- Must visit
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Ashford to Cambridge
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ashford to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £68 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £68, while a train costs an average of £68.
Distance: 128 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£68 Average Price Cheapest | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ashford to Cambridge is a train with an average price of £68.
The fastest way to travel from Ashford to Cambridge is by train with an average journey time of 2h 3m.
Yes, you can take a train between Ashford and Cambridge.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (2h 3m by train vs 2h 4m by car). Tickets start at around £68 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Ashford to Cambridge by train
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Ashford to Cambridge trains with Omio?
Thameslink as well as Southeastern or Great Northern offer trains services from Ashford to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ashford to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio vs Thameslink?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Thameslink, but also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern or Great Northern to find the best option for your trip from Ashford to Cambridge.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Southeastern or Great Northern to find the best option for your trip from Ashford to Cambridge.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ashford to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ashford to Cambridge run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £64 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:51, the last at 22:14. The fastest train covers the 128 km distance in 1h 23m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 128 km |
Average train duration 2h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £64 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 4:51 |
Last train 22:14 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Thameslink, Southeastern, Great Northern from Ashford to Cambridge trainsThameslink, Southeastern, Great Northern trains will get you between Ashford and Cambridge from £64. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£65
Thameslink frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Family area
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
2h 19m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£64
Southeastern frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Family area
Great Northern
About
Great Northern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of services, including high-speed trains, regional trains, and sleeper services. The high-speed trains are called InterCity Express Trains and they offer a fast and comfortable journey between major cities. The regional trains are called Regional Express Trains and they provide a slower but more frequent service to smaller towns and villages. The sleeper services are called Caledonian Sleeper Trains and they offer overnight journeys with comfortable sleeping compartments. Great Northern offers a variety of ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. The most popular routes for Great Northern are London to Cambridge, London to Peterborough, and London to Norwich. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Northern Duration
1h 23m
Cheapest Great Northern Price
£70
Great Northern frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free, maximum two dogs per passenger, must be on lead
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Cambridge
Things to do in Cambridge
Discover the best of Cambridge — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cambridge trip today.
- Recommended
Kettle's Yard
Contemporary art gallery in a former chapel, showing changing exhibitions by modern and international artists near the city centre.
- Recommended
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Museum of Earth sciences with dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and minerals. Compact, family-friendly, and useful for a rainy day.
- Must visit
The Backs
Riverside green linking college backs and open meadows. Ideal for walking, punting views, and classic Cambridge photographs.
- Must visit
Market Square
Lively square and shopping area with the market, historic streets, and buskers. A practical starting point for exploring the old centre.
- Recommended
Trinity Lane
Historic lane of colleges, chapels, and gateways. A rewarding walk for architecture, student atmosphere, and easy access to central sights.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cambridge burnt cream
A Cambridge creation: a rich dessert of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, whipped cream and meringue, long associated with Cambridge college dining.
- Gluten-free
Cambridgeshire fidget pie
A traditional Cambridgeshire farm dish of braised beef or mutton with onions and root vegetables, reflecting the county’s rural cooking heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pippin paste
An old East Anglian fruit preserve made from windfall apples slowly cooked to a dark, tangy spread, once common in Cambridgeshire households.
Midsummer House
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting just outside the city centre.
The Riverbar Steakhouse and Grill
Long-running riverside restaurant known for modern European cooking and views over the Cam in a smart but relaxed room.
The Eagle
Popular city-centre pub serving cask ales and hearty British food in a lively, historic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Cambridge is pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are above average, but walking and buses help keep transport costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.50
To the city centre
Cambridge station -> Cambridge City Centre
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless card and mobile payments are accepted on Stagecoach buses in Cambridge.
- Frequent Citi 1, 3 and 7 buses link Cambridge station with the city centre.
FAQs: Ashford to Cambridge train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ashford to Cambridge by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cambridge, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Ashford to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £64, while the average price tends to be around £68.
The train journey from Ashford to Cambridge covers a distance of 128 km and takes approximately 1h 23m. Trains run 11 per day.
The train distance from Ashford to Cambridge is 128 km.
The first train from Ashford to Cambridge leaves at 4:51.
The last train from Ashford to Cambridge departs at 22:14.
Trains from Ashford to Cambridge run approximately 11 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ashford to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ashford to Cambridge.
To travel from Ashford to Cambridge, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Ashford to Cambridge.
The train station in Ashford that goes to Cambridge is Ashford International (AFK), and it arrives at Cambridge South.
The cheapest way to get from Ashford to Cambridge is by train, costing approximately £64.
Booking trains from Ashford to Cambridge in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Ashford to Cambridge offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including charming countryside views, historic towns, and glimpses of the River Great Ouse, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
A day trip from Ashford to Cambridge is not feasible, as the journey takes 1h 23m with a daily frequency of 6 trains over a distance of 128 km.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Ashford to Cambridge.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ashford and Cambridge
Most Ashford to Cambridge trains use the Ashford International to Cambridge South station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge. Use this guide to compare Ashford and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Ashford
Arrival train stations in Cambridge
Which Ashford station do trains to Cambridge leave from?
Trains from Ashford to Cambridge leave from Ashford International. The station is from Ashford city centre at Ashford International station, Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1EZ.
Ashford InternationalAshford International station, Station Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1EZ+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Ashford International from Ashford city centre
Bus501, 502E, 502, 507, 501E · 2m · £3 · every ~21 min
Ashford International train station facilities and services
Ashford International has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ashford International.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Ashford International.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ashford International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ashford International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Ashford International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ashford International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: These are located in the booking hall on the domestic side of the station. They are also located in the subway adjacent to the gateline on the international side of the station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · £2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · £2 · every ~11 min
Cambridge train station facilities and services
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Ashford to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Ashford
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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