- Recommended
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
Local museum with archaeology, natural history and social history collections. A strong introduction to West Cornwall and Mount's Bay.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£89
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£89
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 58 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 58 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
457 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Penzance is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Penzance will cost around £89 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £89.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cambridge to Penzance, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 457 km distance in an average of 6 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 58 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 58 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Penzance among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £89 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £89, while a flight costs an average of £105.
Distance: 457 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£91 Average Price | £105 Average Price | £89 Average Price Cheapest | £90 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 10m Average total duration 7h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 14m Average total duration 12h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge to Penzance:
A coach is £2 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge to Penzance costing on average £91.
A coach is £17 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cambridge to Penzance costing on average £105.
Other travel options to Penzance take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 40m.
Coach takes on average 12h 44m.
Tickets start at around £91 compared to roughly £90 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-0.85. The journey takes 7h 40m versus 6h 11m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare coach, train 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.
Trains from Cambridge to Penzance run on average 7 times per day, taking around 7h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £90 but you can travel from only £26 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 21:53. The fastest train covers the 457 km distance in 6h 58m.
Distance 457 km |
Average train duration 7h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £90 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 6h 58m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 21:53 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Penzance — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Penzance trip today.
Local museum with archaeology, natural history and social history collections. A strong introduction to West Cornwall and Mount's Bay.
Contemporary gallery and arts venue in a restored market building. Visit for changing exhibitions by Cornish and wider British artists.
Artist-led gallery and studio complex with contemporary exhibitions. A good stop for current Cornish art near the seafront.
Long seafront promenade linking the harbour with Newlyn views. Ideal for a breezy walk, sea air and classic Mount's Bay scenery.
Historic subtropical garden with winding paths, rare plants and a bandstand. A peaceful green retreat close to the town centre.
Lively pedestrian-friendly town centre street with independent shops and historic buildings. Good for browsing and local atmosphere.
A rich Cornish saffron bread studded with dried fruit. Traditionally baked for celebrations and known for its distinctive yellow colour and sweet, spiced flavour.
A baked pastry filled with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s best-known traditional food, made as a sturdy handheld meal for workers.
A hearty fish stew from West Cornwall, usually made with white fish, potatoes, onion and parsley. It reflects the area’s long fishing heritage.
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal dining near the promenade.
Stylish modern restaurant at Artist Residence, serving seasonal small plates and British cooking in a relaxed boutique atmosphere.
Established pub and restaurant serving Cornish favourites, seafood and ales in a traditional, friendly setting on Chapel Street.
Moderate for the UK. Accommodation rises in peak season, but dining and local buses are similar to other popular seaside towns.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares; cafe tipping is not expected but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Penzance station -> Penzance Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge to Penzance 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 Penzance, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cambridge to Penzance trains use the Cambridge South to Penzance station pair. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Penzance train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Penzance has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Penzance.
Wi-Fi is available at Penzance.
Ticket office support is available at Penzance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Penzance: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Penzance: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penzance: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platforms. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Nearby hotels include Shoreline bed and breakfast by the sea.
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