- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Cambridge
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Oct
Cheapest price on 16 Oct
£61
Average ticket price on 16 Oct
£102
Fastest journey on 16 Oct
3 h 31 m
Average journey duration on 16 Oct
3 h 46 m
Trains on 16 Oct
7
Distance
240 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Cambridge is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Cambridge will cost around £102 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Cambridge you need to make at least 2 changes.
W35431+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
W454375:073h58Cardiff Central (CDF)9:05Cambridge South£611One-way2 changes- W35160+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W454905:533h42Cardiff Central (CDF)9:35Cambridge South£611One-way2 changes
- G15041+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W454288:183h47Cardiff Central (CDF)12:05Cambridge South£811One-way2 changes
- G15042+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+
G270078:383h31Cardiff Central (CDF)12:09Cambridge South£811One-way2 changes - W35432+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G769989:193h50Cardiff Central (CDF)13:09Cambridge South£841One-way2 changes
- G15042+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G270078:383h31Cardiff Central (CDF)12:09Cambridge South£811One-way2 changes
- W35160+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W454905:533h42Cardiff Central (CDF)9:35Cambridge South£611One-way2 changes
- G15041+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W454288:183h47Cardiff Central (CDF)12:05Cambridge South£811One-way2 changes
- W35432+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G769989:193h50Cardiff Central (CDF)13:09Cambridge South£841One-way2 changes
- W35431+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W454375:073h58Cardiff Central (CDF)9:05Cambridge South£611One-way2 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Cambridge
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Cambridge run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £41 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 240 km distance in 2h 53m.
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 £13
Distance 240 km |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £41 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 0:42 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 £13
Live departures
Cardiff to Cambridge train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Cambridge trains for today, Thursday 15 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 G00921 · G00837 | On time 16:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h18 | 22:03 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1 change | |
| W35196+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45388 | On time 16:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h45 | 20:35 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
W35198+W45400+ C37494 | On time 17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h47 | 21:05 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| W35025 · W35200+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45475 | On time 17:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h08 | 21:35 Cambridge South | 3 changes | |
| G66837 · G00839 | On time 17:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h28 | 23:13 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1 change | |
| W35200+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45475 | On time 17:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h45 | 21:35 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| G15050+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+G77096 | On time 18:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h51 | 22:09 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
W35202+ P76416+C37674 | On time 19:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h44 | 23:02 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| Friday 16 October | |||||
| W35431+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45437 | 5:07 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h58 | 9:05 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| W35160+W45490+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | 5:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 9:35 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| G15041+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+W45428 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h47 | 12:05 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| G15042+G27007+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h31 | 12:09 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| G66712 · G00812 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h18 | 14:03 Cambridge station (CBG) | 1 change | |
| W35432+G76998+Tube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h50 | 13:09 Cambridge South | 2 changes | |
| G15006 · G15043+W45467+Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | 9:28 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h07 | 13:35 Cambridge South | 3 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Cambridge trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Thameslink offer trains services from Cardiff to Cambridge.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Cambridge.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Cambridge.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Cambridge.
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Thameslink from Cardiff to Cambridge trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Thameslink trains will get you between Cardiff and Cambridge from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£41
Great Western Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
4h 40m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£64
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require 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
3h 58m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£95
Thameslink 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
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
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: Cardiff to Cambridge train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £41, while the average price tends to be around £98.
The train journey from Cardiff to Cambridge covers a distance of 240 km and takes approximately 2h 53m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Cambridge is 240 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Cambridge leaves at 0:42.
The last train from Cardiff to Cambridge departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Cambridge run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Cambridge.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Cambridge.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Cambridge is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
Booking trains from Cardiff 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 Cardiff to Cambridge offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring views of the Welsh countryside, the Severn Estuary, and charming English villages, making parts of the trip quite picturesque.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Cambridge.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Cambridge
Most Cardiff to Cambridge trains use the Cardiff Central to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge South. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cambridge train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Cambridge
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff BayCardiff Bay station, Bute Street, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 5LE
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Bay from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Bay is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCardiff Central - Cardiff Bay, Pontypridd - Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Queen Street - Cardiff Bay, Radyr - Cardiff Bay · 3m · £1 · every ~8 min
Bus6, 305, Sky · 9m · £4 · every ~10 min
Cardiff Bay train station facilities and services
Cardiff Bay has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Bay.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Bay: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Bay: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Cambridge station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Cambridge most often arrive at Cambridge. Some services arrive at Cambridge South, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Cambridge arrival station.
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.
Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK
Cambridge NorthCambridge North Station, Cowley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0WZ+44 8450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLondon Liverpool Street - Cambridge North, Stansted Airport - Norwich, Cambridge - Norwich, London Liverpool Street - Ely, Stansted Airport - Lowestoft, Cambridge - Cambridge North, Bishops Stortford - Cambridge North, Audley End - Cambridge North, Audley End - Norwich · 3m · £2 · every ~6 min
BusB · 12m · £2 · every ~8 min
114 · 18m
2, B · 23m · £2 · every ~19 min
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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Cambridge
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cambridge and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Cambridge
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