Brighton to Cambridge train with Thameslink

Wed 14 Oct
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Thameslink
Southern
Greater Anglia
Great Northern
Gatwick Express
2,000+ travel companies
Thameslink
Southern
Greater Anglia
Great Northern
Gatwick Express
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Brighton to Cambridge

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£25

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£43

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

2 h 21 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

2 h 24 m

Trains on 14 Oct

3

Distance

154 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Brighton to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Brighton to Cambridge will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.

Fast trains

On Wed 14 Oct, we found 3 trains from Brighton to Cambridge, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 154 km distance in an average of 2 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 21 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 26 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • ThameslinkW45479
    9:142h21
    Brighton station (BTN)
    11:35Cambridge South
    £251One-way
    0 changes
  • ThameslinkW45424
    8:392h26
    Brighton station (BTN)
    11:05Cambridge South
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • ThameslinkW45478
    8:092h26
    Brighton station (BTN)
    10:35Cambridge South
    £711One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Brighton to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Brighton to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:43, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 154 km distance in 1h 58m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Distance
154 km
Average train duration
2h 26m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 58m
First train
3:43
Last train
23:53
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6

Live departures

Brighton to Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Brighton to Cambridge trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ThameslinkW454788:09 Brighton station (BTN)
2h26
10:35 Cambridge South0 changesdirect
ThameslinkW454248:39 Brighton station (BTN)
2h26
11:05 Cambridge South0 changesdirect
ThameslinkW454799:14 Brighton station (BTN)
2h21
11:35 Cambridge South0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Brighton to Cambridge trains with Omio?

Thameslink as well as Southern, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Gatwick Express and more offer trains services from Brighton to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Brighton 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 Southern, Greater Anglia, Great Northern or Gatwick Express to find the best option for your trip from Brighton 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Thameslink with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Brighton to Cambridge.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Southern, Greater Anglia, Great Northern or Gatwick Express to find the best option for your trip from Brighton to Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Brighton to Cambridge.

Train companies: Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Greater Anglia, Southern, Great Northern from Brighton to Cambridge trainsThameslink, Gatwick Express, Greater Anglia, Southern, Great Northern trains will get you between Brighton and Cambridge from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greater Anglia Duration
2h 41m
Cheapest Greater Anglia Price
£45
Greater Anglia frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class tickets.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

Southern

About
Southern Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local commuter services. Its trains include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, and Class 444 and 450. It also offers a variety of ticket types, such as Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southern Rail are London to Brighton, London to Southampton, and London to Portsmouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southern Duration
2h 8m
Cheapest Southern Price
£44
Southern frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with snacks and drinks
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require a ticket
Quiet zone

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
2h 7m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£22
Thameslink frequency
6 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

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
2h 31m
Cheapest Great Northern Price
£47
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

Gatwick Express

About
Gatwick Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with trains running every 15 minutes throughout the day. The trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There are two types of trains: the Gatwick Express and the Southern service. The Gatwick Express is the fastest service, taking just 30 minutes to reach the airport. The Southern service takes a few minutes longer but offers more stops along the way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Gatwick Express Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Gatwick Express Price
£45
Gatwick Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Snack trolley service available on some services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding and alighting
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead.

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.

  • Must visit

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Major university museum with classical sculptures, paintings, antiquities, and decorative arts. Strong choice for a broad first visit.

  • 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.

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.

Best day trips from Cambridge by train

The most popular day trips by train from Cambridge are London, Ely, Norwich, Peterborough and Bury Saint Edmunds. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cambridge on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Cambridge to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

How to get from Cambridge to London by train?

There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 79 km distance in 46m.

A view of Ely

Day trip from Cambridge to Ely by train

Why visit Ely for the day?

Ely is a small Cambridgeshire cathedral city known for Ely Cathedral and its setting above the fens. The compact centre and riverside on the Great Ouse give it a calm historic character.

How to get from Cambridge to Ely by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 24 km distance in 11m.

A view of Norwich

Day trip from Cambridge to Norwich by train

Why visit Norwich for the day?

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.

How to get from Cambridge to Norwich by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 93 km distance in 1h 3m.

A view of Peterborough

Day trip from Cambridge to Peterborough by train

Why visit Peterborough for the day?

Peterborough is known for its magnificent Norman cathedral, Roman heritage and broad modern city centre. It balances historic character with a practical, multicultural feel, while Ferry Meadows and the nearby Fens bring welcome open space.

How to get from Cambridge to Peterborough by train?

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 48 km distance in 43m.

A view of Bury Saint Edmunds

Day trip from Cambridge to Bury Saint Edmunds by train

Why visit Bury Saint Edmunds for the day?

Bury Saint Edmunds is a historic Suffolk market town known for its abbey ruins, cathedral and Georgian centre. It has a compact feel, with Abbey Gardens, independent shops and a long brewing heritage giving it character.

How to get from Cambridge to Bury Saint Edmunds by train?

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 37m.

FAQs: Brighton to Cambridge train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Brighton to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The train journey from Brighton to Cambridge covers a distance of 154 km and takes approximately 1h 58m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Brighton to Cambridge is 154 km.
The first train from Brighton to Cambridge leaves at 3:43.
The last train from Brighton to Cambridge departs at 23:53.
Trains from Brighton to Cambridge run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Brighton to Cambridge.
Yes, there is a direct train between Brighton and Cambridge. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Thameslink.
There is no night train service from Brighton to Cambridge.
The train station in Brighton that goes to Cambridge is Brighton station (BTN), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
Booking trains from Brighton 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 Brighton to Cambridge offers a mix of scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque countryside of the South Downs and the charming landscapes of Sussex and Cambridgeshire.
Yes, you can take the train from Brighton to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Brighton and Cambridge

Most Brighton to Cambridge trains use the Brighton to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge South. Use this guide to compare Brighton and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Brighton
Arrival train stations in Cambridge

Which Brighton station do trains to Cambridge leave from?

Trains from Brighton to Cambridge leave from Brighton. The station is from Brighton city centre at Brighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom.
BrightonBrighton Station, Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3XP, United Kingdom+44 345 127 2920WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Brighton from Brighton city centre

Bus37, 52 · 4m · £0.89 · every ~6 min

Brighton train station facilities and services

Brighton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Grand Central, The Cyclist

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Brighton. Information desks are located in the main concourse.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Brighton. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Brighton: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Brighton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Jurys Inn Brighton, Ibis Brighton City Centre, My Brighton Hotel.

HoveHove station, Goldstone Villas, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3RUShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Hove from Brighton city centre

Hove is 2 km from Brighton city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainBrighton - Southampton Central, Brighton - Chichester, Brighton - Portsmouth & Southsea, Brighton - West Worthing, Brighton - Hove, Brighton - Angmering, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Bognor Regis, Brighton - Worthing, London Victoria - Worthing, Brighton - Havant, Brighton - Littlehampton, Brighton - London Victoria, Brighton - Haywards Heath, Brighton - Barnham · 3m · £0.89 · every ~8 min
Bus7, 3X, N7 · 12m · £2 · every ~40 min
47, 52 · 14m · £2 · every ~4 min

Hove train station facilities and services

Hove has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Hove.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Hove.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Hove: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Hove: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Hove: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Brighton to Cambridge

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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