It may surprise visitors, and residents, to learn that Cambridge was only granted city status in 1951, despite the fact that its famous University was founded in 1209, and people have lived here since the first century AD. With the beautiful King's College Chapel and pretty green spaces including Midsummer Common and Parker's Piece, the city is a delight to visit at any time of the year.
How to find cheap train tickets to Cambridge
There are a number of ways in which you can find cheap train tickets to Cambridge to help you save money and explore this historical city. Whether you are getting a train to Cambridge for work or leisure, our Journey Planner can help you find the cheapest available tickets on the days you want to travel.
Benefit from cheap tickets to Cambridge by using a national Railcard. If you travel more than a few times a year, buying an eligible Railcard can allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price of your train tickets*, meaning you can spend more on things to see and do and maybe that spot of punting. To see out the different types of Railcards, eligibility requirements and to buy a card online, check out our Railcards page.
Another way to save money on train tickets to Cambridge is by purchasing an Advance ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advance tickets, the cheaper travelling to Cambridge will be. Advance tickets typically go on sale three months in advance, so if you are off to hit the shops or have a night out with friends pencilled in the calendar, simply look out for the “Advance ticket” option when your search for tickets using our Journey Planner. Make sure you book these tickets as early as possible, because the longer you wait, the more the price can go up.
Are you travelling to Cambridge in a group of between three to nine people? If so, make sure to apply the GroupSave discount to your booking! Simply select GroupSave from the Railcard dropdown when booking tickets for the whole group and you could save as much as 34% on the total fare! Please bear in mind that GroupSave is not applicable for all journeys by the different train companies and will automatically be applied if valid for your journey and selected in the Railcard drop down. All tickets must be purchased in a single booking, and all passengers must travel together on the day of departure.
Want more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
Visting Cambridge
Cambridge University's Fitzwilliam Museum is free to enter, and with famous 19th-century European artworks, Egyptian mummies, and a vast collection of ceramics, it's got plenty to keep you occupied within a relatively small space.
When it comes to dining, there are a few traditional -and tasty- English places to eat, including Fitzbillies Bakery and The Copper Kettle on the Market Square. While in Cambridge, a session of punting on the Cam followed by a pint in a riverside pub is essentially obligatory.
King's College Chapel is the undeniable architectural gem of Cambridge, and if you're willing to queue up on Christmas Eve the televised Carols from King's service is free to enter for the public. As for transport, if you're staying any length of time then a bike rental is an excellent idea.
Trains to Cambridge run extremely frequently, with the "Cambridge Cruiser" reaching Kings Cross in just 45 minutes, meaning that the quaint fenland city is easy to reach on a day trip from the capital. Trains also run from Cambridge station to Liverpool Street.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get cheap train tickets to Cambridge?
It's easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Cambridge. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can.
Are trains running to Cambridge?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Cambridge, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Cambridge.
How long does it take to get to Cambridge by train?
You can view train timetables and travel times to Cambridge in our Journey Planner. Cambridge is well connected to major cities around the UK by train, just enter your departure station and travel date into our Journey Planner to see how long it takes.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Cambridge?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Cambridge, these include:
- Network Railcard (London & South East Travel Zone)
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Family & Friends Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Persons Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.