during the journey.
Thameslink
Unfortunately, Thameslink do not offer an onboard food and drink service, but customers can enjoy their own food on the train.
Onboard services from London to Cambridge
Luggage
Entertainment
Pets
Bikes
Travelling with children
Special assistance
How to get to London train stations
How to get to London King’s Cross and London St Pancras station
London King’s Cross station and London St Pancras International station are conveniently located in the centre of the capital, and can be easily reached by National Rail, London Underground, bus services or car.
King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is the best stop for both stations. It is served by 6 Tube lines: the Hammersmith & City (pink line), Circle (yellow line), Metropolitan (magenta line), Northern (black line), Piccadilly (dark blue line) and Victoria (light blue) lines.
You’ll also be able to get a taxi to King’s Cross or St Pancras train station, though this will likely be more expensive than using public transport.
If you’re driving to the station, you’ll find a Click and Park car park at London St Pancras International station – it has 315 spaces and is always open, with staff on hand 24/7. If you’re cycling to the station, there are plenty of cycle spaces to store your bike safely.
How to get to London Liverpool Street station
London Liverpool Street is located in zone 1 in London, and it’s easily accessible by public transport.
The train station is served by a number of London Underground lines: the Central (red), Metropolitan (magenta), Hammersmith & City (pink), Circle (yellow) and Elizabeth (purple) lines. The London Overground also runs to Liverpool Street.
There are also many bus routes in London which stop at Liverpool Street station. Buses stop outside the station.
All about London King’s Cross, St Pancras and Liverpool Street
What’s on offer at London King’s Cross?
What’s on offer at London St Pancras International?
What’s on offer at London Liverpool Street?
Arriving in Cambridge from London
When travelling with any of the three main train operators from London to Cambridge, you’ll arrive at Cambridge train station.
Cambridge train station is located south of the city centre, but it’s easy to get to central Cambridge once you’ve arrived.
- Buses: There are many buses that stop at Cambridge’s railway station that can take you to the city centre. Look out for buses 1, 3 and 7.
- Taxi: It is possible to get a taxi from the front of the station, but this is likely much more expensive than other transport options.
- Walk: The city centre is around a 25-minute walk from the train station. Get to know the city as you amble towards some of Cambridge’s most famous sights.
Using public transport in Cambridge
If you want to get around Cambridge, it’s easy to do so on foot or by using public transport.
- Buses: There are a number of bus services in Cambridge, including many routes operated by Stagecoach.
- Walk: Cambridge is known for being a very walkable city. If you want to get a feel for the place, there’s no better way to do it than by walking along its hallowed streets.
Things to do in Cambridge
Whether you’re looking for historical wonder or just a lazy day by the River Cam, there’s something for everyone in Cambridge.
- Visit one (or more) of the Colleges: If you’re looking to soak up some of Cambridge’s history or marvel at some pretty architecture, you need to visit a Cambridge College or two! The most famous may be King’s College, but there are many others to see too.
- Take a walk through Parker’s Piece: This large park, situated between the railway station and the city centre, is the perfect place to walk through on your way to and from the station. If you want a bit of peace and quiet in this busy university city, why not head here?
- Go punting on the River Cam: See the sights from the water and book a tour on a punt (a long wooden boat, similar to a gondola)! You’ll see all that Cambridge has to offer, including some of its Colleges, whilst enjoying a leisurely ride along the River Cam.
Where to travel next after Cambridge
Looking to explore more of the UK? Here are some of the most popular journeys from Cambridge.
