Planning a trip from London to Cambridge but don’t want to blow your budget before you even get there? You’re in the right place. In this guide we’ll break down the cheapest, easiest and most traveller‑friendly ways to make the journey!
Train: Speedy and Affordable
If you want the quickest and most straightforward way to reach Cambridge, the train is your best bet. Services run frequently throughout the day, so it’s easy to find a departure time that fits your plans.
The fastest route is from London King’s Cross, where Great Northern trains can get you to Cambridge in as little as 50 minutes with no stops.
Trains also run from St Pancras and Liverpool Street, but the Liverpool Street route (operated by Greater Anglia) is slower because it makes more stops. That said, it’s a great option if you want to explore somewhere along the way.
When it comes to price, the Liverpool Street route is usually the cheapest at around £20, while King’s Cross and St Pancras tend to be only slightly more, at roughly £26. For the time you save, it’s often worth the small difference.
We always use Trainline to compare schedules and grab the cheapest fares for UK journeys, including trips between London and Cambridge (and the return). It keeps everything in one place and makes finding budget‑friendly options a lot simpler.
It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the Cambridge train station to the city centre.
Our Top Tip – book your train tickets in advance. Prices can jump quickly, so locking them in early usually gets you the best deal.
Bus: Cheapest but longest
Taking the bus is another affordable way to get to Cambridge. Most services are run by National Express, though a few other companies operate the route too.
Tickets are often cheaper than the train — sometimes as low as £5 if you book early. Just keep in mind that the journey is usually much longer, so it’s a trade‑off between time and savings. On average, a one‑way ticket costs around £15, making it a solid budget option if you’re not in a rush.
The buses leave from Victoria Coach Station in London and drop you off in Cambridge city centre, unlike the train which is a 10-15 walk to the city centre. Be sure to get off at ‘Cambridge Parkside’ as this is the closest to the city centre.
The journey time for the bus is considerably longer than the train, with the average bus trip taking up to 2 hours which is dependant on whether you travel during peak or off peak periods. Keep in mind that the bus services are not as frequent as the trains.
Our Top Tip – the buses come with toilets, Wi‑Fi and power sockets, making the longer journey a lot more comfortable.
Renting a Car: Freedom, but not the cheapest
Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at small towns and attractions along the way but it’s rarely the most budget‑friendly choice once you factor in fuel, insurance and parking.
It is worth considering if your travelling with friends and can split the costs, if you prefer setting your own time schedule or wish to explore the areas outside of the Cambridge city centre.
Without any stops, it takes around 1.5 hours to travel by car on the M11 motorway and keep in mind that parking in the city centre can be expensive and sometimes hard to find. You can check out more on parking in the city centre here.
If you chose to drive, we recommend using the ‘Park & Ride’. There are five Park & Ride sites on the outskirts of Cambridge where you can leave your car and hop on a bus straight into the city centre. Each site is colour‑coded to keep things simple and the buses drop you right in the heart of Cambridge. It’s an easy, affordable way to avoid city‑centre traffic and parking costs.
Which Option should you Choose?
If you’re travelling on a budget and want the easiest, most reliable way to reach Cambridge, the train is your best choice. It’s fast, frequent, and gets you there with minimal hassle — perfect for day trips or quick getaways.
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible option and don’t mind a slower journey, the bus is ideal. It’s great for saving money, especially if you book early and the onboard Wi‑Fi and power sockets make the longer ride more comfortable.
If you want total freedom to explore beyond the city centre — maybe villages, countryside walks or nearby historic towns, renting a car gives you the flexibility to build your own itinerary at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Cambridge from London is easy, affordable and perfect for a quick escape from the city. Whether you choose the fast train, a budget‑friendly bus or a simple Park & Ride option, there’s a route to suit every traveller and every wallet. However you get there, Cambridge’s charm makes the journey more than worth it.
Be sure to check out our post on free things to do in Cambridge here.
