Getting the train to the University of Cambridge: Nearest station, routes & student travel guide

• Nearest train station: Cambridge Station
• Station address: Cambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW
• Distance from Cambridge University: 1 mile (from New Museums Site)
• Onward travel: 20–25-minute walk to New Museums Site. The U bus from bus stop 8 across from the station will take you to most University sites and colleges.
• Station facilities: Toilets and baby-changing facilities on Platform 4, coffee lounge and convenience shops, step-free access and lifts to platforms, assisted meeting point on Platform 1, post box outside on Station Square and left luggage at the main station.
• Alternative stations: Cambridge North, Cambridge South

From London to Cambridge University by train 

• Departing station(s): London King’s Cross, London Liverpool Street, London St Pancras International
• Journey time: From 49 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £8
• First train to Cambridge: 05:01
• Last train back to London Kings Cross: 23:50
• Direct or indirect? Direct trains from London to Cambridge are available.
• Connection to Cambridge University: Take the U bus from Cambridge station to Cambridge University.
• Provider(s): Thameslink, Great Northern, Greater Anglia
• Is First Class available? Yes, with Thameslink and Great Northern

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From Birmingham to Cambridge University by train

• Departing station(s): Birmingham New Street
• Journey time: From 2 hr 40 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £15.40
• First train to Cambridge: 05:19
• Last train back to Birmingham New Street: 21:00
• Direct or indirect? Direct trains from Birmingham to Cambridge are available.
• Connection to Cambridge University: Take the U bus from Cambridge station to Cambridge University.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available? No

From Leicester to Cambridge University by train

• Departing station(s): Leicester
• Journey time: From 1 hr 48 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £12.50
• First train to Cambridge: 06:15
• Last train back to Leicester: 21:00
• Direct or indirect? Direct trains from Leicester to Cambridge are available.
• Connection to Cambridge University: Take the U bus from Cambridge station to Cambridge University.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available? No

From Manchester to Cambridge University by train

• Departing station(s): Manchester Piccadilly
• Journey time: From 3 hr 28 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £21.90
• First train to Cambridge: 05:04
• Last train back to Manchester Piccadilly: 21:00
• Direct or indirect? No direct trains from Manchester to Cambridge are available; a change is required at Birmingham New Street
• Connection to Cambridge University: Take the U bus from Cambridge station to Cambridge University.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry
• Is First Class available? No

From Edinburgh to Cambridge University by train

• Departing station(s): Edinburgh Waverley
• Journey time: From 4 hr 41 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £54.10
• First train to Cambridge: 05:50
• Last train back to Edinburgh Waverley: 19:00
• Direct or indirect? No direct trains from Edinburgh to Cambridge are available; change at Stevenage or Peterborough.
• Connection to Cambridge University: Take the U bus from Cambridge station to Cambridge University.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry, Great Northern, LNER, Lumo, Thameslink (each leg requires a different operator).
• Is First Class available? Yes, with Great Northern, LNER, and Thameslink.

From Leeds to Cambridge University by train

• Departing station(s): Leeds
• Journey time: From 2 hr 22 min
• Cheapest ticket price: From £21.20
• First train to Cambridge: 05:00
• Last train back to Leeds: 19:00
• Direct or indirect? No direct trains from Leeds to Cambridge are available; change at Stevenage or Peterborough.
• Connection to Cambridge University: Take the U bus from Cambridge station to Cambridge University.
• Provider(s): CrossCountry, Great Northern, LNER (each leg requires a different operator).
• Is First Class available? Yes, with Great Northern and LNER.

Getting the train to Cambridge University can be incredibly cost-effective if you have the right tools at your disposal. There are several methods you can use to cut your ticket prices down as a student and save your pounds for where they’re needed most.

• Book in advance: Advance tickets are generally the cheapest ticket type and can get you the best deal on your train journey to the University of Cambridge. If you know exactly when you’ll need to travel, it’s best to book as early as possible, as Advance tickets are always the first to sell out – they’re usually released 12 weeks in advance.
• Use a Railcard for discounted train tickets: Get your hands on a student Railcard for 1/3 off train tickets; the 16–25 Railcard can even be purchased in a 3-year format for even more savings. If you’re a lecturer, university staff or a mature student in a part-time course, a 26–30 Railcard may be a good choice. 
• Travel off-peak where possible: Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak fares are designed for use during less busy times and offer greater savings on your train tickets to Cambridge. Our train ticket type guide explains all the details about different ticket types.
• Compare departure times: You might find that travelling slightly earlier or later can result in significant savings for your journey, so make sure to check different travel times to find the best deal.
• Consider flexible tickets: If your timetable requires you to travel at different times each day, a flexible Anytime ticket may be the best choice. If you’ll be commuting regularly, a Season ticket (available in Weekly, Monthly or Flexi formats) offers unlimited travel between two stations – especially useful if you think you’ll need to travel at Peak times. 
• Compare return vs single fares: Don’t assume a return ticket is automatically better value – check all your options to ensure the best deal.
• Book with Trip.com: All ticket options can be compared in a single platform, with Split Save automatically applied for the cheapest combined ticket for your route. We help you find the cheapest train tickets to Cambridge University.

So now you know which train station to use for Cambridge University – but what about the cheapest way to get there? We’ve compiled the most essential information for students taking the train to Cambridge University for the academic term.

Is Cambridge University within walking distance of the train station?

Yes, Cambridge train station is about a 20- to 25-minute walk to the University of Cambridge.

How long does it take to get from the station to campus?

Cambridge University is made up of 31 independent colleges with 10 different main sites, with different travel times applying according to location:

• Downing Site & New Museums Site: About a 20–25 minute walk from Cambridge train station. Alternatively, dedicated ‘U’ buses run to Fitzwilliam Museum in about 9 minutes.
• The Old Schools: 30-minute walk from Cambridge train station or 9 minutes on the U1 bus to Pembroke Street.
• Sidgwick Site: 35-minute walk from Cambridge station or 10 minutes on the U1 bus to Silver Street, Queens’ College. 
• West Cambridge Site: 30-minute bus ride from Cambridge station to Philippa Fawcett Drive. 
• Cambridge Biomedical Campus: 8-minute walk from Cambridge South station. 
• Cambridge Science Park & Cambridge Business Park: 16-minute walk from Cambridge North or 1 stop (2 minutes) on local city buses to the ‘Driving Test Centre’ stop.

Are there buses/trams from the station to the university?

Yes, there are dedicated buses called the ‘U / Universal’ buses running from the main Cambridge train station to University of Cambridge sites and colleges. These are blue and operated by Whippet. You’ll also find local bus services serving many routes to Cambridge sites.

Which station is best for students?

Cambridge station will best serve the majority of students attending the University of Cambridge, while Cambridge North is best for northern science and business campuses and Cambridge South for the biomedical campus. 

How much does onward transport cost?

The dedicated U-buses cost just £1.50 per journey when you show your student ID. You can also buy bundles of 10 trips. If you’re not a student – for example, you're just visiting or attending an Open Day – a single ride costs £3 or an all-day ticket costs £5.50. 

Is the journey accessible for students with mobility requirements?

Yes, Cambridge University U-buses are equipped with low-level access from the kerb and spaces for wheelchairs, as well as next-stop announcements and digital screens, making them suitable for students with additional mobility requirements.

Can I take luggage from the station to university accommodation?

Yes, you can travel on U-buses with luggage. However, if you have heavy or large luggage, you may prefer to take a taxi directly to your university accommodation. Cambridge Station has a taxi rank right outside the main station exit.

Which station is easiest for first-time visitors?

Cambridge station, the city’s main station, is certainly the easiest station to arrive at for first-time visitors to Cambridge University. It is central and offers easy access to many of the university’s main sites and buildings. 

Are there late trains back to major cities?

Visiting Cambridge University is quite a unique experience compared to many other universities. For a start, there is no actual ‘campus’: university buildings and independent colleges are woven into Cambridge city itself, making it just as interesting a visit for prospective students as it is for regular visitors.

When was Cambridge University founded? 

How many universities are there in Cambridge?

Cambridge is home to both the University of Cambridge and the public Anglia Ruskin University. It’s worth noting that the University of Cambridge itself is made up of 31 independent, self-governing colleges. 

How do you get into Cambridge University?

Students wishing to attend the University of Cambridge must submit an application through UCAS to Cambridge University, naming the specific college they wish to attend. Alternatively, they may submit an open application to allow the system to choose a college for them. Cambridge University is notoriously hard to get into, with top-tier marks required and only about 15% to 21% of applicants gaining admission each year. 

How many students are there at Cambridge University?

There are roughly 25,000 students attending Cambridge University, which is made up of approximately 13,000 undergraduates and 12,000 postgraduates.

What does the University of Cambridge specialise in?

Cambridge University’s key academic fields are spread across a number of disciplines, such as STEM, medicine, arts and humanities

If you’re visiting the University of Cambridge, there are plenty of suitable accommodation options to ensure a comfortable sleep during your stay. Whether you’re a prospective student scoping the city out, parents visiting their student in attendance or simply a tourist looking to experience the city’s academic charm, we’ve got options for you.

Graduate by Hilton Cambridge

This 4-star hotel is located near the River Cam, just a short walk to the city centre and famous university landmarks. The hotel is just 200 m from central university buildings, meaning you can walk around the university in less than 5 minutes. Cambridge station is the best train station to arrive at for a stay at this hotel, situated 27 minutes away on foot or 13 minutes by bus. 

The hotel features river-view balconies, Cambridge-inspired decor and Nespresso machines in the rooms. You’ll find an indoor swimming pool, a fitness room and a bar as well as the stunning Garden House Restaurant for dining with a view. This option is a great choice for parents visiting their student children who want a bit of luxury without sacrificing location. Rooms start at about £161.

Travelodge Cambridge Central Hotel

This central hotel is conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the train station. Rooms are clean and comfortable and very affordable. The hotel is 1.3 miles from central university buildings, with the walk taking about 28 minutes and bus routes taking about 17 minutes.

You’ll enjoy standard amenities in the room, such as tea and coffee in the rooms and helpful, friendly staff. This accommodation is an ideal choice for prospective students or anyone who wants to keep costs low, especially those arriving by train. Rooms start at £47 per night.

Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa

This 4-star lakeside hotel is slightly further out from Cambridge city centre but offers easy access to bus and park & ride services while also being highly convenient for those travelling by car. It is located about 11.7 miles from central university buildings, which is about a 20-minute drive or 40 minutes by bus. 

The facilities are where this hotel stands out: you’ll find a gym and a spa offering massages, body treatments and facials, as well as a hot tub and indoor pool. Breakfast is made to order, and rooms are spacious and comfortable. This stunning hotel is a great option for anyone planning to drive to Cambridge and the surrounding areas, and those looking for an escape in nature. Rooms start at £64 a night.

Christ's College, Cambridge 

For a unique stay right in the heart of Cambridge University, Christ’s College student accommodation opens its doors to leisure visitors outside of term time, operating as a basic B&B. You will be staying directly in Christ’s College, just a 20-minute walk from the train station. 

Rooms are equipped to a basic standard, with towels, tea and coffee and toiletries available. The real highlight here is the surroundings: if you’re looking to soak up the historic, academic charm of Cambridge, this accommodation is hard to beat. This is a great option for prospective students visiting outside of term time or any summertime tourists wishing to experience life at Cambridge University. Rooms start at £90 for bed and breakfast.