The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Manchester
Cheapest price
£77
Average price
£109
Fastest journey
3 h 49 m
Average duration
4 h 8 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Manchester will cost around £109 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £77.
To travel from Cambridge to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
P76828+
C215908:254h10Cambridge North (CMB)12:35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£771One-way1 change
G00956 · G008558:004h29Cambridge station (CBG)12:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£951One-way1 change
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+
W34059+
X884418:163h49Cambridge South12:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1231One-way2 changes
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+
W34102+
C826878:253h54Cambridge station (CBG)12:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1231One-way2 changes
G00956+
W341028:004h19Cambridge station (CBG)12:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1261One-way1 change
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+
W34059+
X884418:163h49Cambridge South12:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1231One-way2 changes
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+
W34102+
C826878:253h54Cambridge station (CBG)12:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1231One-way2 changes
P76828+
C215908:254h10Cambridge North (CMB)12:35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£771One-way1 change
G00956+
W341028:004h19Cambridge station (CBG)12:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1261One-way1 change
G00956 · G008558:004h29Cambridge station (CBG)12:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£951One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Cambridge to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a flight costs an average of £59.
Distance: 213 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£73 Average Price | £27 Average Price Cheapest | £165 Average Price |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cambridge to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 29 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00956+ W34102 | 8:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h19 | 12:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00956 · G00855 | 8:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 4h29 | 12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
X88441+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+ W34059 | 8:16 Cambridge South | 3h49 | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
P76828+ C21590 | 8:25 Cambridge North (CMB) | 4h10 | 12:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
C82687+ Tube from London Kings Cross to London Euston+ W34102 | 8:25 Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h54 | 12:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Manchester by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
29 Jul
30 Jul
31 Jul
01 Aug
02 Aug
03 Aug
04 Aug
Why should you book Cambridge to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
- 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Manchester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cambridge to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Manchester
Trains from Cambridge to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 213 km distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 213 km |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 56 days |
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern from Cambridge to Manchester trainsEast Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transpennine Express, Thameslink, Cross Country, Great Northern trains will get you between Cambridge and Manchester from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway
Transpennine Express
Thameslink
Great Northern
Cross Country
FAQs: Cambridge to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Manchester
Most Cambridge to Manchester trains use the Cambridge to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Victoria. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Cambridge station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge North train station facilities and services
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, 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: Yes.
Which Manchester station do trains from Cambridge arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Manchester
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