There are various stations where you can start your train journey from London to Cambridge.
London Liverpool Street is located in the northeastern corner of the City of London. It provides approximately 102 regular train services to Cambridge. London Liverpool Street is served by the Elizabeth Line, Greater Anglia, Stansted Express, London Overground. It connects to Heathrow Airport, Reading, Norwich, Ipswich, and Cambridge North, as well as the London Underground system, with access to the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.
There is also London Kings Cross, another main departure station located in Camden, the edge of Central London. It provides around 157 regular train services to Cambridge. London Kings Cross is served by London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, Hull Trains, Grand Central, and Great Northern. It is well-connected to Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, King's Lynn, and Bradford and also connects to the London Underground system, with the Metropolitan, Piccadilly, Northern, and Victoria lines.
Duration time for trains from London can vary depending on the station you depart from, the provider and the number of stops. For example, the faster route from London Liverpool Street takes approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes with 5 stops, while the slower route takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes with 15 stops. Similarly, the faster route from London Kings Cross takes around 51 minutes with 2 stops, while the slower route takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes with 16 stops. During longer journeys, you should have the flexibility to disembark at Stevenage, Stansted Mountfitchet and Tottenham Hale.
Your journey will take you to Cambridge Station, the main station serving the city of Cambridge in the east of England. It is located at the end of Station Road, 1 mile southeast of the city centre. Cambridge station is served by CrossCountry, Great Northern, Thameslink and Greater Anglia. It is well-connected to various destinations including Gatwick Airport, Leicester and Peterborough.
First-class tickets
You can travel from London to Cambridge in even greater comfort with First Class Tickets.
As this route is covered by multiple providers, it's best to check whether this is applicable for your specific journey when booking and what is included with the ticket. Depending on provider, this ticket may include:
- Access to the First Class lounge of your departing station (if applicable)
- Wider seats with extra legroom for greater comfort onboard
- Tables with plug and USB sockets – perfect for those using laptops
- Enhanced Wi-Fi onboard for those working, streaming or browsing
- A range of drinks and snacks, including teas, coffees, juices, sodas, biscuits, cakes and crisps.
For more details about First Class Tickets, please check our Change, Refund, and Delay Repay Policy.
What is the best way to get from London to Cambridge?
The best way to travel from London to Cambridge depends on your preferences:
- Train: Fast and frequent train services run from London King's Cross or Liverpool Street stations to Cambridge, taking around 50 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Coach: National Express and other coach services offer budget-friendly options, with travel times averaging around 2 to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
How much does a train from London to Cambridge cost?
The average price of a train ticket from London to Cambridge is around $27.37 for a single journey, but can be as low as $4.88 when booked in advance. Prices often vary depending on the time of travel and how far in advance you book, so it's a good idea to check the latest fares and book early to get the best deal.
Which station in London goes to Cambridge?
London Kings Cross and London Liverpool Street. London King's Cross offers fast trains to Cambridge operated by Great Northern and Thameslink, and London Liverpool Street provides services to Cambridge operated by Greater Anglia.
How far is Cambridge from London via train?
The distance from London to Cambridge by train is approximately 50 miles (80 kilometres), though it depends on the departure station and specific service.
Can I use my Oyster card to get to Cambridge?
No, Oyster cards are not valid for travel to Cambridge as it is outside the London fare zones. You will need to purchase a separate train ticket or use alternative payment methods accepted by the train operator.
Is Cambridge a good day trip from London?
Definitely! Cambridge makes for an excellent day trip from London. It offers historic architecture, beautiful riverside views, world-renowned universities, and picturesque green spaces. The journey by train is convenient and allows for several hours of exploration before returning to London in the evening.
