This post explains how to get to Cambridge from London, including coach, train, and car, as well as by organized bus tours.
- Why Visit Cambridge?
- Where is Cambridge?
- Train from London
- Coach from London
- Things to Do in Cambridge
- Other Day Trips from London
WHY VISIT CAMBRIDGE?
Much like Oxford, this location is known for its famous university, which has educated some of the finest minds in the world.
Their list of alumni includes Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, Stephen Hawking, and many more.
In addition to Cambridge University, this city also features several notable and historic sites including the following landmarks:
- King’s College
- Queen’s College
- St. John’s College
- Christ’s College
- Trinity College
- Holy Sepulchre
- Bridge of Sighs
- Botanic Garden
- Fitzwilliam Museum
- Museum of Zoology
- Museum of Cambridge
- Great St. Mary’s Church
- Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology
- And more!
Aside from these attractions, there are also a variety of outings available in Cambridge including punting tours, bus tours, and walking tours.
For more details about popular sites and other activities, you can enjoy while you’re in the area, make sure to check our post about things to do in Cambridge.
WHERE IS CAMBRIDGE?
Cambridge is approximately 60 miles (97 km) north of London, and either a 1 ½ - 2-hour drive or a 50-minute train ride away.
It is also less than 2 hours away from Birmingham and Oxford.
You can also take a public coach or get tickets for an organized bus tour from London. These options usually take 2 - 2 ½ hours to reach Cambridge.
Visitors traveling by car to Cambridge can do so via the M11 or A1.
The route is relatively straightforward and perhaps a better option for those hoping to go elsewhere after their time in Cambridge.
That said, anyone who is traveling directly between London and Cambridge is better suited to take the train, as traffic coming in and out of London is often very heavy.
No matter how you choose to get here, it shouldn’t take more than 2 ½ hours to reach the city unless you run into traffic.
It should be noted that some routes to Cambridge include toll roads.
TAKING THE TRAIN TO CAMBRIDGE FROM LONDON
Taking the train to Cambridge is more than twice as fast as traveling by car.
King’s Cross is the station from which most trains depart for Cambridge, though some also leave from Liverpool Street Station.
Between the two stations, there are trains departing every 10-15 minutes from 4:00 a.m. until midnight.
Visitors should expect travel time to take anywhere between 50 minutes - 1½ hours.
Additionally, the cost of the journey can fluctuate, but you should expect a price of at least £16-£25 return depending on whether you get a peak or off-peak tickets.
Once you arrive, there will be two stations to choose from: Cambridge and Cambridge North.
Most of the bus services in the area operate from the main Cambridge station, so you’ll probably want to stop there.
Those travelling during ‘Peak’ hours will pay more than those travelling during ‘Off-Peak’ or ‘Super-Off-Peak’.
Purchase tickets or learn more.
TAKING A PUBLIC COACH FROM LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE
There are several coach companies that offer services between London and Cambridge.
The companies we recommend most are National Express and Megabus, as both have coaches departing from either location every 1-2 hours throughout the day.
Public coaches can take anywhere from 2 - 2 ½ hours to reach Cambridge from London.
The price of the journey varies immensely depending on how far in advance you purchase your ticket.
But, you can usually expect tickets to run from £5-£15 (depending on whether they are one-way or return) when you buy them ahead of time.
Tickets purchased within a few days of the journey can be more expensive, whilst tickets purchased at least a week in advance are often much cheaper than the train.
Purchase tickets or learn more.
BUS TOURS FROM LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE
This service is designed for visitors who don’t want to think about travel expenses and paying for additional activities in Cambridge.
An organized bus tour typically includes a return coach ticket, a free guided sightseeing tour, and potentially even entry to one or more popular attractions.
While some organized tours to Cambridge will give you an entire day to explore the city, others last for 8-10 hours on average, with 4-5 hours of that being travel time to and from the historic college town.
Ticket prices for this service typically range from £50-£60 per person.
But, you can also get combo packages which include day trips to Oxford and other locations nearby for anywhere from £80-£100.
For more details about this option, make sure to check our post covering organized bus tours to Cambridge.
RELATED POSTS:
