London to Cambridge Train Tickets
Travelling from London to Cambridge by train is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to connect the capital with this historic university city. With frequent departures from London King’s Cross and London Liverpool Street, you can reach Cambridge in under 1 hour. Booking London to Cambridge train tickets in advance helps you secure the best fares while guaranteeing your preferred travel time. Cheap train tickets London to Cambridge are available online, making the journey affordable for students, commuters, and leisure travellers alike. It’s the perfect choice for comfort, speed, and value.
Why Travel by Train from London to Cambridge
Taking the train from London to Cambridge offers speed, convenience, and reliability. Unlike driving, you don’t need to worry about traffic or parking in Cambridge’s busy centre. With departures from two central London stations, you’ll have flexibility and frequent options throughout the day. Trains deliver you directly into the heart of Cambridge, only a short walk or bus ride from the historic colleges, the River Cam, and the city’s cultural attractions. Whether you’re visiting for academic purposes, sightseeing, or business, the journey is designed to be smooth and stress-free. Travelling by train also gives you time to relax, read, or work while enjoying views of the English countryside.
Save Money with Split Train Tickets London to Cambridge
If you want to reduce travel costs, a London to Cambridge split train ticket is a smart choice. Split Train Tickets London to Cambridge let you divide your journey into separate tickets for different legs, often resulting in a lower fare than buying one direct ticket. The key benefit is that you remain on the same train no need to change along the way.
For example, your trip might be split between London King’s Cross to Hitchin, and then Hitchin to Cambridge. Even though you’re still on a direct service, the fare can work out significantly cheaper. This approach is especially popular with regular commuters, students, or anyone looking to cut down on expenses without sacrificing convenience.
Booking platforms now make the process easy by automatically finding the best split options for your chosen route and time. By simply selecting the London to Cambridge split train ticket option, you can save money while still enjoying a fast, comfortable ride.
For frequent travellers, combining railcards with split tickets can push the savings even further, making the journey much more affordable over time.
Journey Time and Frequency
The London to Cambridge train route is one of the fastest and most frequent services in the UK. On average, the journey takes between 50 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on whether you travel from King’s Cross or Liverpool Street. Services are operated by Great Northern, Thameslink, and Greater Anglia, giving you plenty of choice.
Trains depart every 10–20 minutes during peak times, ensuring you’ll always find a convenient service. Off-peak hours still offer excellent frequency, making it easy to travel at short notice. Whether you’re commuting for work, heading to university, or planning a day trip, the journey is designed to fit smoothly into your schedule.
Tips for Booking London to Cambridge Train Tickets
Finding cheap train tickets London to Cambridge is easier when you follow a few proven strategies:
Book in advance: Tickets are released up to 12 weeks before departure, and the earlier you book, the more likely you’ll secure lower prices.
Travel off-peak: Off-peak and super off-peak tickets are often half the price of peak fares, plus you’ll enjoy a quieter train.
Use railcards: A valid railcard can cut the price of your ticket by up to a third. Students, seniors, families, and couples travelling together can all benefit from these savings.
Choose London to Cambridge split train tickets: Splitting your journey into smaller segments, such as London to Hitchin and Hitchin to Cambridge, often leads to substantial discounts while still letting you stay on the same train.
Check train operators: Both King’s Cross and Liverpool Street offer routes, so compare journey times and fares before booking. Sometimes the slightly longer trip can save you a noticeable amount of money.
Stay updated: Always check real-time departure information to avoid delays or last-minute platform changes.
Trains to Cambridge
Trains to Cambridge run frequently from London and other major UK cities, including Norwich, Stansted Airport, and Brighton. The city is well connected, making it accessible for both domestic and international travellers. Cambridge station is located just outside the historic centre, with regular buses, taxis, and cycle routes to the colleges, museums, and shops. With high-speed and regular services, trains to Cambridge are the preferred option for students, tourists, and professionals alike.
Trains to London
Trains to London arrive from across the UK, serving major terminals such as King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, Euston, and Victoria. From Cambridge, most trains head into King’s Cross and Liverpool Street, offering fast connections into central London and beyond. Once in the capital, you’ll have access to the Underground, buses, and other national rail services. With frequent services and excellent connectivity, trains to London remain the most efficient way to access the capital for work, leisure, or onward travel.
Things to Do in Cambridge After Your Journey
King’s College Chapel
One of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks, King’s College Chapel is renowned for its soaring Gothic architecture, intricate fan vaulting, and world-famous choir. Visiting the chapel offers a deep insight into the city’s history and academic heritage.
The River Cam and Punting
A must-do experience, punting along the River Cam gives you a unique perspective of Cambridge’s historic colleges and bridges. It’s both relaxing and memorable, whether you hire a guide or try punting yourself.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
This world-class museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, antiquities, and rare manuscripts. From classical sculptures to masterpieces by Monet and Picasso, the Fitzwilliam offers something for every culture enthusiast.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Spread across 40 acres, the Botanic Garden features over 8,000 plant species from around the world. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, explore themed gardens, and enjoy seasonal displays of colour.
Market Square
Located in the heart of the city, Cambridge’s Market Square is a lively hub where you can browse fresh produce, local crafts, books, and street food. It’s the perfect place to soak in the city’s community spirit.
Arriving by train places you close to these attractions, making it simple to explore Cambridge’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty right after your journey.
Travelling From London to Cambridge by train
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Departure Station
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First Service
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Average Journey Time
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|---|---|---|
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London Kings Cross
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05:03
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1 Hour 13 Minutes
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Arrival Station
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Last Service
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Frequency
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|---|---|---|
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Cambridge
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00:32
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113 Trains per day
|
|
Distance
|
Fastest Journey Time
|
Operators
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|---|---|---|
|
48 Miles / 77 Kilometers
|
48 Minutes
|
London to Cambridge Train Routes
Cambridge to Birmingham
Cambridge to Sheffield
Cambridge to York
Frequently Asked Questions
The main operators are Great Northern and Greater Anglia. Great Northern services run from London King's Cross, while Greater Anglia trains depart from London Liverpool Street. Both offer frequent and reliable connections.
Fastest trains take around 45 minutes from London King's Cross to Cambridge. Services from London Liverpool Street generally take about 55 minutes to 1 hour.
Tickets range from advance singles for lower fares, off-peak for flexibility, to Anytime tickets offering completely open travel. Railcards such as the 16-25, Senior, and Family & Friends also provide discounts.
Your ticket will only be valid if the train halts at the stations you are split across. Always check before boarding.
Typical intermediate stops include Potters Bar, Stevenage, Hitchin, and Royston, depending on the service.
Great Northern and Greater Anglia are the primary operators. Great Northern runs services from London King’s Cross to Cambridge, offering high-frequency commuter and regional trains. Greater Anglia operates from London Liverpool Street to Cambridge with frequent services catering to regional and longer-distance travellers.
- From London King’s Cross, the first train to Cambridge usually departs around 05:00 AM, with the last train leaving at approximately 11:30 PM.
- From London Liverpool Street, the earliest train generally starts around 05:30 AM, and the last service departs close to 11:45 PM.
- The first train from Cambridge to London King’s Cross typically departs around 05:30 AM, with the last train leaving around 11:50 PM.
- From Cambridge to London Liverpool Street, morning services begin around 06:00 AM, with the last train approximately at 11:55 PM.